Day 37 - (09/08) Lee Vining, CA

Today was another short move.  We went 60 miles south on US 395 to Lee Vining.  The town looks out on Mono Lake and is the town closest to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. 

We had a nice breakfast at Meadowcliff Restaurant, visited with camping neighbors (Lee & Judy Castleberry) from L.A., and headed out a little after 10am.

It was sunny, the road was great, and traffic was light.  The terrain was quite different from earlier days, and it changed as we climbed.

Surprise of the day ... unleaded regular gas at $5.189/gallon in Bridgeport, CA.  We paid $5.089/gallon at a discount station less than 100 yards down the road.  Oh well, we're in a remote area and we're a captive audience.

It seems no day out here is complete without having a steep grade to navigate.  Today's was 6% and went for miles.

Mono Lake drew double "wows" when it appeared unexpectedly as we rounded a downhill curve.

On the way down

From the information center outside Lee Vining

This little fella tried a stand-off with Carol.
(Note: he's the one that got shot.)

The Mono Vista RV Park is on US 395 as you enter Lee Vining from the north.  It's convenient,  clean and has excellent rest rooms and showers.  Our site is small and close to the next one.  Most that we've seen are good size and well shaded.

Site #16

We had light showers in the afternoon.  We explored "downtown" Lee Vining anyway.

The museum showed a town attraction

Of course the plaque is upside-down, too

Prices are high here, too.

Carol was drawn back to the lake for sunset pictures.  The wind picked up and storm clouds moved in while we were there.

Sunset at the information center

flowers are still aglow

Something's brewing

over Paoha Island

and Negit Island

We got occasional updates on the OSU game from Barbara Stevenson and were happy to hear of a 31-16 win over UCF.