Park 15: Yosemite National Park, CA:  The 130 mile trip to Yosemite took us through familiar country, reminding us of happy days living here in the San Joaquin Valley.  Although we had visited Yosemite, we were still awe struck at our first sight of the mile wide, seven mile long canyon from the tunnel view overlook!  This granite panorama which encompasses El Captain, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and the 620 foot Bridalveil Falls has been called the most photographed vista on Earth!

Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View

Yosemite Falls

Our stop here was brief as we have enjoyed this park with our girls several times, but the stay at the historic Awahnee, which opened in 1927, was a first.  Although we had reserved a cabin just yards from the lodge, because of some glitch, we were given a room in the main lodge adjoining the Presidential Suite.  We had use of the large private balcony facing Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, so we didn’t complain too much!  Sunset cocktails on the balcony were followed by a delightful dinner in the timbered candlelit dining room with 30 foot tall craftsman style windows showcasing the giant sequoias against the jagged granite cliffs.  After two nights in a tent, this was pure luxury!

View from room balcony

Odometer: 5,999 miles!   

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls