(September 8 – written by Dave) So much for it being a rest day.  Based on advice from Inge and Fran, we decided to get up early and walk the famous Mist Trail past Vernal Falls and on to Nevada Falls.  Some signs said that this was 5 miles, some said that is was closer … Continue reading Yosemite Valley – no rest day

(September 6 – written by Nancy) Wow, what a difference a day (and elevation) makes!  Last night the temps got down to 36F – at least that was what it was when I was finally forced to get out of the tent around 6:30.  It was a pretty cold night – we even got out … Continue reading Down into the valley – Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley (97//5366k)

(September 6 – Written by guest blogger Pete) On a day when you climb a 9,945 foot pass and enter the iconic Yosemite National Park, it is hard to start at the beginning and not jump into the majestic scenery of towering granite monoliths, clear and cold running streams, vast green meadows, white snow cirques … Continue reading Channelling John Muir on the Tioga Pass to Yosemite – Lee Vining to Tuolumne Meadows (34K/5269k)

(September 5 - Written by Dave) With a short day planned, we had a leisurely morning.  I finally got Nancy to put down her book around 7AM. Couple this with free coffee at the Willows campground it felt downright civilized.  My thoughts of calling it an unofficial rest day were dashed by the 7 mile … Continue reading Mono Lake – Willow Springs to Lee Vining (37k/5235k)

(21 August – written by Nancy) Another quiet, bear-free night in the campground last night, notwithstanding the warnings from the campground staff when we checked in.  We were supposed to have a sleep-in, as we had a short day planned, but Pete was up with the sun so we got up to join him for … Continue reading Riding through the eclipse – Truckee to Kings Beach (44k/4935k)

(Written by guest writer Pete) I am happy to be the new intern for Leave Without Pay.  It is a temporary assignment.  Which is probably a good thing.  The application process was rigorous.  I have heard that the senior editor is very picky (advice from Dave), and that the junior editor can be a bit … Continue reading A Champion’s Day – Graeagle to Truckee (81k/4892k)

(Written by Dave) I’ll keep today’s post brief.  We had a stunning morning riding up to the 8,500 foot Lassen Pass, in the middle of Lassen National Park.  We had close to 3,500 feet of climbing by 11AM.  The morning was cool and the scenery was amazing.  I stopped too many times for photos but … Continue reading Mt Lassen visuals –Lassen National Park to Lake Almanor (103k/4713k)

(Written by Dave) We awoke this morning to smoke in the campground, but rather than forest fire smoke it was smoke from fellow campers, the early risers, who gotten up and re-kindled their campfires. We’ve started to notice a real difference in campgrounds and RV parks.  These days, RV parks are full of mostly retired … Continue reading Mt Lassen approach –Burney Falls to Lassen National Park (71k/4610k)