So after two thoroughly enjoyable and action packed days in San Francisco we headed off this morning on the next leg of our journey to Yosemite National Park. The drive took us out over the Bay Bridge which was five lanes of fast moving traffic. It was only when half way across that I realised that there wasn’t any traffic coming the other way and that it must be a double decker bridge with the other five lanes above us.
The landscape slowly changed over the four hour drive from the dry hills of San Francisco to something much grander and greener as we approached Yosemite. The problem with a driving holiday is that someone has to be behind the wheel, supposedly concentrating on the road rather than the scenery but that is very difficult to do when the vista is so amazing.
I have seen many images of Yosemite, particularly now that Apple have started to name their operating systems after features in the park. However, no picture can do justice to the sheer scale of the landscape here – everything is just huge. It is an incredibly beautiful place.
We had been advised to stay in the park which I am glad that we did for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the nearest accommodation outside the park is probably an hour away and while the drive in is stunning it is also slow. The second reason is that where we are staying, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, is just like Centreparcs only the view from our patio is a huge waterfall.
The lodge also provides useful advice on how to handle the local wildlife:
If a black bear attacks while you’re in Yosemite, fight back.
I’m hoping not to have to put that to the test.
We have a full day in the park tomorrow and so will be out and about.
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