| It was June 2005 when we decided to take a drive across the Sonora Pass and return via the Tioga Pass and Yosemite. On the way up we stopped at the Lair of the Bear, the summer camp for Cal alumni. Some friends and relatives were camping there that week. |
 |
 |
| We stayed for the barbeque lunch and then found a room at the Pinecrest Resort for the evening. The lake has a nice beach, boat rentals, good fishing and hiking trails. |
 |
 |
 |
While Sharon was getting dressed the following morning, I took a short hike to the lake. it was calm and only a couple fishermen were out trying their luck.
|
 |
 |
| Then we continued our drive up US108. After a brief stop at this look-out point we arrived at Kennedy Meadows and thought it might be fun to go horseback riding. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| From this point on the road climbs to the Sonora Pass at 9524 foot elevation. We had an unusually late winter (2005) and there still was plenty of snow on the ground. That evening we stayed in Bridgeport along the Walker River. |
 |
 |
| From Bridgeport we headed south along US395 and turned west into Yosemite. Near the Tioga Pass, at 9538 feet, is Ellery Lake. Then there is a gradual descent to Tuolumne Meadows. |
 |
 |
| On the way down Highway 120 we took one more detour into the valley. The waterfalls were spectacular with all the snow melt; however, along the river the mosquitoes were in full force, so we stayed long enough for a quick bite of lunch and then headed home. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
