Almost there!

March 11, 2008:

Last time I wrote, I was leaving Rye Patch State Park and heading into Yosemite. Before arriving at Rye Patch State Park in NV, I drove through Salt Lake City, UT and then the salt flats - where I was sure I was going to run out of gas! Obviously, I made it across unscathed. So, a photo of a salt flat and some pictures of my camp at Rye Patch - one of my camp, and then an overlook of the campgrounds.


I pulled into Yosemite just before sunset. The sun washed the landscape with gorgeous, warm colors. I didn't stop to photograph any sites because I was worried about finding a decent campsite. Most sites were flooded due to snowmelt. I managed to find a dry camp, with a fire ring, picnic table and a bear box. I cooked dinner on my tiny campstove. Dinner was Lipton rice, an apple, orange, some carrots, and a piece of dark chocolate. I set off to build a fire and met a man who is a geologist at the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, CA. Small world, eh? His daughter was at the Yosemite Institute Camp where they teach children about the great outdoors. I sat around my fire for awhile then retired for the night. I was pretty tired and slept well. The temperature this night was in the upper 20s/lower 30s F.

March 12, 2008:

I woke early, packed up camp and headed off to explore. First, I found Yosemite Falls. I hiked to the lower falls which was no huge feat - it's handi accessible. Then I caught the free shuttle to Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake is breathtaking! While on the trail, I met Duncan from the UK. He has a fancypants camera and it turns out he's a wedding photographer! His work is amazing; you can view it here: www.duncankerridge.co.uk A shameless plug for a nice man. We hiked back to Yosemite Lodge where we shared coffee, then parted ways. I went on my way to Bridal Veil Falls then set off to leave the park for San Francisco. There is major road construction in Yosemite with a one-way road. I stopped at the light for about 30minutes. During my wait, I struck a conversation with the family in front of me. It turns out, the man is a fish biologist for a private research firm. He gave me his business card and wants me to keep in touch! He was familiar with the work I'll be doing in Oregon. Really small world! Picture time!

Sentinel Dome from Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Falls from Yosemite Valley

Mule deer on the trail to lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake

Me at Mirror Lake, courtesy of Duncan Kerridge

Half Dome from Yosemite Valley (I will climb this someday)

I drove down the mountains into the valley. I stopped in Tracy, CA at a Motel 6 for the evening. I did not enjoy myself here. I would have been more comfortable camping somewhere.

March 13, 2008:

I woke early and high-tailed it out of that seedy motel! I couldn't pack fast enough. I experienced the wonderfully immense traffic jams of big city California. Yee haw! I finally crossed the Bay Bridge at Oakland into San Francisco. So exciting! I drove down the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf and parked my car. I walked down to Pier 39 to give a good morning to the California Sea Lions. Lazy sots, they are!

I ate brunch at Boudin's per the recommendation of the fish biologist in Yosemite. Clam chowder and sour dough bread. Yum! I drove up and down and around the streets of San Francisco. I went to Coit Tower and to Telegraph Hill in search of the famous parrots. They weren't taking visitors, so I left. I stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge to take pictures of the bridge and of Japanese tourists. One couple thought I was nice enough to have me in their photos as well! Ha! So, picture time!

California sea lion at Pier 39

Golden Gate Bridge from Coit Tower

Telegraph Hill

Flower in the garden, Greenwich Steps, Telegraph Hill

Me at Golden Gate Bridge, timer shot!

After leaving San Francisco, I headed north into Muir Woods. On the way, I passed Black-necked Stilts in a marsh. Muir Woods is a beautiful place - though a little too touristy. Picture time!

Black-neck stilts

Me in a Redwood tree, Muir Woods

Redwood crowns, Muir Woods

A quote I relate to, Muir Woods

Redwood sorrell, Muir Woods (especially for Grandma - Happy St. Pats Day!)

Wild turkey on the Pacific Coast Highway

I continued north from Muir Woods to Eureka, CA where I stopped for the night in a hotel. It was raining and I was too exhausted to search for a suitable campsite.

March 14, 2008:

Today, I'm heading north to Redwood National Forest for some hiking, then to Klamath Falls, OR, if I have time. I want to spend some time along the Oregon Coast. There is a lighthouse I want to see and gray whales are migrating northward - I would be tickled to see them!

I hope you all are well. I miss you a lot and will update the next time I find free wireless internet.

Cheers!