The Mysterious Rattlesnake Tree, How The Firefall Began, And More Stories Of Yosemite

by Fran Hubbard, Doug Hubbard, Ed Vella (Illustrator)

How did the “firefall” begin? Were there stagecoach hold-ups on the roads to Yosemite? Who was the first to climb Half Dome? What in the world was the Rattlesnake Tree? Did John Muir ever have a famous visitor to Yosemite? Who was it? Colorful characters were the norm back in Old Yosemite, and none were quite as unique as the men who drove the stagecoaches. As they say, these men were as tough as “whang” leather…and I guess that that is pretty tough! At the same time, it was their job to transport their customers, and they liked people. Stagecoach trips were lengthy affairs, meaning that there was a lot of time for conversation…and no one liked a tall tale like these men. A “good story” that was based on fact was also worth repeating. Eddie Webb was the last of Yosemite’s stagecoach drivers... He and other “old timers” like him who remembered those early days, were more than happy to share their remembrances for “The Mysterious Rattlesnake Tree, How The Firefall Began And More Stories Of Yosemite.” Some stories are historical accounts like the first climb of half dome and the visit to Yosemite of President Teddy Roosevelt, and some are fanciful and just plain fun. The Mysterious Rattlesnake Tree, How The Firefall Began And More Stories Of Yosemite is the perfect companion for around the campfire!

53 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2012

Reviews

[Julie Greenwalt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun to read just because I love Yosemite.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah! This reminds me of the ranger talks from camping days at Yosemite. My folks used to take us there every summer and we would go to the nightly talks. I know they have stopped the fire falls lately but they still had them every night. Brings back such fun memories! There are great illustrations to go with the stories. Quite enjoyable!