Yosemite National Park by Rental Car

10 – 11 September 2010

The drive to Yosemite National Park from Lake Tahoe took us through some really spectacular terrain from amazingly salty lakes to massive canyons. We saw birds, squirrels and what we believe was a Coyote on the way.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Mono Lake-16.JPGMono Lake-17.JPGMono Lake-15.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

Upon arrival we checked into our canvas sided cabin and were given strict instructions to remove everything from the car as a precaution against bear attacks. We emptied the car completely, taking particular care to ensure no food or smelly objects were left inside; yes I had to remove my dirty socks because you just never know what kind of sick bears are out there. All food and toiletry items (scented) we stored in our external bear locker. That evening in the car park we had our first deer sighting and later during the night you could hear bears moving outside the cabins testing the bear lockers, looking for one not latched securely.

The following day we went for a walk up to see a waterfall where we also got a great view of the spectacular cliffs surrounding the valley, particularly the famous Half Dome rock.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Above Waterfall - Yosemite National Park-2.JPGBird Watching - Yosemite National Park-2.JPGSquirrel Watching - Yosemite National Park.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Teasing Squirrel - Yosemite National Park-1.JPGWaterfall Lake - Yosemite National Park-2.JPGIn Yosemite National Park-5.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Waterfall Lake - Yosemite National Park-3.JPGTeasing Squirrels - Yosemite National Park.JPGWaterfalls - Yosemite National Park-2.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

Later that evening we made the hour long drive to the Mariposa Grove, a famous grove of Sequoia trees. This would easily be one of my favourite experiences in Yosemite, the size of these trees, well their huge! The older ones don’t get that much taller but they keep growing wider, gnarled and weathered with age. I find it so incredible to think that some of these trees are over two thousand years old, the Grizzly Giant is thought to be 2700 years old! The changes in the world that these trees have lived through, Sequoias are thought to be one of the oldest living organisms in the world, incredible.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Californian Tunnel Tree - Mariposa Grove.JPGGiant Sequoia Trees - Mariposa Grove - Yosemite National Park-15.JPGGrizzly Giant - Mariposa Grove-6.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

[pe2-gallery class=”alignright” ] Grizzly Giant - Mariposa Grove-1.JPGGiant Sequoia Trees - Mariposa Grove - Yosemite National Park-7.JPGGrizzly Giant - Mariposa Grove-5.JPG[/pe2-gallery]

The following day we did the easy walk to Mirror Lake, which turned out to be dry; odd that they don’t mention anywhere that this famous lake has no water at the moment. Not recommended.

We set off on the long drive to Santa Cruz.

Comments

  1. Jill Kynman-Wilson says

    enjoyed your log.
    Some spectacular places in America.
    Whats next on yur agenda
    Love Jilly

  2. Yosemite national park is one of the shining gems of the national park service and only three hours from San Joaquin Valley. The best way to discover Yosemite is to actually go and see its beauty unfold for yourself.