vineyards, fruits and nature

Mirror Lake - where is the water

The long drive from Camrbia to Yosemite N.P. was not very interesting. Vineyards at the beginning. Closer to Fresno lots of fields with fruits. Fresno is big but not very beautiful! But you have to make a stop somewhere.

After another long drive we finally arrived in Yosemite Valley. We explored the park and made a little hike around Mirror Lake.
As we both enjoyed the nature so much we decided to stay for one night. Lucky as we were they had a tent left. So we camped in the woods which reminded me at my time with the boy scouts back home in Switzerland.

Nevada Falls

Early in the morning we headed for Nevada Fall which is just underneath Half Dome. Very steep but no problem for us. We were followed by squirrels. On the top ew enjoyed the view over the valley flanked by Sentinel and Half Dome.

Now we were so thirsty that we headed directly to Sonoma Valley. After this nice 4h drive we opened our first bottle of Californian wine! 

hiking, wine and rich people

As we only had 2 weeks of vacation and California is huge we had to make a plan. San Francisco, the ocean, some state/national parks and wine was essential for our trip. The flight back home was from San Francisco as well which means going back there.
The plan was to drive south ways and turn into land direction of Yosemite N.P.

Pool at Hearst Castle

On the way we made a stop in Pfeifer Big Sur State Park. It was hot like hell but underneath this big trees the air was nice. We hiked up the mountains on each side of the valley. This State Park is a must when you are near. Not many people and a gorgeous view!

We drove all the way to Cambria out southernmost point. Why Cambria you ask? I can't tell you except that the Highway to Yosemite Park starts from here.
We spent 1 night here. In the evening we went for a wine tasting at Fermentations on Main Street. Cool place go and check it out!

A crazy but very interesting attraction we visited the next day. Hearst Castle quite close to town. A museum like no other they call themselves. They are absolutely right. Mr. Hearst was a newspaper publisher and made a little money. So he bought some land only about 8400m2 (house only)  and a garden with more than 120 hectares! He had Zebras and many more exotic animals in the gardens. The house has more than 160 rooms, 2 pools a library etc. To many numbers I know. It is crazy and that is why you have to see that for yourselves. Don't miss the panoramic view over the fields and the ocean.