We got up early and grabbed some breakfast quick before making our way to Yosemite. I was chief driver today as Mark has had a funny eye..not like his normal infection..just aching and bloodshot..we think it’s from the sun!
The roads in the parks, and the ones leading up to them, are good roads and much better surfaced than the highways, was good fun! We passed through a few tunnels, many which go through the rocks! Our first stop was at Bridalveil falls which is a 620 foot fall, and a very slim one at that. It was pretty, and you could see the marks from where the water flows when it is at full capacity, in June/July time.
Further down the road we stopped at tunnel view where you could see El Capitan which is a huge granite cliff dominating the valley. You could see where horsetail falls would be if it was flowing and we had good views of half dome which is an interesting shaped rock (see pics) and one which many hikers climb.
From tunnel view we travelled through a very long tunnel and towards glacier point. Somehow, amongst the confusion in the road works we missed the turning and travelled further along the road than required, along to Wawona! We turned back but got caught in road works. I was the leader and had to follow the lead car up along the twisty road. As we travelled we passed the snow in the hills and along the side of the road. Once at the top and at Glacier point we had brilliant views of the valley below. We could see the hikers through the telescope on top of half dome..hanging over the edge of the cliff! We could also see Vernal and Nevada falls which have yet to dry up.
Once down in the valley we observed where the upper and lower Yosemite falls would have been if they were flowing. We visited the village which consisted of a shop, grill, post office, sport shop, deli and visitor centre. We watched a film called the spirit of Yosemite which detailed how Yosemite national park has evolved over the years.
We then decided to make our way up above the valley but on the North side. We followed the Tioga road out to Olmsted point. This was another nice journey up through the mountains and we saw more deer, too close to the road!! At one point, as I glanced in my rearview mirror I noticed something large, black and hairy crossing the road behind us! So, another emergency stop was performed to try and catch a better view of the beautiful, glossy bear! No pictures though, couldn’t reverse as I was close to a bend! Further down the road we decided to stop and bear hunt! We sat patiently but nothing..we heard strange noises but no bear emerged! Humf! Once at Olmsted point we had brilliant views over Tenaya Creek towards the half dome. The light was fading but it was still impressive with the sun setting, although the photos don’t do it justice! From here we made our way back to Groveland to the hostel. We stopped for food in the town, which is a proper American style town with wooden buildings and saloons! Very traditional!
I have fallen in love with the automatic car! It is so easy to drive and now want one! You can’t appreciate them until you have driven one!