NorCal Trip Report

 8/30- No issues on the flight to Reno.  I did have a long layover in Dallas but that enabled a sit down lunch.  There was a bit of a delay with the rental car but I still got to Tahoe by late afternoon.  My hotel was in South Lake Tahoe, just across the
California line.  I could have done one short hike but elected not to.  Instead, I simply walked through town then had a sunset dinner at a restaurant on the beach.

8/31- I wanted an early start because I figured that crowds would be an issue on a holiday weekend.  First stop was Inspiration Point in Emerald Bay then on to the Eagle Rock trail.  This trail was longer and more strenuous than I expected but the reward was a crystal clear lake that actually reflected a mountain.  Awesome!  

The plan was to take a dip in the water at Kings Beach on the north side before lunch.  Unfortunately, I was too late.  At 10 AM, lots were already full and the road was jammed.  I decided to try my luck elsewhere.  Maybe, the Nevada side would be less crowded.  Traffic wasn't bad but lots were full and street parking fees were $30-40.  Not worth it for just a quick dip.  I did do one more short hike on the Cave Rock trail.  That was really cool too.  

After driving all the way around the lake, I headed west to the Bay area.  That proved to be a good call.  It enabled me to see San Francisco's Dolores Park at dusk.  After dinner, where I met a real nice local couple, I went back to see it lit up at night.  My hotel was in Oakland because it was a shorter drive in from Tahoe and out to Yosemite.  I wasn't impressed with Oakland but it was probably a good call.  I was only there to sleep and there was a BART station just 2 blocks away.

9/1- Took BART to Union Square then walked to see the Painted Ladies.  Fans of Full House and Mrs. Doubtfire know it well.  After a rare sit down breakfast, where I met another nice girl, it was off to Oracle Park for a Giants game.  Giants lost 7-5 but it was a pretty good game in one of the best ballparks.  From there, it was a quick tour of Coit Tower and Lombard Street then a walk down to Fisherman's Wharf.  From there, it was 3.4 miles to the Golden Gate bridge.  Too far.  I settled for Crissy Field, just 1.2 miles away.  Nevertheless, the sunset views were amazing.  After a late dinner, I took a cable car back to downtown then BART back to Oakland.

9/2- Drove across the Golden Gate bridge into Marin County.  First stop was Stinson Beach.  I arrived at 9 AM and this was early enough.  I just walked on the beach for a while until it warmed up a bit.  I forgot to pack my wetsuit so I didn't expect to last long with a water temperature of 61.  Surprisingly, I did find it tolerable and caught a few decent rides even without a board.  Fortunately, it was sunny with calm winds and I had access to a warm car shortly thereafter.  

Next stop was Tamalpais State Park where I embarked on two more hikes.  The second one was pretty strenuous but again, the views were worth it.  From there, it was about 45 minutes to Battery Spencer, still in Marin County.  This location is probably the best view of the bridge with the city in the background.  It was now late afternoon and I went back across the bridge into San Francisco.  I did go to Golden Gate Park but only stayed a few minutes just to say I was there.  I didn't want to venture too far because I was afraid of getting lost.

  

Next I went to Lands End, where I was treated to more views of the bridge then just down the hill was Ocean Beach.  I waited for the sunset then drove back to Oakland.  I was afraid of driving in San Francisco but the traffic was not as bad as I feared.  Car break-ins were not a concern because all of my stuff was in Oakland.

9/3- Left Oakland for a 3 hour drive to Yosemite.  This park requires reservations on weekends and holidays.  Fortunately, the day after Labor Day wasn't a problem.  The first hike there was a bit of a bust because the waterfall was barely dripping.  Still, the road provided some real nice views of Half Dome.  The area around Glacier Point made the trip more than worth it.  

I exited the park via Tioga Pass, which goes up to nearly 10,000 feet elevation and is only open in the summer.  I got to see some nice mountain sunset views on the way out and made it to my hotel in Mammoth Lakes just after dark.  

9/4- A bit more of a chill day.  The plan was to play it by ear as I had time for unfinished business at either Tahoe or Yosemite.  I opted for Tahoe.  This time, there was parking available at the beach for only $10.  Like SF, the water was chilly but tolerable and offered beautiful mountain views.  Though there were no waves, the water was crystal clear.

From Tahoe, I went to the Old West town of Virginia City for a walking tour.  Nevada has a different vibe and is much more arid.  I got to Reno just after 5.  I stayed in a casino but I don't gamble.  It was nice to have restaurants inside but I just don't care for that atmosphere.  If I had it to do again, I would have spent more time in Tahoe, then would have had dinner in Virginia City and then got an airport hotel in Reno.  Still, this was definitely an all time great trip.  As you can see from the pictures, there was nary a cloud in the sky the whole trip.