Waterfalls were gushing and with the temperatures in the low 70’s – we experienced Yosemite Nirvana. The trees even had a fall like quality in all shades of greens and yellows with the brilliant sun lighting them up like Christmas trees. Deer scattered across roadsides and along many of our trails – whilst many people stood in front of us with their cameras….We hiked the Nevada Falls trail (which included the Mist Trail where one easily can get soaked at this time of year); Yosemite Falls (though we only made it about half-way due to our late timing); and The Four Mile Trail (highly recommend the views from here of Yosemite Falls) – also did not finish the latter as not enough time. We have some hikes to catch up on our next visit.

Here we experienced WEATHER in all of its extremes. Upon arrival shivering rainshowers (so glad that we were not in a tent). Then large hail pounded for hours on our camper (again, so relieved we were not in a tent).For entertainment though we turned the volume up on our ‘camper stereo’ and danced (in a very narrow aisle) – not too many moves are possible yet one way to spend a stormy evening.  In the morning we noticed snowfall in some areas yet with the sun now beating down it would soon melt. We went out for a hike to Tokopah Falls through Cedars, Firs, patches of snow, ice, and puddles. We hopped boulders with snow covered backdrops – saw marmots (looks like a cross between a bunny and a huge squirrel) and then a black bear (with brown color – always perplexes)  - Mr. Bear was too busy enjoying his graze to be bothered with us so we went on our way unphased….(with hearts palpitating)! On our return the fog began to roll in and then became so thick we could barely see in front of us. Glad that we were leaving the area for the Lodge at Kern River – a long drive yet we welcomed a change of WEATHER. (We had lots of chilly rain throughout our trip). We arrived at at the Lodge at Kern River at nightfall and yes, during yet another rainfall. So our visit to this area consisted of a night at Cheryl’s Diner – now granted the fourberry cobbler a la mode was worth the drive – yet we’d had enough of WEATHER.

We decided to drive out to Borrego Springs for we knew the temperatures would rise and they did. Low 90’s! When we first arrived we went to Arroyo Salado. Winds gusted at about 50 mph and we couldn’t even get the truck doors open. Not going to work. All this time chasing some decent WEATHER – and now wind! Who would have known. We decided we’d just get back to San Diego earlier and settle for the low 60’s there. On the way Jim decided that we’d at least stop at Palm Canyon Campground to check it out. With mountains surrounding this location – the winds were not so fierce at all. We could step out so we decided to enjoy the sunshine and stay awhile. We hiked the Palm Canyon Trail to the oasis and along the way observed an entire herd of Big Horn Sheep (including one very large horned Ram who ran toward Suzan at one point and fortunately, veered the other direction just in time). It is rare to glimpse these graceful creatures as they blend in so well with the rocks and often hide behind them – such timid beings. Another day we rode our bikes to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Another time we hiked to Hell Hole Canyon (the climb is deceiving – so gradual and then one looks down and it is as if you are standing on a cliff). We saw more of the Big Horn Sheep (yet relieved that we did not meet their predator - the Mountain Lion). Such a treat to take in these agile animals and watch them sipping water at the Oasis and also boulder hopping along the hill’s steep ridges. …so we finally found our WEATHER after chasing it across the state of California – found it in San Diego’s backyard!