26 August 2011 We departed South Lake Tahoe City on another brisk clear sky morning. Our destination is Don Burnham and Sarah Duckworth's place in Groveland California. We headed east on 89 and hit roadworks as we ascended the first ridge in Stanislaus National Forest. Our reward for waiting through the roadworks was the view into a beautiful alpine meadow. After crossing the pass and descending into a mountain valley we had brunch in Markleeville.
Then we climbed even higher to the next pass and had fantastic views on the way down the east side. Riding through the valley we were getting desperate for fuel and were glad to find some in Walker. Upon leaving the petrol station Adam noticed that he had a very flat rear tire. Fortunately I carry a tire puncture repair kit and we had him rolling again without too much delay.
About forty miles further south we headed west on 120 towards Yosemite National Park. The mountains kept getting more and more rugged and majestic. This is fantastic country and we are not even today going through the famous Yosemite Valley. I couldn't help taking heaps of photos.
As we started descending down the west side of the park we got some views of the smoke from a wild forest fire burning southwest of Yosemite Park. 4700 acres have been burnt. Once we got under the smoke cloud the sky was overcast and breathing was a bit smokey but not too bad.
By the time we got down to 3000 feet in Groveland, the temperatures were in the upper 90's and we were glad to get off the bikes and into the shade and Don and Sarah's place. We rode 299 miles and in that distance traveled through several climates and an amazing variety of landscapes. Don and Sarah were gracious and welcoming hosts and we settled in for the night.
Americana for the day: having to sign for credit card transactions – come on America, get with the PIN pad
Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/T.Micheal.Young/USA201102
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