On our way back to the forest from Lake Tahoe we couldn't help but stop at Sno Flake Drive In for some amazing veggie burgers, mouth watering garlic fries, and to die for chocolate malts.

           Marc enjoyed his meal so much he      couldn't be bothered to smile for the camera!

The next day we took a hike into the Desolation Wilderness. This is quite a deceiving name as this area of the forest was anything but desolate.

The trail we took curved us along the shore of Loon Lake, a beautiful blue lake with pristine water so clear we could see to the bottom.  

The puppies had a swim (we had enough cold water at Lake Tahoe!) and we relaxed after a little lunch. During our hour lunch we saw no more than a handful of people; we basically had the place to ourselves.

Who needs a camp pillow when you have a Lucy?

That's right, I got Mama to lay down in the middle of the day!

Our campground was quite aptly named. The sunsets over the reservoir were outstanding. 

We eventually acclimated to the cold water and enjoyed a nice swim.

From El Dorado National Forest we drove South to Stanislaus National Forest. We chose Dimond O Campground because of its proximity to Yosemite National Park, only a ten minute drive.

 At Mama T.'s urging we stopped in Groveland for some farm fresh produce being sold alongside the road. Good thing we did; they were the sweetest strawberries, the most flavorful zucchinis, and the juiciest cherries we have ever tasted! Mama exclaimed, "This is what strawberries tasted like when I was a kid!"

Now at this point in our trip we had been in California for approximately three weeks. We had seen various bear warnings at multiple campgrounds and studied menacing pamphlets educating us on bear safety. We had yet to, however, encounter any trace of a bear. We were even told by our campground host that bears often came through the campground, almost every other night....

but alas, no bear. Not that we were all that keen on meeting one. 

We went on a day trip to explore Yosemite National Park. Because none of us had ever been before, we didn't quite know what to expect. I had read a lot on many National Parks, and I feel that I could easily explain why each one was special, its outstanding features that deemed it worthy of National Park-ism.

Before entering Yosemite, however, I couldn't put my finger on what exactly made Yosemite so special. Marc voiced the same question, and even Mama couldn't provide an adequte answer.

And after our day in Yosemite, I am sorry to tell you that we still cannot sufficiently describe what it is that sets Yosemite apart from the rest. 

Because Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking,

awe-inspiring,

jaw dropping,

surreal 

Washburn Point Vista

displays of nature we have ever encountered.

Glacier Point Vista

There are simply no words great enough to describe the beauty here. It has been by far our favorite park yet.

It was so beautiful in fact that it inspired Mama and I to jump, fully clothed, into the Merced River for a little after lunch swim!

 The following day we hiked along the Preston Falls trail to a wonderful swimming hole where we took a dip in the chilly water. It was a welcome reprieve from the near 100 degree weather. What is this, Texas!?!

The next day we hiked along a fire road and then decided to drive further to see where it went. It quickly became a road that only his old Ford truck could have handled!

Mama with her Merry Miracle Vegan Tart. Yum!

Although we STILL had not seen a bear after five days in "very active bear country" we did see what can happen to unsuspecting visitors who are a bit careless with their food. After walking the short trail back from Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite, we saw a man cleaning up what was left of his passenger side car window where a bear had smashed through to retrieve the food sitting on his seat. Apparently there are sneaky, quick-working bears in Yosemite.

On the way to the airport we did it! We found the only bears in California, in the Bass Pro Shop in Manteca, Ca.

Thanks for the gift card Uncle EA! We put it to good use.

It was a fun filled two week tour of California, and we were sad to see Mama T. go.

Mama, thank you so much for the good laughs, great food, and all your ditch dice! We love you!