What a difference a day makes.Within 24 hours of witnessing some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable on the Pacific Coast Highway, we struck out in Yosemite National Park. We managed to make alternate reservations early this morning for Mariposa, California, which is about 30 miles west of Yosemite on Highway 140. We got the last room in town. It was Founders Day in town, so it was actually quite bustling (not to mention it's Memorial Day weekend).
The rain held off until we were leaving Mariposa for Yosemite. It rained for the 45- minute drive to the park, it rained for the two hours we were there, and it rained even harder for the 45-minute drive back to Mariposa. Did I mention that it rained? Plus, it was only about 50 degrees by the time we returned to our hotel.
I am as disappointed today as I have been in a long time. I had been looking forward to Yosemite for months, probably as much as the Grand Canyon. And, since my new interest in photography, I had visions of Ansel Adams dancing in my head. Well, I only took 12 photographs all day (compare that to yesterday, when I took 115).
Aside from the rain, Yosemite was crowded beyond belief. We spent the vast majority of our time sitting bumper to bumper in traffic, crawling along in spurts. And remember, it was raining. Since my camera is not waterproof, I only took it out a couple of times. I put the results of today's visit in the album "Yosemite Blues."
At least we can say we got to Yosemite. However, in an odd way I kind of feel like the old conundrum, "If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around to hear it, then did it make any noise?" I guess I'd revise that to read, "If a person visits a national park and doesn't get to see anything, then did that person really go?"
I made one photo of Little Red to prove I was there. By the way, I've named the Triumph "Little Red." A couple of days ago, an elderly woman at a rest area said to me, "I really like your little red motorcycle." So I let it stick.
Anyway, I don't know when I'll get back to Yosemite, but I'm determined to do so one day.
233.9 miles today. 3,635.0 total miles.
4 comments:
Hi Chris abd Vance,
To bad about Yosemite. The weather sounded terrible. I think they will let Mom come home today. She had a big day yesterday. Amy,Jennifer and Susan came to see her.--Bob
I'm so sorry about the rain and your disappointment in not really seeing Yosemite. We will just have to go back there sometime (next time- all of us together!)We love you! Amy, Erin & Evan
There's probably some kind of haiku about beautiful views obscured by rain . . . .
I wish the best for your mom, and good travels to you guys, too.
Matt
Hi there. It feels so good to be home from the hospital. Yes, I did miss your blogs and photos. So sorry about the bad day for Yosemite. Thankfully, all my tests were negative. The doctors can't explain the terrible stomach spasms that put me in the hospital. Thanks, honey, for your kind words. Love, Mom
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