Yosemite says it all. We last came here in early Spring of 2006 -- we left liking the National Park, but not truly experiencing this wonderful place on Earth! This time, with BIW, we camped first for a couple of days at Hodgedon Meadow. Pretty rustic, but since we arrived two days ahead of our schedule; we wanted to spend a couple of extra days in this National Park. We were also greeted by a great campground host who helped all of us RVers find a relatively level and large enough site.
For the first full day at Yosemite, we drove part of the Tioga Road. Too late for wildflowers at Toulumne Meadows, but had some great views at Olmsted Point, and a nice walk around part of Lake Tanaya. Just in case, the road got closed due to early snows, we figured to take the ride. We had plans to drive this entire road to Mono Lake following our week in the Valley. As you'll read later in this post; a good move!
Next to the Valley. WOW !!! Pulled into Upper Pines Campground and set up in time to meet our hiking partner, Old Sherpa (aka Ron, a hiker of the complete Appalachian trail) , who arrived hours after we did. As we all got settled for a fine dinner, the rains started; and lightning & thunder. We got over 2 inches of rain. The park needed this; and our hikes over the next few days were enhanced due to the waterfalls being reinvigorated.
Now for three days of fabulous hikes, all in bright blue sky days. First was our hike to Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and the connecting John Muir and Mist trails. With a climb of 1,900 feet and 9 miles of trails, we spent the day marveling at nature. Just Awesome!! We finished this hike with over 900 steps to get back to the trailhead. Glad we had our "sticks"; our knees did ok.
Next day we took the loop trail around Mirror Lake. This was a more level walk; good to take a milder hike for the day. Great views as we walked the woods. For the evening we took the shuttle bus to the auditorium at the Visitor Center and met Ron Kauk, a climber and his video. Watching him rock climb up El Capitan; amazing.
For the third day, we drove the RV up to Glacier point, first stopping to do the loop trail to and around Sentinel Dome. What a feeling to be at 8,122 feet at the top of the Dome, and then hiking along a ridge with views of Yosemite Valley below. What could be better than having our hikers lunch with this view!! Following this hike, drove to the Point. What views and more views.
With three more days scheduled in Yosemite, our plans changed. A major snow storm was coming Sunday night and all day Monday. Mono Lake, our destination would be snow covered and expected night time temps of 23 degrees. yikes.... So sad to do, but changed our plans. We got to spend a little more time with Ron, as we dropped him off at Fresno airport, on our way to Bakersfield for the night. No snow, no rain, and temps not going below 50 degrees. Guess we need to come back....
And we don't need this excuse. Yosemite left us with very deep feelings for the beauty that John Muir described and pushed to save for us and future generations. The last few days at Yosemite may be our most wonderful experience of our lives. Hard to show in pictures or put into words.
Made an overnight stop in Bakersfield, CA -- then onto a planned overnight at Calico Ghost Town. 
Pulled into Sams Town Casino KOA campground. An inexpensive option, which worked perfect for our last couple of days. Camp sites close together but good facilities including a hot tub to soak out our muscles from our Yosemite hiking. We even saw a movie at the local theater, took the shuttle to the "Strip", and then winterized BIW.
