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Route to Yosemite via Big Oak Flat Entrance

After crossing the San Mateo Causeway, the old salt flats visible, and the BART which runs in the centre of the highway I rose from 700ft at Oakdale following the South Tuolumne River to 5,00ft at the entrance to the National Park. Obligatory fitting of snow chains on the tires had been declared so out in the cold to install. Much quicker with a little experience this time. Rising yet again and at the highest point reached 6,250ft before descending into the Yosemite Valley floor at 3,800ft. (See Photographs) (See Video) 640x480 3.8MB (See Video) 640x480 2.7MB (See Video) 640x480 2.0MB (See Video) 640x480 3.9MB (See Video) 640x480 4.3MB

Yosemite Floor

The approach to the Park promises much but the reality far exceeds ones expectations. The valley floor is level but on all side towering granite columns dominate. The waterfall is spectacular being the fifth highest in height in the world. The whole is a remarkable creation of nature that has to be seen. (See Pictures) I stayed the night in the Pines camping area on the valley floor, with snow forecast for the night under the granite piles of the Royal Arches. (See Map)

Snow

I discovered that there was a photography walk at 9:00am and decided to join in however the 2 inches of overnight snow and continuing snow through the day put paid to that.

Bright and Sunny

Sunday arose to a superb sunny day and I spent some time photographing and videoing. The sheer size of the granite walls is hard to perceive unless one is there, very, very impressive. A beautiful place.

As I was sat waiting for the sun to move I noticed movement on the right, I turned and saw what I thought was a cat. As it passed about 4 metres behind me I realised that it was to big to be a domestic cat. I grabbed the video and camera and took some very quick shots. it was a Bobcat, about the size of a small dog. (See Pictures) (See Pictures) (See Video) 640x480 2.0MB (See Video) 640x480 2.7MB (See Video) 640x480 4.5MB (See Video) 640x480 3.0MB (See Video) 640x480 3.9MB (See Video) 640x480 3.5MB.

I left the Park via Route 140 following the south fork of the Merced River, Petrol here $3.05 per gallon, the most expensive yet