On this trip we did eat lunch out on the two days when the Alfa was being worked on, because we had to get going so early and Craig didn't have time for breakfast.
But we also are establishing a tradition of eating in the main dining room of the National Park Lodges we visit. Thus, on Friday, we decided to have a low-key day wandering around the Yosemite Valley and having lunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel.
It was good, but not as special as the dinner we had had there ten years or so ago. After lunch we explored the hotel and its immediate grounds.
One could imagine rich tourists playing lawn tennis or croquet on the lawn in years long past.
A sign from another time.
During our visit to Yosemite we did not see much wildlife. A few deer, this fat little Sierra Fence lizard, some quail and large ravens or crows. No bears.
Makes me feel like buying the traps was a good investment, given the Hantavirus scare in the park right now. I'm glad we didn't unknowingly transport it back to our own forest, or have one start a family in the Alfa!
Saturday was the dreaded "go home day". It's easier to get going when you have been dry camping and don't have any hookups to disconnect.
There is no dump station up at the Crane Flat campground, so we decided to stop at the Mariposa Fairgrounds on our way home. They usually charge $20 to dump if you aren't camping there, but because we had been there for two nights the weekend before we were not charged.
The dry camping went well. We were a little careful with our power and water. I wish the campground spot itself had been a little more level, but the ranger explained that because it was a natural area, they were hesitant about improving the sites.
I'm sure we will dry camp again, but not for weeks at a time like some people do.
I'm already plotting our next adventures! A short trip in late October or November, and a longer outing that will include a few days in San Diego for Christmas.
Death Valley is a possibility. Has anyone been there in the early part of January?
