Day 18

Friday – August 3

Drove into Yosemite for what was to be a memorable escapade. Our first stop was Yosemite Valley and eventually, Yosemite Village. Remarkable views of the river, mountains and glens. We hoped to see Yosemite Falls but the upper falls were bone dry while the lower rock face just glistened from some downflowing moisture. Too bad.
Then on to Tioga Pass Road for more amazing sights. Took a bumpy, winding jaunt down Tiago Mine road, an old single lane mining road carved out in 1883. Now this was an adventure. The most trying test for the CR-V yet. But she handled it in fine style. Turned out there was a camp and a trailhead where the bridge was condemned twenty some miles in. One of any crossing vehicles had to pull to the side (sometimes back up first) to let the other pass.
Back onto Tioga Pass Road headed east and came upon crystal blue Tenaya Lake, an idyllic setting surrounded by trees and mountains. We stopped for a few pictures and a refreshing foot-soak in the cold water Then on out of the park past the lovely Toulumne Meadows.
Had to get gas at the east entrance to the park and paid $3.96/gallon, the most yet.
Set up camp just east of the park at Lee Vining Lower Creek National Forest. Then on to dinner at the Whoa Nellie Deli, a gourmet restaurant in a gas station above Mono Lake highly recommended by Bill and Caryn. Annie had a chicken Caesar salad while I had the same with steak. First-rate.