Yosemite National Park : 6 nov 09

Next morning at Curry Village and is freaking cold.

 

Yosemite Valley

Half Dome from afar

We are surrounded by gigantic rock formation, cliffs and we seem like tiny creatures in this part of the world

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in North America and the above is the Upper Falls, with a drop of 436 m. The Middle Falls is 205 m and the Lower Falls is 97m.

On the way to visit Yosemite Lower Falls

The huge trees near the Lower Falls

Lower Falls

Lower Falls

The fall flowing into Merced River

Beautiful autumn leaves

Tunnel View

Panorama Tunnel View which overlooked the Yosemite Valley, El Capitan (left), Bridalveil Falls (right) and Half Dome (far middle) 

Glacier Point

We drove about 1 hour to Glacier Point, a popular spot that offers an incredible view of the entire Valley and Half Dome.

Half Dome

The Dome is a granite dome that rises to an elevation of more than 2600m, one of the most distinctive monument of Yosemite.

We spent quite some time here just to admire the natural beauty of the world. This is a must visit spot in Yosemite

Beautiful Pine trees around the park

We continue our journey towards Tioga Pass, to the national park's east exit.

Amazing rocks formation along Tioga road

Tenaya Lake, can be seen driving along Tioga Road

Tuolumne Meadows

Lembert Dome which can be seen near Tuolumne Meadows

We reached Inyo National Forest

Slightly after passing by the Inyo signboard, we stopped at Tioga Lake, a small glacial lake. Across should be Mount Dana.

As we drove along, we come across another lake, Ellery Lake.

We really enjoyed the mountain drive on Tioga Pass, incredible view of the mountains & lakes, is another must visit place in Yosemite.

Attraction we missed - Giant Sequoai @ Mariposa Grove (southern part), will make sure to make it there if we are back.

Lee Vining

As the sky is getting dark, we decided to stay a night at Lee Vining. We found a nice room at Yosemite Gateway Motel which cost $66/night and we had dinner at Nicely's, just opposite the motel. 

Hot Clam Chowder to warm our stomach

One of us ordered this lovely steak.

Lastly, my wife had her favourite Lemon Meringue Pie.

SFO - Yosemite : 5 Nov 09

My training in Seattle ended and we fly to San Franciso for our road trip. We rented a car from Airport and head straight to our first destination, Yosemite National Park.

Along Highway 101, we detoured for lunch @ China Chen restaurant in San Jose. They served very good noodle soup.

We continued our journey and passed by Moccasin Reservoir in Tuolumne County.

Stopped by roadside to snap our rented car, Nissan Sentra.

Scenic drive

Restroom break in Stanislaus National Forest

Stanislaus National Forest

Reached Yosemite Valley through Big Oak Flat entrance just nearly before sunset and have to settle a night here. The entrance fee is $20 per car and is valid for 7 days.

We stayed in a canvas tent cabin @ Curry Village which cost $103/night.

Interestingly, there will be black bear roaming wildly at night. We have to keep food & any items that have a scent in a metal food storage lockers provided. Or else, the bears will break into cars or tents, in search for what they think is food.

We need to use central shower facilities which is 5 mins walk from our tent. It was pitched dark that night. Torchlight is a must if we were to come back. We opt for heated tent but it was freaking cold that night and didn’t have a good sleep. Next morning, found that heater temperature was set to low : (