Death Valley and Yosemite

Lake Manly from Dante's View

We set out from Loma Linda in the RV – Bruno & Simone rented a Leprechaun 22’ Ford, and came down the coast before getting to our place. Sunday afternoon we drove over Cajon Pass, via Barstow

to Las Vegas, where we stayed at the Circus Circus RV park. Simone and I were seated around the table, and my view was this window over the sink.

my view from back seat

We enjoyed having a look at the Venetian, and the fountains at the Bellagio.

First thing Monday morning we were back on the road with big blue skies. There had been 3” of rain causing major flooding in Death Valley a week before, so many of the roads were closed. From Dante’s View we could see the lake at Badwater below (pictured at the top of this blog). We had a lovely lunch after watching a tarantula close to the viewpoint, climbed up to the ridge, then headed further into the park. 

At Zabriski point the rock formations form fascinating contours. Shortly thereafter we reached our campsite for the night, Texas Springs, close to Furnace Creek. We explored the surrounding bluffs and watched the sunset from the hill.

Zabriski Point

The 2 buddies at Texas Springs

We didn’t know what to expect regarding crowds since high season in Death Valley begins in October, so were happy that there were only a few campers. It was a quiet night (after the country music at Furnace Creek finished up) but not particularly dark – the moon was full! By now we had somewhat of a routine, with Bertuzzi’s in the back, us above the cab. We would have our breakfast early, and get out to see the country.

Tuesday morning we drove to the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes and hiked around, then stopped at Father Crowley overlook where we had a great view of Rainbow Canyon and two F16s on a training flight. Later they  passed just over our heads as we drove west on highway 120 – quite a start! 

Mesquite Flat Dunes

Owens Valley

We had a few hours in the Owens Valley, west of the Sierra Nevada, as we headed to Mono Lake. Lunch by the duckpond in Bishop was memorable, and we enjoyed the wonderful bread, Gipfeli, und Mutschli from Schat’s bakery. The views of Whitney and the other 14ers, capped with snow, were spectacular. 

We had the last hour of daylight to explore the tufas at Mono Lake before camping there. Most of the day had been overcast, with lots of wind during the night.

Wednesday dawned cloudy as well, with snow in the forecast, so we were super relieved to find Highway 120 over Tioga Pass open. It started raining soon, and by 6000’ or so it was snowing. Conditions were fine for our fearless driver, and after brief stops at the pass and Tuolumne Meadows, we were at our first destination, Tuolumne Grove, by 11am. Simone wanted to see sequoias, and this stop was difficult: signs of the 2013 fire were all around us. There were wonderful giant trees to be sure, but the charred remains of many of their fallen comrades were just sad. We were glad for our fleeces and scarves, and didn’t stay long. We decided to also stop at Merced Grove, and there it was a much more peaceful and happy experience. The fall colors were also beautiful! Wolfi polished his vertical panorama technique, and on this 3+ mile hike we experienced rain, hail, thunder, lightning, and yes some sun. Lunch in the camper upon our return was warm and good.

We proceeded to Yosemite Valley, and on the way we were again driving in significant snow, thankfully without incident. When we arrived we went to the Yosemite Hotel by the falls to make arrangements for the hike on the following morning. Rather than take the shuttle up to Glacier Point and hike the Panorama trail, we decided to drive up in the RV and be able to make several stops. It was pouring, and our plans to roast hot dogs over the fire were squashed. But we had a cozy & delicious dinner inside.

When we awoke, and really before going to bed, it was crystal clear! We had blue skies for exploring Yosemite, and what a gorgeous day it was. Sentinel Dome, base of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, all 

were wonderful. By early evening we were headed on the crookedest road ever to _ where we spent the night. Friday we dropped off the rig and hopped on Bart, and had a few hours to go up to Marin Headlands, the Presidio, and Golden Gate Park before heading to the airport.

Bruno drove all 800 miles and we are grateful for his good judgment, quick reaction times, and the comfortable ride. It was such a fun trip! We are amazed yet again at the beauty and diversity of our surroundings.