Yosemite1

Yosemite in the Autumn

View of Yosemite Valley
Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos
This was a trip we took in September 2000.
We got an early start on Friday at 8:30 and drove down I-5 from
WA. Set the cruise control on 65, and by late afternoon we
reach one of our favorite stops in Oregon, Vintage Restaurant in
Cottage Grove.
Take a short nap at the nearby county park, Stanton Park,
and by evening head on down I-5.
Cross the Siskiyous in the foggy dark, and really appreciate
the new Hella H 3 low beam auxiliary lights I recently installed.
By 1 am we reach the Corning exit and camp
at Woodson Bridge State park, 6 miles off I-5.
Nice park, by the river, with showers, and private sites under trees.
Saturday wake up late, to be greeted by the warm California sunshine.
After a gourmet breakfast in the westy, it's back to I-5, on the way to
Yosemite. Through Sacramento, till we reach Manteca. Once on
hwy. 120 we are climbing, and one can see the golden California
hills below. But there isn't too much time to sight-see, since the road
is quite steep, narrow, and windy. By dark on Saturday we reach the
gate to the Yosemite Park. Entrance fee 20 dollars, the guy says.
I hand him a 20 note and he gives me a stack of papers, mostly with
pictures of big mean bears eating cars. Any campsites available?

No, he says. But we can try outside the park. So we turn around,
exit the park, and 1 mile later find the sign to Dimond O camp.
Dimond O campground, a few miles outside the west entrance to
Yosemite turns out to be a friendly campground, with lots of
sites available on Saturday night.
We level the vanagon camper, turn on the fridge, and feel quite homey.
While reading the literature the ranger at the gate handed us,
we become kind of worried about bears ripping open the poptop
during the night to eat the food supply. So we take most of the
provisions, and store them in the "safe", made from 1/4" steel
provided for each campsite. It is a beautiful starry night, and
we talk about how great the westy runs.
Distance traveled so far 910 miles.
Day 3, Sunday, we get up early, and drive back into Yosemite.
As expected, it's quite crowded, but bearable. We haven't
been here for awhile, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Sights one must see include "Bridal Veil Falls"
Yosemite Falls, (dried up at this time of year)
The famous El Capitan, and Half Dome and lots more.

	The famous El Capitan
	View of Half-Dome from the meadow

Despite all the tourists, we are glad that we came here once again.
We find a quiet spot by the Merced river in the valley to park
the camper and make a picnic, and take a dip in the river.
Next day, after spending the night in Crane flats C.G. in
Yosemite, we drive on the Tioga Pass through Yosemite.
The pass through the park is spectacular. Only open in summer,
it climbs to 9945 feet, its highest point.

	Crossing Tioga Pass
	Tenaya Lake
	Tuolumne Meadows

The views are stunning, and there are campgrounds all along the
way. We stop at crystal clear Tenaya Lake, and go for a swim
in the cool water. By Tuolumne Meadows we see 4 vanagons
parked off to the side. Otherwise not too many Volkswagen vans.
By noon we reach Mono Lake. The lake is most famous for its
strange looking "Tufas" along the shore. The tufa towers look like

Tufa Towers in Mono Lake

something one might find on planet Mars, and a local told us the tufas
have been used as backgrounds in some sci fi movies.
Wish there was more time to take pictures of Tufas at sunset,
but time is up, and we have to be in L.A. by next morning.
We hit Hwy. 395, set the cruise contr. to 65 mph
and by 2 in the morning arrive at our destination in Los Angeles.
Miles traveled to L.A. and back: 2609
Mileage: 19.5 miles per gallon. Oil use 1/2 quart
Speed traveled: 60 to 70 miles per hour at 3200 to 4000 rpm.
No breakdowns, flats or leaks. Really appreciated the Hella
H3 low beam auxiliary lights. Made night driving a lot more
pleasant and safe.

Click to visit Yosemite in the winter

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