And this time I had the pleasure to explore the park with Ara (Beemerchef), his travelling companion Spirit and fellow rider, Brian. I've been wanting to meet Ara and Spirit after following his cross country adventure on his blog, http://www.theoasisofmysoul.com. So when I heard that they were going to Yosemite, I asked if I could join them on the ride.
Meet Ara, Spirit and Brian and a little rock called Half Dome behind them.
Since I was coming from the west and they were coming from the north, we met in Sonora and headed through the tiny town of Groveland to the park's Big Oak Flats entrance (Highway 120).
Ara and Spirit motored slowly through the quaint town of Groveland.
Ara stopped to take a photo when he saw this cute pit bull, outside a vet's office. Two other pit bulls were spotted in town making Spirit feel quite at home.
Ara and Spirit reached the park entrance, much to the delight of the park rangers.
Near Crane Flat, we spotted this bear munching on something in a meadow. Was amazed at how close some of the tourists got to try to get a photo of the bear. I kept a safe distance away, glad to have a 400mm lens.
When you ride with Ara, plan on many photo stops. (My kind of ride!) He uses a tiny point-n-shoot digital and it works for him. Just check out his blog. He downplays his talent with a camera, but as you can see on his blog, he's got a great eye. Ara and Brian prove in this photo that no matter what direction you look, there's a beautiful scene to photograph.
We reach the beautiful valley floor. It's been over 20 years since Ara last visited Yosemite. I think he said he's going back for more in the next few weeks...Yosemite does that to you.
Ara stops to shoot El Capitan. That's Bridalveil Falls behind him.
Another view of El Capitan and the Merced River.
Everywhere Ara and Spirit go, they bring smiles to those who meet them...
...just take a look at this face and you see why!
Ara and Brian stop for another photo op...Yosemite Falls.
Dogwood are just starting to bloom.
After lunch and a walk to lower Yosemite Falls, we head up Glacier Point Road which just opened a few weeks ago. A fun, twisty road with a cool tunnel to ride through. That's Brian ahead of me and Ara in the distance.
Ara and Spirit near the end of the road with this gorgeous view of Half Dome...
...And get out for a short, scenic walk.
Meet Chris (right) from Maui and his two day old Ducati 1098S. Chris called all over the west coast trying to find a 1098S and lucked out when a Modesto dealer had one for him. He flew from Maui to Modesto to pick up his new bike and had less than 600 miles on it when we met him. He needed to reach 600 miles and then bring it into the dealer for it's first service so he was tearing up the roads around Yosemite. After that, he planned to have the bike shipped to Maui so if you ever see a Duc 1098 in Maui, I'm sure it will belong to Chris!
Every ride has an end so unfortunately, we had to leave Yosemite but on our way out, we were treated to this beautiful sunset.
Thanks Ara and Brian for a great ride!
