Day 8 - Heading into the Valley

Although there was still so much to do in San Francisco, we were all very excited to get to Yosemite, so we left the bay at around 9:30am. Surprisingly with all the congestion in the downtown area, I believed it would have taken us at least 30 minutes to get out of San Fran – we managed it in about 15 minutes. The route took us from San Fran to Sacramento and then via CA120 right into the heart of Yosemite.

After an hour on the road and somewhat outside of the bay area, we chose a dining place called the Black Bear Diner. Like a Perkins – only better! The portions were crazy and food was delicious!!

It was a beautiful drive once we got off the interstate onto CA120. The ride took us through a lot of almond groves and farming country. We stopped at one of the groves, so Moma could get out and see what an almond looked like within its shell. Halfway through the ride we hit a little farmer's market where we loaded up on all kinds of dried fruit and jerky snacks.

The place we rented was through VRBO and the owners (Holly & Jeff) of the house (Royal Retreat), gave us a lot of good prep information. Being that Yosemite is a national park – a BIG national park, there really isn’t any good grocery stores or gas stations anywhere close once you get inside. We stopped at Raleys, a California grocery chain, in Oakdale, about 2 hours out from the house. The last gas stop was 45 minutes out, however when we arrived the power was out and therefore – No gas!

Never have I been on a 5 hour drive and been through five different landscapes/micro-climates. Absolutely mind boggling!!! Every single one was just as wonderful as the next – however the last one we encountered has to be the one with the most beautiful mountain vista I have ever seen. It was hard not to stop at every turn as we approached Yosemite. Every stop had a better view and each became more amazing. Finally we stop at Tunnel View – WOW! It was the vista in which you could see all the mountain features like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Falls.

Everybody was ready to get to the place and finally get out of the car for good. We unpacked and relaxed the rest of the evening.

Ready to hit Yosemite Yalley in the morning!