Wednesday 6th October - Mammoth to Lee Vining

Today's drive was highly anticipated by many of the participants as it consisted of a visit to Yosemite National Park, including entry into the park via Tioga Pass. 

With Kjell receiving surgery on an injured hand, we relied on his prepared itinerary for today's drive. Some of us left on schedule at 8:30am with others following a little later. After a short drive from Mammoth to Lee Vining on US-395, we turned onto CA-120 heading west into the Sierras. The road climbed steeply into the mountains with spectacular views on all sides. The road passes over Tioga Pass at 9,943ft so it became progressively colder as our elevation increased. We were delayed by about 20 minutes due to road construction but, other than that, everything was wonderful. Stops along the way included Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point.

Cloud's Rest (9,931ft) from Olmsted Point - 5,000ft sheer granite walls drop to the valley below

Half Dome (8,839ft) from Olmsted Point - the iconic Yosemite Peak viewed from the East

From Olsted Point the road descends gradually into Yosemite Valley itself. The first glimpse of the valley always amazes me, however often I see it. There was some haze, no doubt due to smoke from the wildfires, but less than might have been expected.

First glimpse of Yosemite Valley - El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the center

Having arrived in Yosemite Valley, we each made our own choices on how best to enjoy our limited time there. Debbie and I decided to start our visit by leaving Yosemite Valley! We left on CA-41 heading west to the Wawona Hotel, about 20 miles from the entrance to the valley. This location has special memories for us, and we really enjoyed reliving them as we ate our picnic lunch on the veranda.

Outside the Wawona Hotel 

On our return to Yosemite Valley we witnessed one of many examples of sections of forest destroyed by wildfires over the years.

This section of forest was clearly burned several years ago, but is showing little sign of recovery

Having exited Yosemite Valley, we were able to repeat the experience of a "first glimpse" as we emerged from the tunnel on our return. The smokey haze gave the vista something of the appearance of a faded water color...

El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Rocks from the tunnel exit

We drove the length of the valley to its head, where the famous Ahwahnee Hotel stands on the valley floor, surrounded by Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls. 

The Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927 surrounded by the valley's landmarks

All too soon, we had to start out on the 2 hour return drive to Lee Vining for our stay at Murphey's Hotel. We were briefly delayed by a helicopter landing close to the road at the end of the valley, presumably as part of a rescue operation.

Helicopter leaving the meadow on an emergency mission

Debbie and I had a great day in Yosemite, and it seems that we were not alone. We heard in the evening that Tioga Pass will be closing tomorrow because of an incoming winter storm, so it seems that we visited just in time.