YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK CA

After our arrival outside Yosemite National Park, we set up in the town of Oakhurst. It was an ideal base camp for our park tour.

From our dining window we enjoyed the river view as it passed through the RV park.

After a cold snap, our water hose froze as did the river shore line. 

Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

A fallen sequoia root size was amazing.

A fresh snow fall added to the wonder of walking among these giant redwoods.

This scene shows all as you enter Yosemite valley.

Bridalveil Falls

A fresh spray freeze up provided some excitement at the bottom of the falls as pieces of ice crashed on the rocks below.

Yosemite Falls

This falls is one of the highest in the world.

The run off  from the falls provided wonderful reflecting pools in the valley below.

Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is very unique as its position in relation to the setting sun can make it appear to be a river of fire.This usually happens in the month of Febuary.
Click here to see Horsetial Falls Firefall

The short drives in the park are most interesting.

How's this for a natural tunnel.

If you're ever in California, do not miss

Yosemite National Park.

HOMEWARD BOUND

We are now on our return journey home.

The return trip will cover a completely different route as we will be travelling the northern part of the states visited and journey through some states we have yet to explore. The mileage covered on our way to San Francisco CA from Tobermory ON was as follows:

If we flew the distance would be-3666 km

Driving a direct shortest route-4643 km

We have driven-13050 km

Thank you for following our

Champagne and Sunshine Tour.



SAN FRANCISCO CA

En route to San Fransisco we travelled through Gilroy CA, the garlic capital of CA.

Our RV park was alongside the CANDLESTICK stadium.

Then we were off to downtown SF.

Fishermans Wharf is a great city landmark.

The waterfront had changed little since the 70's.

ALCARTRAZ is a focial point of the harbour.

I had hoped to be interviewed for the position of head swim coach since the job included -at least one bar in every room and free room and board!

Unfortunately the swim commute was through shark infested cold water and I refused their offer.

The original sourdough bread bakery.

Yummy seaford!!

The area had many characters.

A singing dapper who sang just for us.

A gold covered resident.

This was an interesting fellow who wheeled his chair in reverse the entire length of the street. Notice the "backup" mirror in his hand.

 Every street seems to be up or down.

It was a hoot to haul a trailer through this city.

 A floating village in Sausalito, outside SF, was unique.

No two were the same.

Mission Dolores

Located in the heart of the city, the crowds at the mission were huge.

It had to be one of the most beautiful missions in the USA.

The city streets were very colourful and full of life.

The Golden Gate Bridge

17 Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive has long been lauded as one of the most luxurious and beautiful stretches of road in all of California. Stretching from its origin in Pacific Grove through the affluent Pebble Beach community, the winding loop has become an icon for the prosperity of this community’s residents as well as a masthead for the majestic natural beauty of the California coast. Winding through 17 miles of coast line, golf courses, mansions, and cypress forests, this is a truly priceless section of California’s geography. Enjoy the drive!!

Evidence of ancient forest line the route.

The route follows the coast line.

This is my kind of beach.

Views were terrific.

The homes were stunning.

The "Lone Cyprus" is one of the highlights of the setting.

The tree has a great history and is over 200yrs old.

Some daring fishermen try their luck on the rocky shore.

The owners of this private beach are receiving some uninvited visitors.

Lucky them!

The route takes in the Pebble Beach and Spy Class golf courses.

I believe they are on the PGA tour.

The rugged shoreline was at its best with the high winds.

Seals are nesting on many of the rocks off shore.

Notice the "wavy" effect on the roof of this home.

I was told this is a characteristic of many of the local homes.

Beautiful landscaping seems to be standard on most of the homes.

Carmel By The Sea was a treat!

CARMEL BY THE SEA

 RV park in the Carmel Valley

Our most enjoyable meal in Carmel. 

The singing server. 

The recommended combo plate off the Mediterranean menu.

The yummy desert went faster then my shutter speed!! 

Carmel Mission 

Beautiful Gardens 

One of many beach areas. 

One of many "goody shops"

Interesting and unique retail shops were numerous.