On Our Way Home!

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The trip from San Francisco to Yosemite brought us to Route 120 and about 10 miles of steep road and switchbacks across the mountain. My professional driver was not intimidated but I hung on for dear life and was frankly happy to see some level road.

We stayed at Yosemite Lakes RV Park at a 4000 foot elevation where we left civilization and connection to Verizon and Wi-Fi. Yosemite Park had limited connection so we could not even access voicemail although could make calls. While this was uncomfortable for us we did appreciate the quiet lack of stimulation.

Since we had scheduled 2 weeks there we also explored local attractions and hit the park itself every other day. The “valley,” where 95% of visitors head, took about an hour by car and that was about the same distance from any of the three entrances. There are many types of accommodations within the park and most within walking distance of the attractions. I would recommend that in lieu of driving that long distance.

The park features sky scraper granite formations and spectacular waterfalls, giant trees and great hikes that always include gorgeous views. We did the Vernal Falls hike to the top of the falls. On part of the hike there were 500 steep steps of irregular dimension which were wet so challenging. We were so close to the falls that we felt the spray. It was very beautiful! Lower Yosemite Falls was accessible for everyone and lovely. We enjoyed visiting the Indian Cultural Exhibit which included demonstrations of basket weaving and the remaining village of the Ahwahneeche Indians. Also the Ansel Adams museum was impressive.

Closer to our RV Park was the Hetch Hetchy reservoir which falls on the western border in the Tuolumne Mountains. The dam was built after a long battle with conservationists like the famous John Muir in 1923. This reservoir serves as a water supply for San Francisco and also provides electricity for a hospital and governmental buildings there. We hiked to yet other waterfall which while lesser known we felt are in competition to those in the Yosemite Valley.

We left a few days earlier than planned. I hate to admit it but we were looking forward to reconnecting with the outside world.

The drive to Lake Tahoe was beautiful, again treating us to the mountains views and interesting 2 lane roads. It was chillier than we were accustomed to! We took a drive around the lake, about 25 miles. Again, outstanding scenery with mountains surrounding the lake. The view of Emerald Bay was especially lovely. We hiked down to the lake and loved seeing it from the bottom view.

As you’ve heard water supply (or the lack of it) is a huge concern in the west and the use of water in California is now being restricted. The draught extends to northern California so that locals and visitors experienced a meager ski season. They were not happy!

Now we are heading home to Michigan and we’re ready!! We’ve made a stop on the way at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area but have to wait for the snow to clear before we can enjoy it.

Our thanks to those who read about our2014/15 winter journey and kept in touch. We consider this our last RV trip and with mixed emotions will be putting the bus on the market when we arrive home. We have seen many beautiful sites in the US and Canada have LOVED this lifestyle. But now we want to spend more time at home to enjoy the kids and grands and our friends. So if you know anyone interested in the RVing in a 40 foot Class A motor home we’d appreciate you spreading the word!! Again, thanks for following our adventures. Your friendship makes our lives sweeter!









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Comments

[Gail Nelson]

So Good to Hear From You!!
Wishing you good travels on your last cross country in the Bus. So looking forward to seeing youaboth again. I will bring =my Yosemite photos to our next meeting. I'll bring my Yosemite pics to our next meeting. It is an incredible place. Wishing you Good Travels till we see you again. Love, Gail Gail