We finally took a trip to Yosemite. I have had reservations for a while, in Upper Pines CG. From L.A. County on the 5, over the Grapevine, and stopped at Pyramid Lake for a look at that plus the little museum.
It was a long drive up to the 99, and stopped in Bakersfield for diesel. From there to Fresno and changed to the 41. The 41 was good until we got up into some elevation and it started raining, then that changed to snow. We kept on going as long as the snow didn't stick to the road. However, just as we got to Fish Camp, there was an accident and we stopped to chat with the CHP. He told us we would be turned back at the YNP gate if we didn't have chains. Therefore we did a U and came down to Oakhurst and bought chains, turned around again and arrived at the South Gate at YNP. We were told we had to put the chains on right there, but I didn't as the road was only wet, not snowed.
A few miles along and we did get plenty of snow so I did put them on, and about 9 or 10 miles later the road cleared so I removed them and proceeded to Wawona and stopped for diesel. Its expenive there just as expected because it is in the Park. From there got right down to the Valley and hunted around to find our campsite.
Next day we hiked up to Vernal Fall.
Plenty of rain that night, and temperatures in the low 30's.
Next day we took the Mirror Lake Loop, all the way to the bridge over the Tanaya River, then back down. Again temperatures in the low 30's
The day after that we visited the Ahwanee Hotel and the Yosemite Lodge. That night it snowed and temperature got to 29 F.
Each night we used the generator and the gas heater for a couple of hours. The temperature was good enough to last the night but the house batteries just didn't seem to keep a good charge, so our propane was running low.
We visited the Yosemite museum, the Indian Museum/Art Gallery and the Indian Village, took pictures of deer, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome with snow on it, and lots more.
The last day with low propane and the Mother Ship covered with snow we decided to exit the Park, particularly because the road to Mariposa Grove was closed, plus the120 and the 41 required chains, so we took the 140, which was 99% smooth 2-lane blacktop and the elevation reached 2,962 feet at one summit. It was the only elevation sign I saw.
Now I have to get the house batteries tested and maybe charged, although the chassis battery seems to be OK. I don't know if the charging problem is because the batteries are worn out (but seem very new) or the cold weather prevented them from functioning.
MOTHER SHIP Winnebago View 24H (2007 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Chassis, 2008 Body)3.0 L M-B Diesel V6 bought used with 24K miles. Toad: ROCKY the Flying Squirrel.
