Two Miles and Four Feet from Home: Yosemite Day 2

OK last night was our most uncomfortable night yet. We missed the camper and its mattress. We did not bring our blow up mattress since we would not have many nights in the tent. Anyway we got up got some breakfast and headed out for a day of adventure. There were no showers at our campground and the bathrooms were iffy at best so we headed out directly after breakfast and after about 45 minutes we were at Bridalvail falls. We had to hike the trails that would allow Jasper and this was one of them. We pulled in the parking lot and were instantly greeted with the shade and coolness that they provide. We could hear the falls in the distance and walked the trails with just a handful of people. One of the benefits of getting an early start is beating the crowds. We arrived at the falls and headed out to Wananoa. We wanted to see the lodge there called Big Tree Lodge. It was built in the last 1800'sand was very much still in use today. Yosemite is a big place and this would require another 45 minute drive. We drove the curvy roads and finally ended up at the Wawona Big Trees Lodge. It had a huge fountain out side but had a very rustic look inside. We walked the grounds and then put Jasper in the car so we could go check out the lodge. I love the way you are allowed to go in the lodges even if you are not staying there. While I am sure the rooms were full hardly anyone was there so we could really get a feel for what it would be like to stay there. This place is really beautiful in its own way and is just like stepping back in time. It reminds me of my Great Grandmothers house in Stuart Virginia. Anyway after checking it out and visiting the visitor center we heaedd back to the valley. So we had checked only two things off our list and it was already almost time for lunch. This is a big place! Anyway we decided to go to the lower falls next and then maybe grab some lunch. We went to the parking area and it was full so we went to the overflow parking area and it was full. The only option was to go to the next parking area that required a shuttle to bring you back. Sine that was not an option we asked a Ranger what we could do and he said to try the Valley Lodge that was actually by the falls. He said it was probably full but that they had to leave it open since the guest had to go in and and out and maybe we would get lucky and find a place to park. Sure enough we followed his advice went in with fingers crossed and found a place just as someone was leaving. Problem solved! We headed out to view the lower falls. By now it was super crowded but still beautiful. Jasper loved getting out of the car and as usual loved the attention that he got. We walked the lower falls trail and viewed the falls and then followed the trails as they went through the woods. The falls were amazing and after the trail ended we decided to go get lunch at the only place that had WiFi. After walking another half a mile we ended up at the restaurant only to find it closed due to a kitchen fire. We went further down and ended up getting a burger and fries at a fast food type place then got a dessert at the store. After eating lunch and people watching we decided to go back to the campground. It was already 4 and by the time we got back to our site it would be about 5. It was a beautiful drive and when we arrived at our campsite we decided to open the camper and get the mattress out and see if we could get it in the tent. It took about 20 minutes and it fit just perfect so we had the problem solved and we would be sleeping good tonight. I took a short nap just to try the mattress out. It worked perfectly. Around 6 Lyn cooked dinner and by 7 we had a fire going and had dinner while sitting around it. We went to sleep around 9 and except for thinking about bears we slept pretty good. Tomorrow we are headed back to Northern California. Pretty much back the route we came from yesterday. Looking forward to getting back on Highway 1 and seeing what it has to offer.