Just got up today and my thoughts are miles away with you

Yosemite

Driving out from Death Valley was more desert, but getting a bit greener with plains full off scrubby little bushes (oooer).

Then I saw my first joshua tree! There were loads of them later on. Sadly their name has been sullied by tedious musical leviathans U2. But don't let this put you off, they are still cool (the trees not U2!).

We drove past a huge lake that is now a salt flat thanks to the excessive water demands of the west coast and then we started climbing towards Tioga Pass. We saw our first snow on the way (it was August). Tioga Pass is the eastern entrance to the Yosemite national park and is at a height of 10,000ft. Somewhat higher than anything in the UK. We pulled up just inside and had a sit by a lovely green meadow and lake.

It all felt very relaxing. We assumed we were nearly there when we pulled in at an information place, but we still had ages to go!!!

We gently worked our way down through tall trees and broad green meadows towards our goal. On the way we passed a small river and had a bit of a paddle.

Just before we reached Yosemite Village we passed El Capitan (our second of the trip) a great big rock face. If you look closely enough you can see climbers.

We got to our base and checked in. The dude on reception asked if we were 'bear aware'. I love that term, he said there are often bears in the car park at night. This led to me wandering around the car park in pitch black at midnight hoping to see one. Alas it was not to be. But I did see the Milky Way.

Outside our room we did see a Blue Jay though. Check the high hair on that mofo!

Next day we decided to go for a little bike ride around. Very relaxing and beautiful. We found a great big bear trap, a bit like sized up mouse one (not the neck breaking ones!!! surely that would be madness) it was like a skip.

We also saw a coyote wandering around. This one is easier to see. Can you spot it?

The highlight was a beautiful view of the most famous sight in Yosemite Half Dome:

A completely different experience to what was before but fantastic still.

This was definitely going to be a close run thing with the Far East for my best ever holiday.

Whilst we we showering and getting ready a squirrel snuck in and took a few bites out of my hershey bar! Only reason we knew was bite marks.

So it was back in the car and we set forth for San Francisco.