It's unfortunate a lot of people can't prepare themselves to deal with the heat. This axtra-ordinary piece of land is a place of beauty. It's amazing the vegetation and wildlife that survives in this environment. Our previous visions of what to expect were completely overturned and we felt a special privilege of having experienced such a phenomenal place in North America. Viewing this desert from the seat of a motorcycle in it's harsh conditions was an ultimate experience.
Looking south to Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level
Riding north towards Stovepipe Wells after a visit at Furnace Creek visitor center
The temperature upon arriving mid morning
The temperature 15 minutes later as we left for Stovepipe Wells.
Before leaving California we were determined to ride through Death Valley, just so we could say we did it. Heading north on 178 at Trona we found the road closed due to washout. Consulting with the local sheriff we learned we would have to spend the day getting to the east side to enter the area. So we did. As can be seen we had no trouble keeping up with the traffic.
The only little town in the middle of nowhere we stopped at was Shoeshone, before turning towards Nevada and a hotel in Pahrump. Yep, spelling is right. We learned this is a town retired Nevada Police Officer's retire to.
We only went through one tank of gas today, but, what a day. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park will be a memory along with all the other parks we have experienced. Roads that motorcyclists crave and scenery that impresses, but features hard to realize.
Standing between to giants...
Standing with the giant. Not the tallest. The oldest, largest, living thing by volumne on earth.
Riding through the giants.
The valley and Kaweah Reservoir filled in the spring from runoff in Sequoia Park. The reservoir prevents flooding and provides irrigation for the agricultural farming below it.
August shows the reservoir greatly depleted. The spring water line should be evident.
Oil field approaching Bakerfield, CA.
Well, we had to say goodby to the girls, "Chaz" and Braeden this morning. It was a great week with them in the San Francisco area. Our day was long and hot passing through the agricultural plains across the centre of California. Nothing to see today but orchards and crops. But tomorrow we are back into the mountains full of BIG trees.
Sunday and Monday were two long days and overwhelming. We made the four and a half hour ride to Yosemite Park and stayed over a night in the charming little town of Mariposa. Arriving at the park in the afternoon, we did a cursory check of the valley and then picked locations for closer viewing the following day. We couldn't help but stay longer than planned on Monday and had to ride into dark returning to our booked rooms back in San Fran.
Arriving in the park by the center route, called the Arch Rock Entance
First view of El Capitan upon entering the Valley Floor.
Unfortunately in August, only three of numerous waterfalls have flowing water. It was still special to see Bridalviel not much more than a trickle, but still awesome to photograph. The second picture below taken by "Preacher" turned out a special.
Lots of wildlife in the valley, including bears and mountain lions. Feeding of any animal or bird is forbidden and strictly enforced. Minimum fine $5,000.00
The famous Half Dome in the background
A full picture of the Valley Floor. The park roads, transportation systems, village, lodges, museum, camp grounds and parking areas are hidden by the vegetation.
The location of our last view of the valley before we had to depart. This is the first view for visitors arriving by the south entrance as they exit a long tunnel. What an impression it provides either departing or arriving. We were thankful we came across it on our way to future adventures.
Hanging around Fishermen's Wharf and Pier 39.
America's Cup racing is on during the month of August.
Seals have their own wharf
You can't go to California without checking out the coast of Big Sur. The day ride from San Francisco passed through the agricultural valley of Monterey and the spectacular homes with views in Seaside and Carmel by the Sea.
The pic of our two bikes approaching Big Sur was taken by the co-pilot "Braeden" of our support vehicle.
New hand signal communication being developed.
Lunch at "Nepenthe" on Big Sur.
Coastal view.
On the way home from a full day tour we had to fill up at famous "Alice's Restaurant".
What's the first thing the girls want to do, yep shop. Fisherman's Wharf, historic and bustling. Lot's to see and do.
The guys waiting in the park and carrying the shopping cache.
The girls return with more goodies, some of it chocolate.
Taken from the rear of the cable car climbing the hill and returning to Union Square.
Disembarking from a historic ride
Today was more of the northern California coast and then across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. WOW, what a view of the bay and the city. We couldn't believe the amount of sight seeing public on foot, walking across the bridge. We arrived at our hotel and got settled in before "Chaz", our missing mate, his son Braeden, and the wives arrived to see the sights of central California with us.
Lots of tight twisty roads on the coast..
