Autumn in Yosemite

Last Saturday morning we set off from Way & Kevin's home in SF to nearby Berkeley to get our indian food fix in before the trek to Yosemite. Vic's Chaat Corner is one-of-a-kind. I normally would beg May to order chicken-tika-massala but this place doesn't serve the normal dishes, they serve "chaat" or street food. No idea what any of the items on the menu are, but the food is tasty... a helpful addition to the menu would be pictures (even better, scratch and sniff).

The drive from Berkeley to Yosemite was only about 3.5 hours with lead-foot-larry (aka Way) at the wheel (jk!). We got there in plenty of time to enjoy the last few hours of sunlight in the valley floor where we stopped to snap some pics of the fall colors and friendly Mule deer. Night #1 we spent in Curry Village (no connection to our lunch) - these are heated and insulated "tents" (more like cabins than tents really). Despite the near freezing temperatures at night we were toasty warm with the heater. I'm not sure why, but I don't think any of us slept that night. The beds were a little stiff and I think all of us were too scared to go outside and brave the bears to use the restroom. Alas, no bears to be found in the morning... good thing Kevin took the threat so seriously, jettisoning all non-essential food, chapstick or anything else that could possibly attract a bear or squirrel.

Day two was a beautiful crystal clear fall day. We decided to all rent single-speed bikes and ride the trail around Yosemite valley. I would highly recommend it despite the $25 per person cost. It was about 12 miles round-trip along flat ground with breathtaking views of the waterfalls, meadows and rocky walls. May enjoyed that the bike trail was pretty far removed from the main roads. Night #2 we spent at the Yosemite lodge which had much nicer accomodations on the valley floor than the cabin... but the bathroom was arguably on-par with the Curry village camp ground. We decided to get a drink at the old and famous Ahwahnee hotel. Beautiful location below the cliffs, but quite a bit outdated throughout... not worth the $400 per night. When we returned to the lodge we decided to eat-in and visit the ol' caffeteria next door. More pizza and burgers for the weekend... the nature was healthy for the sole, but the food in Yosemite not-so-much.

Day three we decided to drive up to Glacier point (7K foot elevation) to take advantage of the beautiful weather and snap some pictures of Half Dome. Unfortunately we spent a good chunk of the morning parked - waiting to drive up the mountain in-between road working crews. But the wait was worth it, picture-perfect views and amazing vistas overlooking the Sierra Nevadas. I can't wait to go back when there is snow on the ground!