Eric picked me up at the airport when I moved to California! It was interesting because we both grew up in the Midwest and we moved clear across the country and found each other. We had a 3 hour ride to the lodge to get to know each other and we talked the entire time. We were both guides at the Evergreen Lodge and had a lot in common. As the weeks passed we spent a lot of time exploring, hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing and catching sunsets over a bottle of wine.
A year later we decided to go adventuring together and found ourselves hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. 2,650 miles of sweat, blisters, sunsets, laughs, tears and stories took our relationship to a completely different level. We knew each other inside out and upside down. After the trail we moved back to the lodge and continued to explore our backyard, Yosemite!
Every year on my birthday we do our favorite local hike to the top of Smith Peak. It rises above Hetch Hetchy and you can see for miles and miles into Yosemite’s high country. We always take wine or champagne and have lunch on top and take in the views of the snow covered peaks beneath the brilliant blue Sierra sky. The day after my birthday on December 1, 2008 we hiked to the top of Smith after camping beside a stream near Smith Meadow. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and this is where Eric proposed! So surprised I nearly fell off the mountain…I sat shaking as he put the ring on my finger. It couldn’t have been more perfect. So we toasted with Champagne and caviar and we were both so complete in that moment.
We truly bring out the best qualities in each other and cannot imagine life if we had not met. I never believed in soul mates until I met Eric. Not a day goes by that we don’t laugh and I love that about him…he makes me feel so good about life in general.
We don’t really know what’s next. We kind of just go wherever the wind blows us…perhaps a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail or to Alaska…we’ll know when the time comes. We keep a “to do” list that continues to get longer! It’s all the things we want to do before we die. It’s everything from hikes to going to a baseball game to training for a triathlon. I think we’re going to need about 100 lifetimes together!
Our wedding will be held at Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park, California.
On Friday night we will have a "Hawaiian Luau" to kick off the weekend. Of course this will be complete with a suckling pig! Be sure to dress in layers as Sierra nights can be quite cool. Following dinner we will have a campfire (with s’mores of course) while my incredibly cool cousin Steve, picks his guitar. We will then move the party into the tavern (which is on site at the Evergreen Lodge) where Steve will play a little more music while we enjoy some brews.
On Saturday you will have the morning and early afternoon to do whatever you want! There are some great local walks or you can just chill out at the lodge. We have a great game room with pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, crafts, books, games and more.
The ceremony will be held at Hetch Hetchy overlooking the lake on a large granite outcropping…we’re hoping for fantastic waterfalls and wildflowers. The walk to the ceremony site is about a mile so wear comfy shoes (not heels!) It is about a 20 minute drive to get to Hetch Hetchy from the lodge. It is a beautiful drive overlooking the Tuolumne River Canyon. If you choose to go early you can take your time to walk to the ceremony site or walk farther if you would like. Otherwise, we will be providing some transportation to Hetch Hetchy in our lodge vehicles. We will meet at the front of the lodge at 2pm sharp to ensure that we have plenty of time to drive and walk to the ceremony.
It is a moderate walk with a gentle incline that takes you across the dam, through a granite tunnel and around the reservoir. You can see Wapama Falls from the dam which is about a 5 mile roundtrip walk in case you’re feeling energetic at some point during your stay!
Please dress comfortable and casual…sundresses, khakis, anything goes, really! A very important factor is comfortable shoes because you will be walking about 2 miles roundtrip. The weather in May is typically sunny and beautiful. It can be anywhere from 65 to 80 degrees or we could even see a little rain. I will keep you updated on the weather as the time gets closer.
Following the ceremony we will head back to the lodge and drinks around 5pm followed by a family style dinner. Bring your dancing shoes because we’re going to have a live local band! A friendly tip for all my friends, please don’t give the bride shots or you may get a little more than you bargained for!
To make cabin reservations call 800-93-LODGE and tell the front desk you are with the Brown/Hawkins wedding. You can choose from a variety of rooms that sleep anywhere from 2-6 people.
The closest airport to fly into is Sacramento International Airport. It will take about 3 hours to get to the lodge. I might suggest a shortcut to avoid going through so many small towns. From the airport take 99 South to Hwy 4 East (Farmington Exit). This will take you to Copperopolis where you will want to take a Right on Main Street (O’Byrnes Ferry Road). Take a left at the stoplight at the Hwy 108/120 intersection. Take a Right on Highway 120 towards Yosemite National Park. Continue following Hwy 120…you will see a sign for Old Priest Grade Road. It is a shortcut and is extremely steep and windy so just be prepared if you choose to take it! Otherwise, stay on Hwy 120 and it will take you to the same place. Continue on Hwy 120 through the small town of Groveland. You will be about 45 minutes from the lodge. I would highly suggest getting gas here as it will be more expensive in the park. Take a left on Evergreen Road and drive 7 miles to the Evergreen Lodge!
You can also fly into San Francisco or Oakland, they are both about 3.5 to 4 hours away.
I would suggest stopping at a grocery store on the way to the lodge. This can save you some money if you want to pack a lunch to take into the park. All of the cabins have a mini fridge but no kitchen.
The lodge is extremely kid friendly and there’s plenty to do whether you’re staying for a couple days or a week! There is a nice restaurant and tavern at the lodge and a small general store as well. You will not have cell phone reception at the lodge but there is a phone where you can call anywhere in the United States for free. If you want, you can check out the website at www.evergreenlodge.com. It has pictures, information on tours, bike rentals and more.
We are thrilled that you will be sharing in our special day. We are so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful support system. You have been our roots and our wings. We are excited to show you our home and I think you will understand why we love it so much. Come and enjoy the fresh mountain air for a few days. We can’t wait!
