Got up this morning ready to go back and experience the beauty of Yosemite. So far my favorite park...of course, we still have a long way more to go.
We wanted to get to the park early and get tickets for the Yosemite Valley tram tour...open air with ranger to guide us. We did get tickets on the 10 AM tour. Sat next to a honeymooning couple from Guernsey, UK. So cute!
Our ranger guide was very good. Great presentation all the way. We stopped at the photo ops and heard all about the history. It was cold but nice and sunny. It is forecasted to rain later so we're happy we're doing this early. Really good way to see everything and hear all about the park and what it's like to be a ranger.
After the tour we went back to the deli for lunch. Sat with a young couple from Santa Monica. The young lady decided she wanted to go with us to Alaska. It was fun to meet more young people out enjoying the national parks.
The park was very busy today...Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Good place to people watch. Shuttles were packed!
After lunch we took the shuttle to Vernal Falls. Everyone said this was a necessary hike...necessary to test your heart and lung capacity. The walk was almost straight up on a leaf covered stone path...narrow at that with people coming down as well. Straight drop off on the ascent side of the path! There were people pushing up baby strollers...they have to be crazy! The most fun was seeing all the tiny people running up and down...where did all my energy go!
We made it to the footbridge at the base of the falls...beautiful enough for me. The rest of the climb was supposed to be more difficult...could it get MORE difficult! We decided it was enough to survive the climb we already made so headed back down. It was all beautiful to be sure. After getting back down we got back on the shuttle with all the other sardines and stopped at Curry Village to hear a ranger talk. Stayed for most of it but it started raining so we decided to go. The talk was geared to kids so we don't feel we missed much.
Back in the sardine can and off to the car. It was so late we decided to pass on the Mariposa Grove since we had been to Sequoia and see the most beautiful trees we could imagine already. We'll be leaving Yosemite in the morning but enjoyed this park so much.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Yosemite National Park
We drove to Yosemite from Sequoia NP. We couldn't get reservations in the park so we found cute little campground just outside the park. We actually lucked into our spot because one of their regular visitors had to cancel suddenly because of illness. We were given their exclusive site #39. Perfect! Nice shaded spot beside the Fresno River with a waterfall just outside the rig. It was in Oakhurst, CA. Cute little tourist town with everything you'd need. Beautiful grocery store and lots of restaurants.
The first morning there we got up early and headed to Yosemite NP. A trip up winding roads. After the 17 mile journey up the mountain we came to a tunnel. At almost the end of the tunnel we saw a sign to beware of stopped vehicles and crossing pedestrians....on a winding mountain road??? I could see why. When we exited the tunnel we were met by the most beautiful vista of El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. Breathtaking! There were parking lots on both sides for people to stop and enjoy but we decided to head on towards Yosemite Valley. We did stop at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and make the walk to the base of the falls. Too bad I forgot my rainboots and umbrella! The trail eventually let to steep stone walk where water was pouring down...oh well, wet shoes and socks. We just had to keep going...too beautiful to miss. Tooks some pics and headed back down, carefully! Walked some more on the trail at the base and looked at the falls at the bottom. We were now freezing with wet feet and wet hair. So what...couldn't pass up that experience.
After leaving Bridalveil Falls we headed straight to the public parking near the visitor center. Parked the car and used the shuttle bus to travel all around the park. Came back to the Visitor Center and sat in on the Yosemite film then had lunch at the deli...delicious chicken salad with avocado on a croissant. After lunch we hopped back on the shuttle and went to the trailhead for Mirror Lake. Took that short but uphill walk to the beautiful lake. Walked back down then took the shuttle back to the visitors center parking lot to pick up the car. We stopped at the Tunnel to view the vista and take some pics. (Yes, Rick, I took that picture...didn't purchase it!)
We went on to Glacier Point Road which had just been opened at noon after the winter. The sides of the road were still stacked with snow...some of it looked new. Very winding road with water running everywhere. Finally made it to the top and got out to take some pics. It looked like a professional photographers convention...big cameras and tripods everywhere. Some people were also across the fence setting up cameras. It was freezing up there! On our way back down the road we suddenly had to stop...cars completely stopped on the road. There was a bear in the snow. He, or she, looked huge. Too bad Jim stopped right where I couldn't get a clear picture from the car. Continued on back down to the road and set out for Mariposa Grove which was near the exit from the park. Got to the grove and wanted to take the tram ride through the grove but we missed the last one at 5 PM. I was so exhausted from all the hiking that we didn't try walking through it. We'd come back tomorrow and try.
Very beautiful day and we get to do it all again tomorrow.
The first morning there we got up early and headed to Yosemite NP. A trip up winding roads. After the 17 mile journey up the mountain we came to a tunnel. At almost the end of the tunnel we saw a sign to beware of stopped vehicles and crossing pedestrians....on a winding mountain road??? I could see why. When we exited the tunnel we were met by the most beautiful vista of El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. Breathtaking! There were parking lots on both sides for people to stop and enjoy but we decided to head on towards Yosemite Valley. We did stop at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and make the walk to the base of the falls. Too bad I forgot my rainboots and umbrella! The trail eventually let to steep stone walk where water was pouring down...oh well, wet shoes and socks. We just had to keep going...too beautiful to miss. Tooks some pics and headed back down, carefully! Walked some more on the trail at the base and looked at the falls at the bottom. We were now freezing with wet feet and wet hair. So what...couldn't pass up that experience.
After leaving Bridalveil Falls we headed straight to the public parking near the visitor center. Parked the car and used the shuttle bus to travel all around the park. Came back to the Visitor Center and sat in on the Yosemite film then had lunch at the deli...delicious chicken salad with avocado on a croissant. After lunch we hopped back on the shuttle and went to the trailhead for Mirror Lake. Took that short but uphill walk to the beautiful lake. Walked back down then took the shuttle back to the visitors center parking lot to pick up the car. We stopped at the Tunnel to view the vista and take some pics. (Yes, Rick, I took that picture...didn't purchase it!)
We went on to Glacier Point Road which had just been opened at noon after the winter. The sides of the road were still stacked with snow...some of it looked new. Very winding road with water running everywhere. Finally made it to the top and got out to take some pics. It looked like a professional photographers convention...big cameras and tripods everywhere. Some people were also across the fence setting up cameras. It was freezing up there! On our way back down the road we suddenly had to stop...cars completely stopped on the road. There was a bear in the snow. He, or she, looked huge. Too bad Jim stopped right where I couldn't get a clear picture from the car. Continued on back down to the road and set out for Mariposa Grove which was near the exit from the park. Got to the grove and wanted to take the tram ride through the grove but we missed the last one at 5 PM. I was so exhausted from all the hiking that we didn't try walking through it. We'd come back tomorrow and try.
Very beautiful day and we get to do it all again tomorrow.
Long time no blog
Today we're in Medford, OR. Actually we are camping in a lovely campground, Medford Oaks RV Campground in Eagle Point, OR. This stop was planned on our schedule to see an old Navy buddy of Jim. We got to visit with he and his wife at their beautiful home in Jacksonville, OR, not far from Medford. We also had dinner with them last night at a local Thai restaurant...lots of delicious food. We enjoyed the time we've spent with them. Lots of stories going back and forth.
It is good that we were planning this stop here because of all the RV repair shops here. Yes...we've had some trouble but have managed to have most repairs done already. Can't believe how nice and helpful everyone has been. We still have a couple more things to have checked out so will be here thru Monday.
It is good that we were planning this stop here because of all the RV repair shops here. Yes...we've had some trouble but have managed to have most repairs done already. Can't believe how nice and helpful everyone has been. We still have a couple more things to have checked out so will be here thru Monday.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sequoia National Park, May 25, 2011
Arrived at our campsite at about 6 PM and found our site easily (it's a very small campground)! Drove the rig to a level area and unhooked the tow. I got in the tow car and was going to move it out of the way so Jim could maneuver the rig into our spot. Uh-oh! I could not shift out of park. Luckily there were a few men right across from us who offered to help. Before they found the problem I was able to guide Jim into our site and even missed hitting the tow car sitting right behind the rig. Boy am I good!
Anyway, turns out it was a blown fuse. Put in a new one and, voila, it works! Had a great night knowing we had a car for a tour of the park on the next day.
Got up this morning at about 5 am to get ready to leave before 6:15 in order to make the 45 minute trip from campground to beginning of road repairs in the park. Only one lane for about 3 miles so they guide cars through every hour on the hour beginning at 7. We got there in good time and didn't wait any time before the caravan got started.
Snow, snow, snow was everywhere on the ground. Not new...but icy. We started out by hiking the Sherman Tree Trail. Of course, it led to the General Sherman Tree. It is the world's largest living tree. I'd take their word on that...it was HUGE! It is estimated to be about 2,100 years old. It was surrounded by other sequoia's....all part of the Giant Forest! You have to see them to believe.
We left there and visited the Giant Forest Museum. Lots of information about the trees and the history of the national park. Even had pictures of a car which was smashed by a falling limb. When you walked around the monarch trees there were what looked like other large trees on the ground...they weren't trees they were limbs from the giant sequoia!! Happy I wasn't standing there when they fell.
We left the museum and took the trail called Big Trees which encircled a meadow where we had to cut our hike short in order to not disturb the bears! Yes, it looked like two families...a couple of moms with their cubs. While we were watching them another bear showed up...they were all happily eating the new grasses in the meadow. We decided to double back and hike to the car. The hiking trails were mostly covered with snow so we got a little lost. Along the way I took a wrong step too near a fallen log and discovered there was no base under the top frozen snow. My leg plunged through up to my knee and I fell straight on my face. I laid there laughing until Jim came to check I was OK and I could get up. Managed to injure my right knee a little but it didn't stop me from continuing with the tour. (I'm writing this now with an ice pack on it.)
After getting back to the car we drove to Moro Rock...a granite dome from which you can see spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and the western regions of the park. The steps go up and around the side for 400 steps...300 feet to the top. Just remember to not look down unless you're holding on to a railing or leaning against the side. It was very cold and beautiful. Long way up but easier coming down. Knee was feeling a little tight but I kept on going.
On the road up to Moro Rock we drove through Tunnel Log...a tunnel cut through a fallen sequoia.
The funniest thing to happen this day was getting lost...really lost...walking the trail around Crescent Meadow. Yes, the trail was covered with snow and, yes, we got lost...really lost. I would love to see a drawing of how we finally got around the meadow...it would look like zigzag I'm sure. By the time we finished I had taken off my scarf and my jacket...that was quite a hike. Oh yea, Jim fell through the snow but he used both his legs. Didn't fall on his face though...I managed to get a picture of him that way. We both decided that was enough hiking for the day.
Obviously, it wasn't. We drove all through the park and into King's Canyon. Found the General Grant Tree. Many other sequoia's on that trail as well...we even walked through a hollowed sequoia trunk.
That was it for the day. Jim drove us back all the way through Sequoia National Park and through the construction and back to the motorhome. We got home about 12 hours after we had left in the morning.
Will be packing up to pull out of the campground in the morning headed to Yosemite. Hope we have as much fun and see beautiful nature as we did today.
Anyway, turns out it was a blown fuse. Put in a new one and, voila, it works! Had a great night knowing we had a car for a tour of the park on the next day.
Got up this morning at about 5 am to get ready to leave before 6:15 in order to make the 45 minute trip from campground to beginning of road repairs in the park. Only one lane for about 3 miles so they guide cars through every hour on the hour beginning at 7. We got there in good time and didn't wait any time before the caravan got started.
Snow, snow, snow was everywhere on the ground. Not new...but icy. We started out by hiking the Sherman Tree Trail. Of course, it led to the General Sherman Tree. It is the world's largest living tree. I'd take their word on that...it was HUGE! It is estimated to be about 2,100 years old. It was surrounded by other sequoia's....all part of the Giant Forest! You have to see them to believe.
We left there and visited the Giant Forest Museum. Lots of information about the trees and the history of the national park. Even had pictures of a car which was smashed by a falling limb. When you walked around the monarch trees there were what looked like other large trees on the ground...they weren't trees they were limbs from the giant sequoia!! Happy I wasn't standing there when they fell.
We left the museum and took the trail called Big Trees which encircled a meadow where we had to cut our hike short in order to not disturb the bears! Yes, it looked like two families...a couple of moms with their cubs. While we were watching them another bear showed up...they were all happily eating the new grasses in the meadow. We decided to double back and hike to the car. The hiking trails were mostly covered with snow so we got a little lost. Along the way I took a wrong step too near a fallen log and discovered there was no base under the top frozen snow. My leg plunged through up to my knee and I fell straight on my face. I laid there laughing until Jim came to check I was OK and I could get up. Managed to injure my right knee a little but it didn't stop me from continuing with the tour. (I'm writing this now with an ice pack on it.)
After getting back to the car we drove to Moro Rock...a granite dome from which you can see spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and the western regions of the park. The steps go up and around the side for 400 steps...300 feet to the top. Just remember to not look down unless you're holding on to a railing or leaning against the side. It was very cold and beautiful. Long way up but easier coming down. Knee was feeling a little tight but I kept on going.
On the road up to Moro Rock we drove through Tunnel Log...a tunnel cut through a fallen sequoia.
The funniest thing to happen this day was getting lost...really lost...walking the trail around Crescent Meadow. Yes, the trail was covered with snow and, yes, we got lost...really lost. I would love to see a drawing of how we finally got around the meadow...it would look like zigzag I'm sure. By the time we finished I had taken off my scarf and my jacket...that was quite a hike. Oh yea, Jim fell through the snow but he used both his legs. Didn't fall on his face though...I managed to get a picture of him that way. We both decided that was enough hiking for the day.
Obviously, it wasn't. We drove all through the park and into King's Canyon. Found the General Grant Tree. Many other sequoia's on that trail as well...we even walked through a hollowed sequoia trunk.
That was it for the day. Jim drove us back all the way through Sequoia National Park and through the construction and back to the motorhome. We got home about 12 hours after we had left in the morning.
Will be packing up to pull out of the campground in the morning headed to Yosemite. Hope we have as much fun and see beautiful nature as we did today.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Joshua Tree National Park, May 23, 2011
Drove here straight from Tucson on Sunday. No problems...beautiful drive. We did get hit by some sand devils. Weird!! We camped the first night at the Cottonwood Creek Campground in the southern part of the park. Drove right there and found a site in loop A...#19. It was a kind of lay-by. Very cool temps at night and warm and sunny during the day. The humidity was almost nothing. Warm in the sun but cool in the shade.
Sat outside and watched the jackrabbit while we drank a little wine. Next morning we got up and visited the visitor center and made arrangements for camping at a northside camp. We also bought tickets to tour of Desert Queen Ranch for the afternoon. Drove through the park and right to our new campsite...the Black Rock Campground. Nice pullthrough. VERY cold up there. We set up and then went right back into the park and to the ranch for the tour. Had to drive up a dirt road to the gate where Jim and I had our lunch while we waited for the park ranger. Few more people showed up then drove to the ranch. Looks like some place my dad would have loved. Set amongst the large rocks. Bits and pieces put together for home, cabin and work shop as well as school room. Very interesting tour.
Left there and drove again through the park. Looked at campground at Jumbo Rocks. Some sites for bigger rigs but most for small and tent campers. Amazing location.
When the day was done and we had seen all the Joshua Trees we returned to our new campsite and settled in for the night. So cold we had to wear socks and hats to bed. Very cosy.
Got up in the morning ate breakfast and broke camp. Set out to Sequoia National Park.
Our GPS guide got us lost. Navigated us through the hills to a dirt road. Had to unhook the tow and turn around. Finally found our way to the highway we needed. Did stop in Bakersfield, CA, at a Sam's to purchase four new batteries for the rig. Jim installed them himself right in the parking lot. Will anything else happen to us? YESSSS!
Sat outside and watched the jackrabbit while we drank a little wine. Next morning we got up and visited the visitor center and made arrangements for camping at a northside camp. We also bought tickets to tour of Desert Queen Ranch for the afternoon. Drove through the park and right to our new campsite...the Black Rock Campground. Nice pullthrough. VERY cold up there. We set up and then went right back into the park and to the ranch for the tour. Had to drive up a dirt road to the gate where Jim and I had our lunch while we waited for the park ranger. Few more people showed up then drove to the ranch. Looks like some place my dad would have loved. Set amongst the large rocks. Bits and pieces put together for home, cabin and work shop as well as school room. Very interesting tour.
Left there and drove again through the park. Looked at campground at Jumbo Rocks. Some sites for bigger rigs but most for small and tent campers. Amazing location.
When the day was done and we had seen all the Joshua Trees we returned to our new campsite and settled in for the night. So cold we had to wear socks and hats to bed. Very cosy.
Got up in the morning ate breakfast and broke camp. Set out to Sequoia National Park.
Our GPS guide got us lost. Navigated us through the hills to a dirt road. Had to unhook the tow and turn around. Finally found our way to the highway we needed. Did stop in Bakersfield, CA, at a Sam's to purchase four new batteries for the rig. Jim installed them himself right in the parking lot. Will anything else happen to us? YESSSS!
Trip is finally started!
First leg of trip was to Tucson, AZ, for my nephew, Dustin's, wedding on May 20, 2011. Beautiful! Love his new wife, Layla. The wedding was at Tanque Verde Ranch. The rehearsal dinner was held in the Cottonwood Grove. Delicious food...steaks, grilled corn on the cob, baked potatoes, salad, fruit, cobbler and more! We even had a herd of javelina join in the fun. Fire pits were set amongst the tables. Very cool and the fires were nice and warm. All the younger people had smores. Was great to see old friends and family.
The wedding was on the outside patio and was at sunset (close to it at least). Reception was inside with lots of great food and dancing. I even got to dance with the groom. Hope his toes are better now. They presented my mom with a little birthday cake...candles and all. She was so happy. She turned 89 on the wedding day. We were able to visit with her sister and brother-in-law in their home in the foothills the next day. That was so much fun.
Jim and I also visited the Desert Museum on the Saturday after the wedding. Drove thru the hills to the museum and walked through the sunny gardens there. Cloudless skies and brilliant sun but it wasn't hot...beautiful weather the entire time in Tucson.
My brother and his family drove to Tucson in their new Class C motorhome. I think they are ready for more traveling. Can't wait to camp with them soon.
We left Tucson on Sunday and headed to Joshua Tree National Park in California. Our GPS guide lead us straight thru the town center of Tucson. Definitely need to go back and spend more time there.
The wedding was on the outside patio and was at sunset (close to it at least). Reception was inside with lots of great food and dancing. I even got to dance with the groom. Hope his toes are better now. They presented my mom with a little birthday cake...candles and all. She was so happy. She turned 89 on the wedding day. We were able to visit with her sister and brother-in-law in their home in the foothills the next day. That was so much fun.
Jim and I also visited the Desert Museum on the Saturday after the wedding. Drove thru the hills to the museum and walked through the sunny gardens there. Cloudless skies and brilliant sun but it wasn't hot...beautiful weather the entire time in Tucson.
My brother and his family drove to Tucson in their new Class C motorhome. I think they are ready for more traveling. Can't wait to camp with them soon.
We left Tucson on Sunday and headed to Joshua Tree National Park in California. Our GPS guide lead us straight thru the town center of Tucson. Definitely need to go back and spend more time there.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Alaska Is On!!!
At least that is the plan....Alaska! We are heading out in mid May to Tucson for my nephew's wedding then heading west then north. So far the motorhome seems to be good except for the gas gauge. Still can't tell about fuel level. Jim is very good about topping up the tank so we feel we can manage without it. I don't think it's actually hit me yet that I will be gone for several months. It helps knowing we have people living in the house to take care of home base. I try not to get too overly planned about this....I could drive myself crazy if I did. We'll just take it as it comes....what else can we really do. We have all the books and maps and phones! Jim just purchased his smart phone...yes, Jim. He discovered how easy it was for me to check email and have access to internet in places we had not been able to do before. That was the deciding factor for him. I will begin daily (ha!) posting when we begin our trip. Until then......
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