~ The Crown Jewel of the Sierra ~

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space." — ANSEL ADAMS 

Riding my 2019 Indian Springfield 
Yosemite National Park.

Time moved slowly as I approached my first tight curve on my Indian Springfield.

 

Once, on a trip from California to Texas, somewhere in the wild New Mexico badlands, our daughter, Lori, asked, “Dad, how many

miles have you gone so far?” Without hesitation, I replied, “I don’t know. I don’t count the days or the miles—I count the moments.”

 

That’s where I find myself mentally as more curves appear—I can’t see the forest for the trees.

 

Sometimes, breathtaking views pop up in blurred seconds. I was hoping for a pullout, but there weren’t any. Then, as I exited the

Wawona Tunnel, the first glimpse of grandeur was before me.

 

I was in awe.

 

Yosemite National Park.

 

In the distance, I saw iconic treasures—El Captain, Half Dome, and Bridal Vail Falls. The Artist Point Trail is a moderate trek for more

scenic park views.

 

I love meeting other bikers on their journey.

El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls.
Yosemite National Park.

There were other bikers taking timeless pictures. Without the cumbersome small talk you might experience when traveling by car, bikers

talk freely. We exchanged information about the road behind us and the road ahead. These connections bonded us without ever exchanging

names. One rider said, “Watch for rocks on the road ahead.” The riders were traveling from Utah. We took each other’s pictures.

 

I love these moments—camaraderie with a common cause.

 

After the bikers left, I thought about Ansel Adams, whose remarkable eyes captured breathtaking views like those before me. Regardless

of his talent, I felt he did exactly what I’m doing—staring in disbelief.

 

I’m not in a hurry, so I sat on the granite rock wall in silence. 

The view was breathtaking.

Yosemite Valley Floor was spiritual.

Heading towards Yosemite Valley Floor.

I didn't stay here, but what a view.
The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park.

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"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter." – JOHN MUIR

Without John Muir's vision for what National Parks could be, President Theodore Roosevelt might never have experienced the magic of Yosemite Valley.

  

  * * * * * * *

 

"There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias...our

people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their Children's children forever, with

their majestic beauty all unmarred." – THEODORE ROOSEVELT

 

Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir on Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley in 1903.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Their bond and love for these natural wonders helped protect and create Yosemite National Park—California’s second National Park and third

in the National Park System.

 

I worked 35 1/2 years for the National Park Service, and this is my first visit to Yosemite National Park on a motorcycle.

 

Years ago, well before my first visit to Yosemite National Park, my mother wanted to see Yosemite. Honestly, she didn’t know what Yosemite

was. However, she knew it was special. I was attending San Jose State at the time when they paid me a surprise visit. On their way back home

to Barstow, California, the thought came to her to see Yosemite.

 

My dad, my sisters Elva and Susan, and my brother Wilfred came along.

 

When my mom saw the first park ranger on the Valley Floor, she mustered the courage to ask, “Sir, where is Yosemite?" She was expecting

to see an object.

 

The ranger, taken aback by her question, replied, gesturing widely with his arms, “Madam, all of this around you is Yosemite.”

 

She then understood. At a picnic area along the Merced River, she decided to dip her toes in the cool water to remember the moment. She

later explained to me that she couldn’t believe how beautiful Yosemite was. She said it was perfect.

 

I’m not planning to wade into the Merced River, but rather I’ll be walking along the Valley floor, snapping tons of photos before heading to

Tamarack Flat Campground, where Denise has arranged for us to camp.

The Wind, the Open Road, and my Motorcycle. This is my mantra.
Photo by Denise Griego.

 

Tuolumne Meadows is a peaceful, pristine meadow that calls us forward—we grab our lunch and start exploring.

 

We love hiking in paradise.
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park.

Tuolumne Meadows is a high elevation oasis.
Yosemite National Park.

There are other motorcycle riders enjoying the higher elevation.

Tuolumne Meadows is a high elevation destination.
Yosemite National Park.

These bikers out enjoying Tuolumne Meadows.
Yosemite National Park.

 

The Tioga Pass Entrance Station is at 9,945 feet, and the views are breathtaking as we descend towards Lee Vining, California. There, we join

Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra.

Tioga Pass sits at 9,945'
Yosemite National Park.

Lee Vining, Gateway to Yosemite National Park.

 

The ride from Sabrina Lake is awesome.
Photo by Denise Griego.

Highway 395 is a biker’s paradise. Sabrina Lake, located 19 miles west of Bishop, is at 9,128 feet.

 

My brother, Gilbert, and I once rode our motorcycles there and camped at the peaceful Sabrina Campground.

 

The night sky was filled with a billion stars, and as we looked up, we noticed two lights moving slowly—one small and one larger. We followed

them across the night sky, wondering what they could be.

 

Later, thanks to Google, we figured out that those lights were the Space Shuttle leaving from the International Space Station, two hundred and

fifty-five miles above Earth.

 

In the morning at a cafe in Bishop, the locals were chatting about something from outer space visiting Earth. We simply smiled, having witnessed

a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. Can you imagine? Two bikers looking up at two space ships, separated by 255,000 miles!

 

It was a bit chilly that night without a tent, but it was so worth it with our space sighting.

Before descending into Bishop, CA, it's time to reflect on Yosemite National Park.
Photo by Denise Griego.

 

Erick Schat’s Bakkery in Bishop is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious baked goods.

Denise Griego. Erick Schat's Bakkery.
Bishop, California.

Pick a desert, any desert.

 

Goodale Creek Campground is perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet, with plenty of camp sites to choose from. Lone Pine boasts the

Alabama Hills and the Lone Pine Movie Theater, all nestled under the watchful gaze of Mount Whitney (14,505’), the tallest mountain in the

“lower 48” states.

Goodale Creek Campground is peaceful and inspirtional.
My favorite campground, just off Highway 395.

 

Soon, I’ll head west on Highway 178 over Walker Pass towards Lake Isabella before descending into Bakersfield, and eventually home in

Three Rivers.

The trip is almost over; I savor the moment at Lake Isabella, CA.
Photo by Denise Griego.

 

“Would I make this trip again?”

 

"Absolutely!"