September 11 2011; Yosemite Valley

We had site 402 in the North Pines Campground. It was spacious, neat, and within a stones throw of the Merced River.

It was the 10th anniversary off 9/11.

All food, cosmetics, or anything with a scent has to be put in the bear box. They have to change the latching system every few years because the bears learn how to open them.

In July three hikers were washed over Vernal Falls. At the time we hiked up, one body had been found, The other two were found in November after the river receded. It was an odd feeling to know they were there among those boulders.

Elaine's childhood friend, Joe, drove up from Murphys, California to spend the day with us.

When Elaine and I were hiking earlier in the day the temp was in the 80's. Thunderstorms came through and the temperature dropped. When we got up to Glacier Point it was sleeting and the National Park Service was salting the roads.

Half Dome from Glacier Point

Half Dome and Vernal Falls, we hiked up to the falls earlier in the day.

El Capitan, I hope there weren't any climbers on it when the storm came through.

Bridal Veil Falls

Elaine and I stopped by Camp Curry to use the Wi-Fi. Elaine just had to sit on the stump bench.

September 10,2011; Yosemite National Park

Since check out time at the campground was noon, we took a quick hike then headed for the valley.

While getting ready for the hike, we ran across this old school teardrop.

Tuolumne Meadows, the high country of Yosemite.

Tuolumne River

Tuolumne Meadows with Lembert Dome in the background.

An old cabin near Parsons Lodge

Parsons Lodge was built in 1915 for use by the Sierra Club.

Tenaya Lake

It's beautiful country, but you can get in trouble if you're careless.

A rockslide occurred while we hiked the Yosemite Falls Trail. The National Park Service closed it as a precaution.  Luckily we missed it.

Yosemite Falls

Elaine poses in front of Lower Yosemite Falls.

We went from triple digit temperatures in the desert to 50 degrees in Yosemite.

September 9, 2011; Pahrump, Nevada to Yosemite, California.

Terrible's Casino R.V. Park was beautiful. We arrived after dark and the casino's general manager happened to be in the campground and helped us get a site.

Our camper battery was dead when we stopped. The tow vehicle didn't charge it from our drive the day before.

I got out the volt meter and tried to diagnose it, while Elaine worked out. We stopped at a local R.V. parts dealer to check on a new converter. They would have to order it, so we left.

Area 51 on the right and Death Valley on the left.

A dust devil in the hot Nevada desert.

A stop on Highway 6 on the California- Nevada border.

Welcome to the Wild West.

 

Going up on the desert side of the Sierras.

And coming down on the forest side.

Mono Lake.

Tioga Pass.

What an amazing view to welcome us to Yosemite.

 

Toulumne Meadows Campground. Load up the bear box!