Jonesin for a Ride!

After a great dinner and drinks at Larry’s, Thursday morning started off crystal clear and cool – beautiful!

Let Larry’s just before 8 a.m. and headed south on US 395 to 108…. but first a cup of coffee in Walker.

(note – click on the pictures if you want to see full size – some are panos)

Always fun to stop for coffee

After a cup of Joe, 15 minutes I was at the start of 108 and the start of the Sonora pass from the eastern side of the Sierras.

Very remote out here

After about 45 minutes of riding, and some 26% grades, I was at the top of the pass.  I forgot how pretty this pass is.

Top of the Pass

View along the Sonora Pass

These photos can not do any of the views and justice.  I wish there was a way to get the feeling across on screen.  Feeling the crisp morning air and grand vistas around the next corner is just something you need to experience.

The road gradually gets lower in elevation as we proceed west and after 60 miles, it was time to stop and take the jacket off.  Short while later I wass heading south again on 49 to head to 120, the northwest entrance to Yosemite and the Tioga pass.  After a quick twisty climb from 49 I was in the town of Groveland – had to stop and check out the bar and grill.

Groveland CA

Iron Door

Inside the Iron Door Saloon

I wonder what the stories the walls would tell

After lunch, back heading east on 120 to Yosemite N.P. and Tioga Pass.

The road going to Tioga has plenty of outstanding vista to stop at – there is a reason so many visitors come to this park as it is truly beautiful.

Finally got to the pass.  The highest one on this trip.

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass

The Tioga pass is the only Eastern entrance to the park, and it is closed during the winter

A meadow up at the pass

The ride east down this pass is one of the best I have ever been one – just love it.  The pure scope of the mountains come to life as you descend downward – it is so vast.

A lake up near the top of the pass

note where the road goes

Use your mouse to spin these photos-trying something new

Then I was back on 395, heading south towards Mammoth – but first a loop through June Lake.

The mountains along June Lake

June Lake

Finally in Mammoth at the Village area at 5:30 p.m. – time to hook up with my friends who arrived about and hour and a half ago. More tomorrow – I’m tired…

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