If any of you watched that episode (actually 2 episodes) of Oprah where she and her BFF Gayle went camping at Yosemite, then you watched her fly fishing in the Merced River. If not, go out on the net and you can find about 5 seconds of them standing in the river.
We headed out of the house Friday morning about 11:15 and rambled down Highway 49 toward the park. Google said an hour and a half at about 65 miles. You have to go on Highway 49, then Highway 108, then Highway 120, oh never mind.
We stopped at the vista point over looking New Melones Reservoir for lunch. I took a couple shots just to record the pathetic level of the water, STILL. Since we're about done with rain this season, what you see is what you get.
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| We fished here many times |
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| Some are still trying. |
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Got Yosemite Pines RV park and set up the Clipper. Only complaint I had is that the spaces are too close together.
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| Camping |
This little gazebo in the center was the focal point of Saturday Night. Music from all era's, dancing (not us), and generally making a ruckus.
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| Center of the camping spots |
The white flowers were in the drainage ditch behind the trailer. Not sure what kind, but they look like some kind of Lupin. Just thought they were cool.
Saturday morning we got up, ate breakfast (French Toast and sausage) then hit the road for the park.
When we hit this traffic jam we were still about two miles from the park entrance. Took us almost and hour and a half to go those last two miles.
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| Saturday traffic |
I thought this sign was cute.
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| Reduce to what? |
Once we got inside the park we headed toward Yosemite Valley. By the way, the cost for a car to enter the park is $30.00. Fortunately I have the "Geezer" pass and we zipped right through the gate. Actually we did have to stop and show the pass to the Ranger in the booth. We got in free though.
A lot of places to stop and take pictures. Did I mention that it was insanely crowded? Every, and I mean every pull-off was packed. We shot photo's as we drove by. It was crazy.
This is the first encounter with the Merced River, I think. In any event, no fishing here, besides where would you park?
You can see in the picture below just how fast the water was moving.
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| No fishing here either. |
I have a lot more photo's as requested by Mike (Troutrageous!) so tune back in tomorrow for "I Wanted To fish Where Oprah Fished, Yosemite Part 2".
See you then.
I believe the number of visitor to Yosemite Valley is in direct proportion to the amount of water flowing in the river and down the waterfalls. However, the only time I've sat in traffic for that long at the entrance was during drives and motorcycle rides over Tioga and Sonora passes as soon as they both were open. And though New Melones is low once again, it's nothing compared to last year about this time. Nice that you got away in style (French toast for breakfast!).
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteFun trip, learn something everyday, Oprah fly fishing, who would have thought----are you guys going to fish the lakes or try to fish some of the streams in the park--I would think the streams would be a challenge to fish. Looking forward to part 2
My goodness Mark that traffic is horrible.
ReplyDeleteLots of water for sure.
Never been there. Nice to be going with you on this trip. Look forward to more.
ReplyDeletePam and I quit going to Rocky Mountain Nat. Park years ago because of the heavy traffic. Last year we went off season and it was great! In the meantime, drive safely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for documenting the trip in photos. I'd love to get to Yosemite one of these years. Yellowstone is this summer, so can't complain.
ReplyDeleteAnd what? No dancing out of you? I take you for a salsa guy...
Thanks for documenting the trip in photos. I'd love to get to Yosemite one of these years. Yellowstone is this summer, so can't complain.
ReplyDeleteAnd what? No dancing out of you? I take you for a salsa guy...