Yosemite, California – 9/10/2015 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

September 10, 2015 (Thursday)

We looked outside and it was really smokey so we just lazed around and had a big breakfast.

At about noon, we looked out and it appeared to be clearing up so we decided to go for a little ride. We wanted to go to Mariposa and take a different entrance into Yosemite National Park (West entrance). Such a beautiful drive. We stopped at the Mariposa Welcome Center to ask questions about getting to the park. We enjoyed going this way much more than the way through Oakhurst as it was so much more scenic in that you follow the river. There was, however, quite a long delay as there had been a huge rock slide they are working on and we had to detour.

They have a nice visitor center with very helpful staff inside.

I am really enjoying the geology of the area.

Sedimentary deposits from a long ago ancient sea.

A huge slide wiped out the road, leaving this huge scab on the side of the hill.

One way traffic for a mile or so and two temporary bridges across the Merced River.

We got to the Yosemite National Park entrance gate (saved $30.00 again – love the Senior Parks Pass!) and asked about the rock that goes over the road. The very nice Park Ranger told us where to park, then walk, to get the best pictures. So fun!

Arch rock near the west entrance. — Arch rock near the West entrance.

We walked close to it and enjoyed looking it over.

The water looks inviting, but there is a lot of things growing in there in this warm weather. — The water looks inviting, but there are a lot of things growing in there in this warm weather.

We opted not to go into the Yosemite Valley again, but instead headed back around to Highway 41 back to Oakhurst. When we got to the road that goes to Glacier Point, I wanted to go up (even though it was quite smokey) since we might not be back for awhile and couldn’t remember ever being there. So glad we decided to go as it was spectacular. There is a hike from up at the top that you can take down into the Yosemite Valley (a little over four miles and we want to do it one day). There was also a geological display that Michael enjoyed reading about. The view of Half Dome from Glacier Point is awesome and it gives you a totally different perspective than what you get on the valley floor. Lots of people (again), which was surprising. Also from on top you could see the fire in Yosemite Valley that looked small.

The west entrance is by far the most photogenic.

Little rock wall winds with the road beside and river below.

Edie lives to see a bear. We think these signs are just a cruel tease.

Climbing up to Glacier Point the views grow.

We promised ourselves to come back after some rains and the smoke is gone.

A very lovely tan on the bark of the tree.

You just can't stop taking pictures. — You just can’t stop taking pictures.

Plague Fleas! Plague Fleas! — Plague fleas! Plague fleas!

The graphic explains the river action starting the carving and how the glaciers finished it. The long bottom picture is an artist rendition of Yosemite Valley with the glacier in place.

We left Glacier Point and headed back down to Oakhurst. We got into Oakhurst and decided to have Chinese food at China Delight. It’s was really good food and not a lot of people inside, which was nice. After that it was the hot tub, visiting with people in the tub, then back to our home. That was our day. Hope yours was great!