Lee Vining, CA

Well, here we are in beautiful downtown Lee Vining, CA.  I'm not sure there is a downtown or an uptown, just a town.  One of those poke and plumb towns, by the time you poke your head out the window, you're plumb out of town.

Left Reno a little after 1:00 p.m. and headed south on 395 through Carson City, Minden and Gardnerville, crossing into California at Topaz.  It was a beautiful clear day and we had spectacular scenery all the way south.  Driving along the Eastern side of the Sierra was fantastic with one view more beautiful than the last.  Still snow-covered mountains and the rivers and streams were running full.  Quite a change from the last time when you could have walked across Walker River or Carson River - now you would be taking your life in your hands just wading into the rivers (needless to say, we didn't try that).

Stopped at Antelope to take some pictures of a beautiful array of poppies (California's state flower) and then into Walker where there is a Firefighters' Memorial along the side of the road.  It originally started as a memorial to a C-130 crew who lost their lives in a plane crash fighting a wildfire.  It's grown as passing firefighters have left mementoes and tee shirts from their various fire stations.  Pretty impressive.

Stopped at Conway Summit (about 8100') for a view of Lake Mono and the White Mountains in the distance.  We visited the Lake Mono Visitor Center and took a short (very short) hike around the grounds.  Lots of flowers blooming - thanks to the recent rains.  Even Lee Vining Creek is running full.  We're staying at the Yosemite Gateway Motel on the main drag.  At first we were disappointed with the room because it opened right off highway 395.  However, it had a back door and porch where we could sit and enjoy a view of Lake Mono, while sipping on a glass of wine.  Tough life!

Walked across the street for dinner and then strolled around town (short stroll).  Tomorrow we'll head for Tioga Pass and on into Yosemite.  Later this evening I'll either post a link to our pictures or send everyone a link to OneDrive.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=818E29B8DE16F57A!10106&authkey=!AN6Cg7Rvf3sMIiM&ithint=folder%2cJPG

Reno, NV

Well, it's the end of the Memorial Day weekend and we are heading over to Yosemite and Monterey on Tuesday.  We're looking forward to seeing Yosemite while there is still water in California to come over the waterfalls.

Our next post should come from Lee Vining, CA at the gateway to Yosemite.  Appropriately enough, we are staying at the Yosemite Gateway Motel - how's that for cleverness!

Hope you enjoy the blog as much as we plan on enjoying the trip.  Photos will arrive either in the blog or via our OneDrive - we'll let you know.