Crinkly's Good Ole American Family Road Trip Day 23: Driving to the far outreaches of the park to see some water (9/19/15)

We headed into town (Mariposa) to get breakfast and groceries for lunch for the next 2 days before heading back into the park in order to explore some of the farther points of Yosemite. First we head to Hetch Hhetchy reserve, which caused us to drive through the park, exit in the northwest and then reenter at the HH area. Its a dam built back in the 20s for a water reserve for SF.

I think I see the dam. Looks so tiny from back here.

Crinkly would like to point out, it is not so tiny.

Crinkly looking out over the lake on this fine day.

Amazing weather yet again. I need a hammock right around here.

The dam with its water outlet discharging water in the distance.

Water was coming out with some force. Looked like a fire hose spraying against the rocks.

Beautiful view down the valley dont you think Crinkly?

Crinkly wants to travel down the cave.

Where we came from before we go farther.

As we exit the cave, Crinkly wanted another view of the gorgeous lake.

Still early. Sun trying to peak over the side of the mountain.

Panoramic view of the lake.

Made it to the next lake for some lunch and Crinkly wanted to sit on the rock and put his feet in the water.

Panoramic view of this lake.

Trees get browner as they get farther from the water.

Panoramic view of the plains region on the east side of the park.

Even the plains region has spectacular rocks jutting out of it.

Just another view of yosemite to enjoy the day.

Crinkly enjoyed these rocks. Apparently they were smoothed/etched over time by glaciers.

Some of the smooth rocks in the foreground with a beautiful landscape in the background.

I want to go back to the lake but we must move on.

We walk across the dam and through a tunnel to get some better views of the mountains with the water in the foreground. The waterfalls are all dried up but still beautiful. After that, we head back into the main part of the park and head up the Tioga Road to the Tuolumne meadow; this part of the park to me looks pretty different than the valley part of the park. Has lakes around with mountains that have been carved/affected by glaciers long ago. Makes for really pretty and smooth rocks. Stop at Tenaya lake for lunch before checking out the visitor station next to the meadow. After that we head down to back to the lodge to hang out for a bit in the room.