Starlit Chalet on Yosemite's Doorstep—3,800' High — Silent! Secluded!! Stars!!!

Starlit evenings perfect for romance. A dance floor. Stargaze from the deck. Look, there's Orion! Folks love the privacy, quiet ... no traffic noise. And breathing pure air and drinking sweet, non-chlorinated water. The chalet is a comfortable base from which adventurous families launch serious explorations of Yosemite and the Sierra. Days begin with animated fly-ins of wild doves, stellar jays, dark-eyed juncos, grosbeaks and hummingbirds who come to enjoy birdseed on our deck. Guests watch happily from comfortable chairs in the Great Room. Squirrels join the party. Sometimes, wild turkeys and gray foxes. Deer cross the meadow. After Mother Nature's morning shock and awe, the bell sounds; time to peek through another window at one of America's richest historical periods. We head for Gold Country Mariposa to enjoy the California Mining and Mineral Museum or the History Museum, visit one of our state's oldest newspapers, and tour California's oldest active courthouse. History is alive in Mariposa! Explosion of Beauty–Everywhere: You don't have to wait 'til you arrive at Yosemite to be captured by nature's splendor. Starlit Chalet is surrounded by mountain landscape, Ponderosa Pines, Oaks and Incense Cedars. There is a constant explosion of beauty outside every window. Put on your walking shoes, walk down the hill to the mailbox, turn right onto Jerseydale Road and walk up to the Sierra National Forest Fire Station. Drink in the trees, the meadows, the quiet, the dramatic terrain of the Chalet, the extravagant display in every direction. And, when the sun comes up again, get the birdseed from the pantry, sprinkle it generously along the deck railing and watch the joyful ballet of feathered and furried friends. Star-gazing–Cooking Fun: The only lights to distract at night emanate from the moon and billions of galaxies that populate a vast window to the Southern Sky. Our forest recently got a haircut to make it more healthy so, for the first time, we can see a tiny glow of lights from the B&B nearby but they don't affect the starry majesty of the heavens, all seen most nights from the redwood deck circling half the chalet. You don't need a Hubble telescope to enjoy the parade of the universe’s celestial extravagance – our star chart and binoculars will do the job just fine. The spacious kitchen includes custom cabinets and many appliances. The inviting tile bar connecting the kitchen and dining area is a great place to gather during meal preparation and cheer on the cook. And, if the cook is willing, throwing a few steaks on the barbie may be the perfect preparation for tomorrow's Yosemite hike or tonight's star party. Dance Floor–Sandy Beaches: Your willing host, Paul, has hiked the Sierra Nevada for 20 years and can answer your questions about hiking trails. Paul also teaches Argentine tango for beginners. Se habla tango! The Great Room's comfortable seating can easily be moved to create dance space when the sun goes down. Bring your CD's and dancing shoes and enjoy your favorite dances with your favorite partner as the stars twinkle overhead. Set a romantic mood with the dimmable track lights. Feet sore from dancing all night? Relief is just 20 minutes away at Briceburg on the Merced. Cold water and sandy beaches for tired feet. A perfect place for swimming, picnics, hiking, kayaking, fishing and seeing wildlife. In May and early June, white-water rafting is available. Keywords: chalet, cooler in summer heat, mountain home, Yosemite lodging, secluded, private, child friendly, family vacation, honeymoon, Yosemite National Park, vacation home, mountain luxury, hideaway, Arch Rock, romantic, Mariposa, Butterfly Creek Winery, exceptionally clean, mountain bikers, hikers, white water rafters