yosoclosemite
the drive up to yosemite was gorgeous, winding up the side of a mountain with banks of thick, fresh, snow on either side, as alpine foliage drooping under the weight of fresh fall brushed the sides of the car. it was a startling contrast to the arid landscapes we had gotten used to, and served as yet another example of the spectacular diversity available around the west coast. unfortunately on arriving at the park gates it became apparent that entry without snow chains was not permissible: a hasty discussion led us to conclude that $60, on top of park fees, was simply not an option. i actually wasn't that unhappy: i would have loved to drive through, the splendidly titled, badger, but i really didn't feel that i had missed out in anyway. the drive up to the park gates had been so beautiful i was already feeling all warm and fuzzy inside (although not so much outside), so despite the obvious regret there was still a grinning face behind the wheel as we retraced our steps back down the mountain and towards san francisco.after yet another long, straight, drive we got to the city. one of the joys of having floydie on board was his map reading skills, and after a few wrongish turns and a cup of tea in marin county i found myself navigating my dodge over the golden gate bridge... long, red, iconic, and inexplicably pleasing to encounter. pausing only to negotiate lombard street, the windiest road in the world and cracking fun to drive down (especially stuck behind some 4 wheel drive behemoth crashing into hedges and the like), we checked into the hostel and dumped the car. it had served us well, but i'd spent more than enough time driving and was ready for some manual foot power.
posted by bicrom @ 3:28 pm
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