August 10, 2011

 Arrived in Yosemite late this afternoon after the lengthy drive from San Francsico . We passed groves of almond trees and many aquaducts along the way. How interesting to watch the land transition from the bay, to the brown dead grass rolling hills, to the steep winding mountain switchbacks as we traveled to Yosemite. Ate lunch at the Iron Door in the town of Groveland. We are staying at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Our room is very close to Yosemite Falls. The kids enjoyed climbing on the rocks at the base of this largest falls in the U.S. We drove around the valley this evening to acclimate to this very busy park. Bridal Falls, El Capitan, and the Half Dome were among the highlights. Andrew spotted a bear behind the sign identifying the location of John Muir and President Roosevelt's meeting site. Upon return to our room the full moon began to peek up over the tall granite wall and light the Yosemite Falls. Quite amazing!