Yet another early start for us. Had to drive up to meet the others. Can't wait to get my normal routine back - these early starts are killing me! As it was we were late because 2 elks had wandered into the road and really didn't see much point in moving out of the way.

The road was pretty smooth - until we turned right to visit the south edge of Mono Lake. That road was like a rollercoaster!!! We pulled up in the visitors' car park and sent Grumpy off to get pics and info about the lake. It's 2.5 times saltier than the sea - so salty that the gulls have a hard time swimming in it because they are too buoyant! There are calcium carbonate (limestone) rock formations in the lake formed from the springs that used to rise there. They're called tufa (too-fa). (See - not only is this a holiday, it's also educational!!!!)

On the way back to the highway I had to emergency stop when a coyote ran out into the road - there wasn't any sign of roadrunner though! We stopped to fill up with petrol before heading to Yosemite. The weather was gorgeous as we entered the park, and we stopped several times to take in the stunning vistas and awesome scenery as we wound our way up and down the twisty mountain roads.

We passed through mountains and forests in glorious sunshine. Hannah only attempted to push me off a cliff once so clearly our relationship is maturing! We took dad in our car which meant he could take photos (rather than telling Hannah off for her driving habits). The most extreme sight of the day was the muppet in a Mini Cooper who decided to overtake Hannah and I on a blind bend complete with steep dropoff and solid yellow lines. We still haven't found the ditch that said muppet must have spent the night.

Soon we reached the junction where we were to separate - G and I were heading into Yosemite Valley for a 2 night stay at a lodge while the others were heading straight to San Francisco for shopping, wineries and coastal drives (hopefully not all in the same day).

Our drive continued in the same way as we wove our way down to the valley. By the time we reached the lodge I was shattered - I had my first afternoon nap of the trip. Have a slight suspicion that a bit of altitude sickness got in there as well, but a couple of hours later I was ready to face dinner. I was asleep within about 15 mins of finishing dinner, hoping for a well earned lie in in the morning. Grumpy stayed up reading and drinking beer, so he was happy too.

No sign of any bears though!!!