The drive to Yosemite

  Yosemite, California
Sunday, June 24, 2007

I drove 65 miles north to Yosemite National Park.  After entering I drove to Yosemite's Mariposa Grove.  I took a short walk through the grove and viewed the sequioas.  I enjoyed the shade of one tree while I ate my lunch.

Next I drove north through the park to Wawona.  I got some information on the park and its surroundings from the rangers.

From there I continued north through the park.  The rangers had given me some good advice so after I drove through a tunnel I pulled off to the side of a view for a great view of the valley with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and waterfalls.  The view was breathtaking!












I continued on into the park and then took a short, but stenuous, hike up to Bridalveil Fall.  It was a spectacular view looking up at the waterfall pouring over the cliff face and plunging down to the nearby rocks.  I sat out on a large boulder and enjoyed the view and spray.













Next I drove west on Glacier Point Road to Glacier Point.  The drive was winding in ways you can't imagine!!  Navigating the road was like playing a video game but with no do-overs.  Glacier Point offered spectacular views of three waterfalls, Half Dome and endless mountain ranges all while looking down on the valley below.



















I arrived back at the hotel, Apple Tree Inn, around 6PM.  I had tried to make reservations over three months ago just for camping inside of the park but the enitre park was booked so I was forced to find this hotel south of the park's entrance.  It was very exspensive and way over my budget, but still a great hotel to stay at.  I had a private rustic cabin and my own fireplace in the room.
ADVICE:  Make sure to make reservations one year in advance for the park in the summer.