To Fresno and Bakersfield

Nice sunny day for travel yesterday.  We started late and drove to Fresno-Clovis to visit cousins.  John had a full day fishing. John and Joyce treated us to some fresh strawberry shortcake and ice cream. Then we headed south to Bakersfield. 

John built the treehouse for his grand kids. 

BAKERSFIELD

Using the GOOD SAM online directory, we found the very BEST RV park  we have stayed in yet. Very neat and clean and loaded with amenities.  We started this morning with a nice Jacuzzi bath. 

It is the Bakersfield River Run RV Park. First Class operation. 

The second photo is the riverbed of the Kern River. Dry as a bone. Not a drop of water running. 

Our last day in Yosemite.

We camped in a dry campsite last night. No amenities but severe warnings about leaving out food that would attract bears. $5000 fine. They provide a bear proof steel food locker. 

We viewed EL CAPITAN AND it was so inspiring. 

We visited Yosemite Falls and they were in full glory. Lots of spring runoff and a wind blowing the spray. 

TREE TIPPING

I tried my hand at cow tipping in Oregon. So I decided to try TREE TIPPING here in California. As you see from the photo I almost got one over but Ellen made me quit before a Ranger came. 

We toured the amazing stand of Redwoods at the Mariposa Grove 

A day in Yosemite

We were emersed in beauty today 

So much to see. Here are a few photos. 

CUT THE MUSTARD

Sometimes by chance we come across a gem or a place of exceptional excellence. That happened today. 

We got off of 99 in Lodi to fuel up with diesel. Since it was already afternoon we figured that we might as well get some lunch and unwind just a bit. We saw a place on a side road called CUT THE MUSTARD.  What a fortunate choice for us. 

I ordered a bowl of chili and I can tell you that this was exceptional chili. If you are a chili fan and you are driving through Lodi, try their chili.  My bowl was so good, that when my wife tasted mine she ate 1/2 of my chili before I could stop her. She did not want to part with my lunch. 

The service was excellent also. 

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cut-the-mustard-lodi

KOA YOSEMITE

We made it to KOA Yosemite tonight. BBQed some stuffed hamburgers. Simple but perfect meal. 

Some love and flowers for Rolly Whited

Today was a sentimental day for us. We visited her father's memorial and grave at the Sacramento National cemetery in Dixon. We brought flowers and love. 

Rolly was given full military honors in 2010. 

http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=320

In Sacramento with Bob and Lori

Ellen an I arrived in Sacramento just in time to attend the bi-monthly meeting of the renown Daby Wine Tasting Institute. 

Bob was my roommate at UCLA more than 40 years ago. 

9 wines were blinded with covers and all of the fellows of the DWTI tasted and graded each of the wines. Ellen and I were allowed special-guest tasting privileges. And what a treat it was. 

Today Bob picked a peck of sweet grapefruit for us right in his back yard. They were very sweet.