Shortly after the new year we started to get some inclement weather.  What should we do?

Go to Yosemite!!  Without the trailer of course, a day trip is in order.

We live 137 miles from the Yosemite valley floor.  But how often do we go visit?  Not very.  It is a sad state of affairs, I know.

We had a free Saturday so let’s go.  Our truck has 4×4 and M/S tires.  Unless it is a level 3 chain requirement, we don’t have to do chains!  I brought chains anyway.

We left home relatively early and the weather had been stormy the day before but was clear.  But there were still level 2 chain requirements on CA41 into the valley.  That’s OK!  It will be an adventure.

We stopped in Oakhurst on the way to get some sandwiches at Vons.  Bringing our own food in is a way to show how cheap I am!  At least I didn’t make them at home.  It was pouring rain in Oakhurst, a good thing I thought.  More chances of snow in Yosemite!

As we climbed out of Oakhurst on CA41 there were more signs of snow on the ground.  We rounded the corner and found the CHP stopping people to put their chains on.  He asked us if we were 4×4.  Yes.  Were we carrying chains?  Yes.  Proceed.  It was very nice to drive past all the others out in the cold and wet putting on chains.

The road had snow on it most of the way and I had to switch in and out of 4×4, but that is a switch on the dash so I didn’t even have to get out.  It took us about an hour to get to tunnel view.  And it was amazing!

We were surprised by how pretty it was.  It snowed on and off.  A bit of rainy slush thrown in here and there.  We were also surprised by how many people were up here.

We got out and took the trail to Bridalveil falls.

We drove around a bit then had our lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge food court.

After some more sightseeing we headed back home.  We stopped in Fresno for dinner at the Shepherd’s Inn.  This was the first time I noticed how dirty the truck really was!

I would highly recommend a trip to Yosemite during the snowy season!