Tourist need info about Yosemite, all tips welcome

Hi, I'm a 24 y/o tourist from Israel that just got to California. I have been climbing for 2 years and I think it's about time I see the valley, problem is, while I know how to climb, I know nothing about anything else here in the states, so people told me to ask around here.

I'm here on my own, I have shoes and a harness, but no other gear for now. I want this trip to be as long as possible but as cheap per day as possible.

What should I do? Should I buy some gear/rope first? Should I just get to the valley? What non-climbing equipment is a must? Should I find a partner before I come or people are looking there? How sleep and camping goes? I heard there is a limit on the time you can stay in camp 4; should I even stay at camp 4? Are there rooms for rent nearby? Are they cheap enough? I'm very limited budjet wise....

Last thing for now, I'm in LA, what's the cheapest way to get to the valley?

Thank you very much.

you would likely get more replies if you limited your questions to one or two at a time.

Gear: if you have your personal gear (harness, shoes, belay device, helmet, chalk), don't buy other gear - you will easily find a partner with a rope and rack.

Camping: Get to camp 4 early in the morning, 6:00 am, and stand in line until the ranger gets there. This will almost certainly ensure you get a spot. By the time your week is up, you will probably have met some people to share a site with elsewhere in the valley - 4 people sharing a site in Curry Village costs the same as camping in camp 4.

Partners: post a note on the bulletin board at camp 4 and read notes others have left. It is very easy to find other single climbers to pair off with.

Transportation: take a bus from LA to Fresno, then take YARTS bus from Fresno to the valley. This is cheapest.

Have fun!

I took Amtrak from SF to valley two years ago. It costed me $39. Also, I'll be there this Thursday and Friday, looking for partner to do some cragging. Have rope and rack.

Alon,

I'll be in the valley 6/4-6/11 bouldering and trying to get hooked up with other climbers myself. Feel free to PM me if you're interested in pairing up.