The drive from Reno to the East Entrance of Yosemite were not that far apart. This meant we could have a late and leisurely morning before hitting the road again. We were told if we went to Lee Vining, there wouldn't be a big mountain pass and the scenery would be gorgeous.
Since we didn't feel a need to gamble, we avoided most of Reno and all the big fancy casinos...
We're not sure how big the passes were on the other route, but it was quite the climb to Lee Vining. It was also amazing at how many different landscapes we drove through on the way!
On the way we stopped by an view point overlooking Mono Lake, a saline soda lake in California near Lee Vining...
The guard rail at the look out was covered in really cool stickers from all over the place. I was sad we didn't have one to add to the collection. :(
Here are a few of my favs...
Then we began the descent down to the lake to we could make the ascent up to the Tioga Pass Entrance...
The temperature climbed just about as high as the elevation. It was 104 when we arrived at the gate and waited in line so we could make our way through the park to the South Entrance.
104 degrees and 9945 feet elevation!
We got to the gate handed him our printed pass and Chris' photo id (both with his name on it). The ranger promptly handed them back and just asked how to spell our last name to look it up on the computer. "William, right?" Ummmm.... Yup! "Here's your permit for your front windshield. Tape it on the driver's side and enjoy your week at Yosemite."
Whew!
We pulled over somewhere in Tuolumne Meadows and enjoyed a quiet lunch on the Dana Fork. This little doe was enjoying her lunch, too...
Then began the long, curvy, up and down drive through Yosemite National Park all the way to our campground in Oakhurst.
After we got all set up, we hopped on the scooter and explored town. We stopped by the Fresno Flats Historical Park and learned a bit about the history of the area...
Then we hit the hay to start our week at Yosemite...
No comments:
Post a Comment