Yosemite National Park

Figured I might as well stop by on the way north for the summer and found a very nice Escapees park in Coarsegold. It is very hilly and pretty. The clubhouse is excellent and has Internet available there. I liked the movies you can borrow, the movie style popcorn for 10 cents a bag, ice cream and soda in the fridge you can help yourself to and pay via a drop box, WII bowling, puzzles, and other activities and dinners there. The long-termers are very nice and helpful there. As in all Escapees parks, they have a “get-rid-of-it” table you can put things you don’t want and trade for or leave a reasonable sum for something else you want. They also have a garage and tools available if you need to do some work on your vehicle before hitting the road again.

Each site is beautifully lit at night. One site has their car on display like in a showroom. Some cars sit there with their hoods popped up. I found out that is all to keep squirrels from chewing the electric wires on cars and RVs. Apparently they love to do that there but they don’t like light. They like to do it in the dark. Hmmm. Learn something new all the time. Must remind self to buy a rope light or two. There’s also a lovely view of the casino nearby at night.

While I was there I also scored a very good used solar charge controller from an ad on their bulletin board. Be sure to check those boards at campgrounds. You never know what treasure you will find there. Now I just need the solar panels and mounts.

This made a good home base for touring Yosemite National Park. What can I say? It is a long twisty drive downhill and uphill with gorgeous views and lookout stops along the way. Bridal Veil Falls will get you wet just being anywhere close which feels good on a hot day. The other waterfalls are also great for pictures. The meadow is very inviting for a rest or nap. The river calls for the adventurous to slide down her in rafts or to wade out to the islands for a picnic on the beach. The lake, while a bit of a walk for those without handicapped passes, reflects the image of Half Dome above it and the faces of happy, splashing tourists. You can rent horses there for a ride and they have plenty of camping.

There is a lot of walking to get around though there are also busses you can ride free and which go some places cars are not allowed such as to the museum. Finding nearby parking for handicapped was not easy at all and somewhat confusing. The rangers were very helpful. You will need at least 2 days in the park to really see and enjoy everything. I highly recommend taking water and a picnic lunch in with you. You might take your hiking boots or a bike too.

For more pics click here.