Adler road trip 2015: Day 23 - Sunday, September 20 - Mariposa, Yosemite, Three Rivers

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Day 23 - Sunday, September 20 - Mariposa, Yosemite, Three Rivers

Starting mileage: 6435 Starting time: 7:30 am

Ending mileage: 6664 Ending time: 5:00 pm

Travel mileage: 229 Travel time: 9:30 hours

We left fairly early to get back to Yosemite before it got too crowded. While waiting for the light controlling the one-way section due to the rock slide we were interested by a crow that was walking down the road looking at the stopped cars for a handout which he/she didn't get from anyone.

We were rewarded by a great view of El Capitan in the morning light. There were so many spectacular views as we went up the valley to the Visitor Center. At one of our stops we were surprised by a mule deer that walked right behind me. The Visitor Center has an interesting display of the geology and human history of the Yosemite region. Around noon we wound our way out though the southern entrance.

In Oakhurst, the first major town outside the park, we stopped at Denny's for lunch but left in frustration as there were people waiting and nobody at the reception desk. We went to Katie's Kountry Kitchen a short distance down where we received a very friendly welcome, good service and tasty lunch. California also requires hamburgers to be cooked at least to "medium" (or beyond). It was nice to get a side salad instead of fries.

It was 100 degrees outside for the entire trip down to our hotel - we are very thankful for air conditioning! Unusually hot temperatures are forecast for several days.

We are staying at the Comfort Inn in Three Rivers, just outside the entrance to Sequoia National Park. Along the way, there is considerable agriculture with grapes, pistachios and citrus fruit. It is quite a contrast when you see where the irrigation ends.