MONTANA CANADA TRIP - Day 1. Oakland -> Lee Vining

Oakland - Yosemite - Lee Vining

We got an early start from Oakland and drove straight east – through exurbia, over the Altamont Pass, through the Central Valley and finally into the Sierra Foothills in time for a late breakfast at Big Oak Flat, near the west entrance to Yosemite. Weather was cool and cloudy, threatening t-storms which never materialized, but I’m really glad I brought warm clothes.

Though our planned route through Yosemite was straight over Tioga Pass, at the last minute we decided to drive through the Valley floor, and I’m so glad we did. Words ... and even photos are inadequate to share the majesty of the scenery, but I try. Here is one of the valley floor.

Our valley floor detour got us to the High Country late in the day when the light is delicious, though the weather was cold and rainy. (At 9000 feet, what can you expect?) The sun was low enough to peek through and to get so great photos.

Jonathan booked us a cabin in the little town of Lee Vining, right on Mono Lake. Lee Vining is a charming town -- at least in the summer -- and we've stayed there before. Here are some fun photos from this little town in the high Sierra.

More photos

Accommodations: Lake View Lodge, Lee Vining ***