This past weekend I took my second trip to Yosemite. This time the valley was our destination and I have to say I preferred staying at Yosemite Lodge to camping in Tuolumne Meadow. No bears. Bathroom 5 feet away. Next trip, I think I'll have to step it up again by staying at the Awahnee.
All my favorite photos are posted on Flickr in the Yosemite 2013 set. Most of the ones below are specially earmarked for Bellhops.
 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls |
 |
| On the valley floor |
 |
| John, Sue & Half Dome |
 |
| Pushkin |
 |
| I didn't have a bear locker this time! |
 |
| In case you didn't know the fire hydrant was a fire hydrant. |
And of course we got a little silly with Madge and the new tripod.
We came home on Sunday, but on Tuesday I needed to head up to Santa Rosa to hang out with my grandmother after her cataract surgery. Since I was over-nighting it, I ended up booking myself at Hotel La Rose. Really like the place. Good vibe, the room nice and clean, the bed comfy (and that's saying a lot for me) and the staff super nice. I'd happily stay here again. And next time I'll hit up the whiskey bar around the corner.
The hotel is located in a historical part of Santa Rosa, across from the old train station, which is now a California Visitor Center - also staffed with nice folks.
 |
| Facade of the train station. |
 |
| Beware the garden hippo. I want a garden hippo! |
 |
| Rock collection at Santa Rosa Commons. |
