Arrived at Yosemite Nat Park on Wednesday after a long drive from San Fran. Thought we had been conned as we drove through loads of flat land. However it was worth the wait, as we drove into the park we were amazed to see the huge granite mountains, they looked even more impressive against the blue sky. Sheer rock faces, no snow on these mountains. Unfortunately as its the end summer a lot of the waterfallls were competley dry. However the scenery was still impressive, and different to that in the rockies. Jill was pleased to see the welcome video showing bears breaking into cars stealing food! As we arrived late we just spent the night in our hotel, tv choice limited to discoery and nat geographic so it was time for Jill to finally beat Craig at scrabble. Thursday mornng we set off on our first hike to the top of Vernal Falls one of the waterfalls that still has water flowng over it. It was quite hard going, halfway up you climbed 600 steep rocky steps to the summit. At the top we had great views back down the valley. The trail continued on another 2 miles up to another waterfall but we had had enough getting to where we were nevermind trying to climb back down. Espcially for jill as the steps were nearlly up to her waist. Once at the bottom we set off on a drive to Glacier point for a birdseye view of the whole of Yosemite valley. Part way there we stopped at Sentimel Dome which was another steep trail up to a dome at 8122ft. It was well worth it with 360 degree unobstructed views of the valley and the surrounding montains. The view from Glacer Point was similar to that from the top of the dome except not quite so high. In contrast you could look straight down the near vertical cliff face to the valley below, spotting the white tents for those brave enough to risk a night with the bears. The sun set over the famous half dome and we jostled with other photographers and their tripods to get a photo. With everyone looking down the valley nobody else spotted the deer wandering behind us!!! The drive out of Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes took us over Tiago Pass the highest road in the US at 9941ft to the inch!! We had been told by Mr Knowles that this would be shut, so there was no surprise when we were faced with more blue skiy and not a sniff of any snow blocking the route. Stopped off at Mono Lake a very salty place, where salt flats surround the lake and funny rocks have grown up out of the lake from natural springs. Next was Inyo craters then devils post piles which were strange columns of cooled lava. Next stop Vegas.