The High Sierras
This was always going to be a bonus day, as we originally hadn’t included Yosemite National Park on our itinerary, but it just sort of developed out of the rhythm we were following. So, first thing this morning, I had to check to see if the snows had come back and if the road from the east was open. The CA-120 through Yosemite is closed from October to June each year, but had opened on Monday past, so there was a chance we could get in from Bishop. Last night’s weather report warned of 80% chance of snow, so I was by no means convinced.
Fortunately, the report had put the snow back until Saturday, and although mist and rain was forecast, it was still possible to drive the Tioga Pass at 9000 feet through the High Sierras and into Yosemite itself. A decision was taken and by 09.30 we were on our way north to Lee Vining. Now that’s not a guy’s name ( My apologies to any guy called Lee Vining who actually exists!) No, Lee Vining is a small town to the east of the Sierras and denotes the point at which the CA-120 swings wildly west and up and over into Yosemita Valley.
I had endured a sleepless night worrying about the snow but it was brilliant sunshine that accompanied us up the steep slopes on a really good road for the first 30 minutes of the climb. On our way up we encountered a dramatic waterfall that threw itself off a ledge and plummeted God knows how far down to where we’d just come from. A few miles further on we drew in at a partially frozen lake and spent some time just staring at the beauty of the place. The signposts told us we were at 6000, then 7000 then 8000 then 9000 feet.
And then we were at Tioga Pass, the entrance to Yosemite. We flashed our “America the Beautiful” pass, sailed in without paying and started a long and winding descent, just as the clouds came down and the rain started to fall. The road down into the valley was outrageous and I revelled in driving such a demanding route, but the mist ruined our views for much of the descent. We were kept alert however by scanning both left and right to see if we could spot a bear or two.
Bear-proof bins!
However we made it down to the Visitors’ Centre where we had some lunch then set about seeing some of the sights of the valley. The first thing was so obvious we couldn’t fail to notice, as it was a massive waterfall cascading from a false valley 500 feet above us and splashing down just yards from where we, and as usual half of Korea, were taking the compulsory photos. From there we walked a trail to a position directly below the huge rock they call “El Capitan”. Although the top was shrouded in that persistent mist which stubbornly refused to lift just for us, we had a great view of the giant wall and our excitement grew when I spotted 2 little orange blobs about halfway up which we slowly interpreted as rock-climbers, a point confirmed by a guy carrying ropes and pitons soon afterwards!
Spot the climbers!
A final consultation of the map showed that if, on the way out, we were to take the Wawona road, we would arrive in minutes at Tunnel Viewpoint from where we would have a clear look down the whole valley to the pride of Yosemite, the Half-Dome Mountain. I negotiated the narrow roads to this point quite quickly and indeed we were rewarded with a fine view down the valley, except that the enormous Half-Dome remained in the mists and unfortunately out of sight for the hundreds at that viewpoint.
Our exit from Yosemite was on the CA-140 which followed the Merced River for 60 miles down into the great Californian Plains. This landscape proved surprisingly Scottish to us and reminded us of car journeys through the glens of our native land. The road was lined with lush, green embankments, pines, grasses and hillsides, the total opposite of what we had experienced yesterday in Death Valley.
Speaking of which, while yesterday had a high of 107F Fahrenheit, today we enjoyed 39 in the High Sierras and 52 in the valley. Quite a contrast! For the first time I think, I put on my hoodie and even had my waterproof over it. Lady Burton had four pairs of knickers, three pullovers, a tartan blanket and a hot water bottle. And that was in the car!!
We are well happy with our adventure in Yosemite and while we didn’t see Half-Dome, the top of El Capitan, Yogi, Boo-Boo or any bear for that matter, we did see a few Rangers and a couple of picnic-baskets! And the scenery was truly outstanding! I’m glad we made the effort to go there and I’m delighted it all turned out so well. Tomorrow it can snow as much as it wants. We’re going nowhere!
New furry friend of the Day!
georgeandmaryadventure 