Welcome to post number 2! This will be short, I promise. I can promise that, 'cause I do not like to write lots of stuff and I like to use media, like pictures and videos and more. So, here goes a short post.
Earlier today, my mother and I visited Yosemite National Park. We did because we are cheap and appreciated the fee-free day in celebration of the National Park Service's 97th anniversary. Departed via Hwy 140 out of Merced and drove through the haze from the ongoing Rim Fire from the North-West corner of the park. At points, it looked like a heavy fog in the distance. Also, along the route, I could smell the fire as well.
Traveled through Mariposa and a word to the wise: there is a stop sign on the North end of town near an overhead electronic sign. Wasn't there a few years ago, when I last went through the town.
During our 2.5 hrs in Yosemite Valley, my mom and I visited the Valley Visitors Center, Degman's Deli (note to self: don't ever order anything with horseradish ever again!), and the historic Ahwanee Hotel. Rode the provided shuttle to each stop. Took several pictures and a few videos.
During the shuttle ride from the Ahwanee to stop 5 to catch the parking shuttle, we saw a Cal-Fire helicopter, with prop running, on the grass, a fire truck parked nearby, and the firefighters doing something with equipment, while hikers were watching from a safe distance. I am thinking that what they were doing was probably related to the fire burning several miles to the northwest of our position. I don't know, just a thought.
Had a great time in the park, then returned to our vehicle, and left the park at about 2:30PM on Hwy 41 towards Fresno.
Stopped in Oakhurst, a community I know well from my childhood. My grandparents lived there for many years as did some cousins and an aunt. In fact, my father's parents are buried in the local cemetery and my mom and I decided to pause for a visit to their graves. What memories.
Next, we stopped for food at McDonald's and I am surprised at how much this city has grown over the last several years. I remember seeing Corky's sign shop across the street! It's not there anymore, replaced by a gas station. Oh, how time passes when we stop looking.
We continue down the road and I insist on stopping at the Chukchansi Gold Casino. Haven't been there in several years and I am stymied by the improvements and the variety of games inside. I really like the Ghostbusters game with the big screens! Wow! I play a dollar, the casino earns a buck, what fun! Best of all, my Player's Club card still works! Yeah! Oh my, time to go. About 20 minutes after arriving, my mom and I depart for home.
Down 41, right turn on Avenue 12 through Madera Ranchos and onward to home. The day is over, was a lot of fun. Gotta go back to YNP again soon!
Okay, so this post became long, but I had a lot to tell you! The next post will be shorter, I promise. He he.
View pictures and videos here
Have a great day!