Mammoth

Today was planned as Yosemite day and I think we drove along nearly all the roads we could. We left Pleasanton and headed east along route 120, with the scenery going from relatively flat, to hilly, then spectacular as we approached the park. We headed for the visitor centre, then down to the amazing Sequoia trees at Mariposa Grove. We had thought we had seen large trees en route and were wondering if the journey to the grove was going to be worth it, but oh yes, it certainly was. The Sequoias are in a different league, absolute towering giants of trees, but still sensitive to the footfall of humans as they have shallow roots. Signs along the way prevented us from getting close to them, shame. We saw a tiny chipmunk skitting around the undergrowth, I think Po got a glimpse on video.

Baby Sequoia

Then we wound our weary way north again along endlessly twisty, rising and falling roads, some of which gave us views which were breathtaking and we can only hope the photos do them jusctice. I haven't had to concentrate on keeping the car on the tarmac and between the lines since my Canada trip, white knuckles on the wheel while trying not to look down!Then east out of the park to continue along the 120. We spent twelve hours on the road today and when we left the park it was with relief that we'd be seeing something other than trees! We saw eagles of sorts, some blue bird, Cloud's Rest, Bride'sveil Fall (sp), The Half Dome, plus everything else that can be seen on the 300 miles we drove today. (Like driving from London to Scotland!). The highest we went was 9000 feet above sea level - my ears were popping all over the place. Incredible. The last sight we saw was Mono Lake which we didn't know we'd be passing. We looked it up and found out it is about a million years old! It used to be very different - much fuller - but there's an ongoing battle with LA who have diverted streams that fed it to supply their water. Whilst there we snacked at the "Whoa Nellie Deli" - a brilliant place!

El Capitan

Incidently, breakfast was at Denny's and the waitress congratulated me on finishing my "Moon Over My Hammy" breakfast - she couldn't believe a girl could eat that much - I bet you're all so proud! Richard only wanted pancakes but apparently if you want them you have to have ice cream, hash brown, sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs too. We're writing this next day in Stellar Brew coffee shop in Mammoth Lakes - a beautiful beautiful place full of food and arts enthusiasts. Very expensive to live here - if we sold our house in England we would only just about to afford a one bed flat here. Great coffee though, as always here. And the service is fantastic everywhere we go! I love it here so much!

Half Dome and Cloud's Rest in background

Today we're going to attempt the Death Valley trip..... wish us luck.....

Moon!

Mr Potato Head at Mono Lake

Yosemite view

Yosemite View