Out West Trip: Day 19 (Oakhurst, CA)

Today’s Highlights:
Snow! Walking through the trunk of a giant sequoia. Being chased by a Bobcat. Getting absolutely soaked at Bridal Veil Falls. Throwing snowballs at Glacier Point.

I woke up early to work and then update the blogs and answer emails. After Rob and the girls got up, we packed up a bit and then made breakfast. We drove north on 41 to the south entrance of Yosemite. Inside the park, we turned right to go to see the giant sequoias. We took a 1.5 mile hike in to the “Tunnel Tree” where we got to walk right through a tree! Along the trail, we were able to see the rings of trees that had fallen and been cut, and we were chased by a Bobcat (the metal with engine kind).

tunnel tree - 9 jun 2011

From there, we drove up to the Yosemite Valley, stopping a couple of times along the way. In the valley, we managed to find a parking spot and hop on the shuttle to the visitor’s center, where we watched a not very interesting movie and then walked to Lower Yosemite Falls. On the way back to the car, we stopped at the deli for sandwiches and ice cream for lunch/dinner.

bridal veil - 9 jun 2011

We drove through the valley and headed back to the south entrance. The road to Glacier Point was open and ice free, so we decided to drive up for the great view. There was lots of snow everywhere, and Chloe was excited to throw a few snowballs at the overlooks.

My reviews:

• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32809-d1463748-Reviews-High_Sierra_RV_Park_Campground-Oakhurst_California.html”>TripAdvisor review of High Sierra RV park
• Trekaroo review of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite NP

Trip Stats:
Roadside Attractions: None. (Total: 16)
States: California. (Total: 10 – GA, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, AZ, UT, CO, CA)
State Plates Spotted: None. (Total: 47)
Miles: 134 (Total: 4660)
Gallons of gas bought: 18.3 (Total: 278.6)
Poptops Spotted: Four. (Total: 23)
National Park Stamps: Yosemite NP. (Total: 7)
Miles walked: 5 (Total: 44)
Dollars saved with NP pass: 20 (Total: 105)
Continental Divide Crossings: None. (Total: 3)
Time Zone Changes: None. (Total: 7 – EDT, CDT, MST, MDT, CDT, MDT, MST, PDT)