We stayed outside Yosemite National Park at Bass lake. It was a great shame that we arrived here late last night and couldn't take advantage of the swimming pool and hot tub. Our accommodation was in large wooden chalets. They were very big and this was the view we had from the balcony this morning.
I was up early to have a look around but then it was time to pack up and leave and return to Yosemite.
We drove past lots of snow piled up at the side of the road but the day was another gloriously sunny one.
I decided not to go with the others to Mirror Lake but to do a walk up to Columbia Rock. Aware that I will be doing a long distance walk in the not too distant future I wanted to exercise the legs.
It was a steep climb up to the rock but the scenery was spectacular.
It didn't take me as long as I thought it would to reach Columbia Rock and I considered carrying on to the top of the falls but I didn't have my hiking boots with me so sense prevailed and I returned to the valley.
I still had another couple of hours before meeting up with the others so was able to follow another trail through the valley.
With one last look at El Capitan we left the park for a long drive to Bakersfield where we would be stopping overnight. There is nothing of interest in Bakersfield so we all went out for an enjoyable evening at a Mexican restaurant. Tomorrow we would be experiencing Death Valley and the lights of Las Vegas.
Those parks are so wonderful, nature is overwhelming, all those mountains and waterfalls. Death Valley was very hot when I was there, you could bake an egg on the hood of the car!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular. Thanks for letting me tag along.
ReplyDeleteGood for you taking the path less traveled. Wasn't Mirror Lake on the itinerary the day before?
ReplyDeleteFabulous pictures of one of my favorite places in the world! :-)
ReplyDeleteYosemite is high up on my to-travel list! I really enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading about your experience. Too bad the visit was not exactly as you had planned, but it looks like you had a great time anyway.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed both of your Yosemite posts. We still haven't visited Yosemite... One of these days we hope to get there... We don't care for 'tours' --but in some cases, I'm sure they are good... Glad you did have some choices about what you could do and see.... I would choose that hike also.. You saw so much beauty that way...
ReplyDeleteLike you, we are hiking and nature people... I guess everyone wants to see Vegas at least once in their lives, but once was enough for me.... ha
Hugs,
Betsy
What a fantastic and beautiful landscapes. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteYosemite is one of the beauties of the USA ~ sounds and looks like to had a wonderful time ~ beautiful nature photos ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you delightful days in your week ~ ^_^
Very beautiful and I note, Canada does not have exclusive rights on rocks, trees and water.
ReplyDeleteWow, truly amazing scenery. I can't wait to see it in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteThat's one National park I've yet to visit. I can see I need to get there really soon -it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent scenery and a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of national park from your trip.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely landscapes. Snow is OK as long as there is sun with it.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWell worth the climb,I'm sure, for those views. And a lovely way to keep your legs strong. I was surprised to see you with your jacket off. With the snow I would have thought it was colder.
ReplyDeleteLoved both Yosemite posts -- Been a long while since we've been there (seems like I'm always telling people that about the West).... It sounds like a great tour group where you don't have to go along like sheep behind your leader everywhere. I bet the climb felt great after sitting on a bus for as long as you have to in order to get pretty much anywhere out west.... it's big country!
ReplyDelete(You are right about Bakersfield, although many many years ago it was at an RV Park there where we picked the first oranges we ever saw still on the trees.)
Yosemites is one of my favorite National Parks!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful walk ! Good that you thought about your feet, lol !
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