Today it was time to move on to Yosemite Park for two more days of adventure. Unfortunately,  the weather was not going to cooperate, for today at least. We stopped in downtown Mammoth Lake at the ‘Breakfast Club’ for a hearty breakfast of Eggs Florentine, County Biscuits with Gravy, Omelets and Scrambled eggs. 

They had a similar sign to one we saw earlier in the week. Must be a trend!

 

Across the street was Rick’s Sports shop.I lost my Badger Trail baseball camp and was looking to buy on for use while hiking in Yosemite to keep my pate covered.

Greg strolled across to Rick’s, told him I, Rick, needed a hat and he gave Greg one for me . . . FREE advertising for him and a FREE hat for me!

We drove back up to Minator pass today hoping to see the ride of the Sierra Nevada’s but it was fogged in because of the rain. But on the way up we could see it had snowed the night before. Ski area is not open yet but it’s the first snow of the year!

More than a dusting. Glad the bike trip ended yesterday!

On the way down we saw this sign . . .

. . . and stopped to see the associated fault. The Mammoth Lake area is a hot zone for earthquakes!!!

We drove to the Tioga Pass entrance of the park and as we climbed it stopped raining. It was still cloudy but as the low clouds lifted the . . . 

. . . scenery was stunning!!!

The boys met Gehardt, the famous photographer Ansel Adams nephew,  and received a quick lesson in neutral density filters!!!!

We headed down the trail for an 8 mile round trip hike to North dome which is directly across form the famous, Half Dome. Except for Greg who wasn’t sure he wanted to go!!!!!

A GREAT view of Half Dome.

A slightly different angle. How could this natural beauty be improved . . .

. . . put several members of the mmbbt (madison mountaineering, biking and bowling team) in front of it!

On the way down we had to scale some BIG timber. It had been 4 miles down to the overlook and instead of going back up the hill to the car BillyB decided to continue down the mountain 8 miles to Yosemite Village where we would be staying for two nights. We would meet him in the bar!

We had been hearing about bears for the last 9 days and with our limited ‘old guy’ vision we thought we saw one in the distance. Fooled again!!!!

Once back to the trailhead, we motored down to Curry Village where we would be staying for the night. BUY . . not without a stop at the other famous Yosemite landmark, El Capitan. Stunning in it’s size!!!

Curry village has several hundred platform tent dwelling to rent and ours was #529. Each tent comes with a bear box to keep all food and ANYTHING that smells in it. Bears cannot open them.

Cots,  chairs, two blankets, sheets, a room safe, and showers and bath down the hall. Almost luxurious!!!

Happy hour in the tent. Break out the booze!!!

BillyB FINALLY showed up from his long hike. It started raining heavy about an hour into his three hour hike down to our camp. Luckily he had his rain gear!!!

Into the lodge we went for dinner. Not fine dining but very hearty and with the addition of dessert . . . we were happy campers!

It was then time to check out the Activity Lodge where all the seats were taken. We would try it again a  little later!