December 23, 2008

This morning we were again surprised that it was sunny. We left Sacramento around 8:30 and started the drive towards Yosemite. We found out that the tire chains we bought only had two in them and we actually needed some for all 4 tires. So after looking for another Walmart, we found one in Lodi. Of course since we took the worng exit looking for it the CCR song definitely came to mind. Oh lord, stuck in Lodi again…
We stopped at the McDonald’s in the town of Merced (which I think is mentioned in a Dr. Seuss book). I think that is probably the only place in california that serves Sweet tea. It was just like we were at home. We changed highways in Merced and entered no man’s land before we began to climb the mountains. We stopped for gas and again changed highways in Mariposa. We hit hwy 41 in Oakhurst. 13 miles from Oakhurst is the South entrance of Yosemite and a mile from the entrance is Tenaya Lodge. There was no snow in Oakhurst and the reports on the California highway information line had said the day before that we would need tire chains from Oakhurst to Fish Camp. As we drove higher into the mountains we saw more and more snow. The kids were getting very excited. As we got a little higher there were several people who were pulling over putting on their snow chains. We decided not to because several people were coming down the mountains without them on. It was a good thing we didn’t because 500 feet later we were at the lodge. There is snow everywhere!!!
We found out in the lobby that the reason the roads were better is because it rained last night and a lot of the snow melted. We have heard that the higher elevations have as much as two feet. Can’t wait to see Yosemite tomorrow!!!
After we were checked in, we got all decked out in snow gear and went out to play. The lodge has a ton of green space that was covered in white. After about an hour we decided we were cold and went inside to check out the indoor pool and hot tubs. We then need some food so we ate an early dinner about 4:30. After dinner we donned the snowgear again and headed out to the ice skating rink. We skated for well over an hour and the kids had an absolute blast. After the skating rink, the kids grabbed some sleds and slid down the hill right next to the rink. We were all exhausted by then and returned to the room for showers and bed. There is no free internet at the lodge so these posts will be late.