TD2 2019 Adventure - CA - Yosemite NP, Day 2-3 and Lake Mono Picnic Area

Our campground was chilly (underneath tall Sequoias, so not much sun), and there are no electrical hookups available anywhere inside Yosemite.

But we survived fine, even on the second night when it got down to 20 degrees!   Thank goodness for the down comforters we've had since our first tour in Germany.

Our first hike was something of a cluster, as the park ranger had sent us toward Mirror Lake (even though it was dry), because she apparently intended for us to walk across it; we missed that tip, and too a long loop around the "lake".  What was supposed to be a 5-6 mile hike turned out to be about 9 miles.  No big deal, but not really all that scenic.

After that, we heard that Tioga Pass was likely to close the next day, and although there are alternate ways out of Yosemite, none are as convenient to reach Carol's brother's house -- our next destination.

So we actually cut our visit short 1 night to beat the snow, and as such, there is much left to see on another visit or three.

And we had nice views of Half Dome and El Capitan, followed by yet more scenery along Tioga Rd.  That is simply amazing!  Finally, we ended up on Rt 395, and stopped for brunch at Lake Mono (long "o" on both sylables) Picnic Area -- a very interesting place.

Then off to Nevada.

Teaser photos:

Carol at Mirror "Lake"

El Capitan Illuminated!

Mono Lake Tufa Towers

Album containing all the photos:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_travels/albums/72157711958961853

TD2 2019 Adventure - CA - Yosemite NP, Day 1 - Amazing drive on Tioga Rd

We took advantage of what looked to be the end of our amazing run of sunny days.

We noticed that the Tioga Pass (just under 10,000 ft) was still open, offering a scenic entry into Yosemite National Park.  We found they had a few spots available in Upper Pines Campground, so we made our way there.

After staying at June Lake and having an enjoyable morning there, we took our time on the Tioga Rd and really enjoyed the scenery.  What a magnificent entrance to Yosemite!  And what spectacular weather (note the topless man relaxing around 9,000 ft elevation ;-)

By the time we arrived in Yosemite Valley, the sun was already starting to set, so we had nice illumination of Half Dome, and made our way to the Visitor Center and our camping spot.

Teaser photos:

Heading up to Tioga Pass

Sunset on Half Dome

And here is the album from Day 1:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_travels/albums/72157711956965477

TD2 2019 Adventure - CA - June Lake and the Ducks!

After leaving Death Valley, we drove on Rt 395 and wanted to find a campground close to Tioga Pass, so we could enjoy the scenery heading into Yosemite National Park.

We tried stopping at a place called the Devil's Postpile, but they were closed for the season.  So we headed to June Lake, which we had visited on a previous trip.  Turns our their campground was closed as well, be we found another RV located in the parking lot by the lake, and the nice German couple said they received permission from the visitor's center to boondock there.  That was good enough for us.

And what a beautiful morning we had (after a chilly night) on the lake, visiting the ducks and getting down to sand level to take some pictures.

This was the perfect place to stay before heading up to Tioga Pass!

Some teaser photos:

Boondocking at June Lake!

Here come the Ducks!

And here is the album for those that are interested:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_travels/albums/72157711963458488