February 27th 2012:
By Day Three of our California road trip, I’d put the chains on the car for Sequoia, taken them off to get back on the 99 to head to Yosemite, then had to put them back on to make our way into Yosemite Valley. For any of you who have ever had to put chains on your car, you know it sucks – the second time putting them on outside of Yosemite was in 3 inches of ice and snow, which left my fingers fumbling like I had attached 2 lbs of Jimmy Dean sausages to the end of my knuckles. Trying to attach the frozen chain connectors, with popsicle fingers, deep in the wheel well left me grumbling – but fortunately the skies were clearing and our day in Yosemite was starting to look less ominous.
By 10:30am when we rolled into the valley, all the snow clouds had left and gave us a near-perfect day to drive around the valley floor. The roads around the valley were clear of snow and ice, but I’d be damn if I was going to take off the chains only to have to put them back on a few hours later to leave the valley. We drove around slowly and bumpily – and no one complained, especially me.
Most the trails and roads were closed, but we did manage a hike to the base of Yosemite Falls, a visit to the Ahwahnee Hotel, and picnic with a view of the falls. Christina was astounded by the majesty of the valley, but was exceptionally impressed that she didn’t have to plan any of the trip so far. She kept repeating that she felt like a baby having Felicia and I take care of her, while all we really did was pack lunch and do the driving. Yet, I guess after spending most of your life looking after others, it’s great not to have to stress about those little things.
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