On our way to the Yosemite area we stopped to smell the flowers for a few days at Lake Minden which is just north of Sacramento. We have only been here one other time but we remember the incredible sunsets and were pleased that hadn't changed.

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We decided we just couldn't miss the chocolate festival in the small town of Oakhurst. There was chocolate pudding wrestling, tug-o-war over chocolate pudding and of course a pie-eating contest.

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In July 1989 the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway was dedicated as one of the first three byways in California. It traverses ridges and meadow edges along maintained roads connecting the communities of North Fork, Bass Lake and Oakhurst. It was a wonderful backroad adventure through a region referred to as the "Hidden Heart of the Sierra". Here is a view of Fresno Dome.

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Further down the byway we came across globe rock, a spherical rock balancing on another rock. It was amazingly round! Check out Tryna with the whole world in her hands.

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This rock arch was formed by flowing water taking rock materials downhill. The Cenozoic uplift of the Sierra mountain range allowed water to run faster down-slope breaking larger rocks. Larger flows moved cobbles and boulders sculpting and forming this arch.

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This lake started out as a PG & E hydroelectric project but today is a recreational mecca unto itself. Water sports comprise the primary source of entertainment here.

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Glaciers transformed the rolling hills and meandering streams of pre-Pleistocene Yosemite into the colossal landscape we see today. Glacier Point offers a panorama of area domes, pinnacles, waterfalls and dominating it all - Half Dome.

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The story goes that many years ago a couple of dancers tripped the light fantastic on this overhang many years ago. Since there are photos I guess it really happened. You sure wouldn't catch me out on this ledge 3,214 feet above the valley floor but it does make a nice photo.

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The face of this cliff is named Royal Arches. We can see the arches but have no idea why it is so named.

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