Though cold in the shade, that was quite beautiful! The end of the drive , or the video of the drive, on 140 illustrated how the drop in elevation entirely changes the scenery. Jasper seemed to like being in the snow.
Can’t believe how many people are actually camping in the winter there. I’m headed over there in 3 weeks. I’m in the Bay Area and go over a few times a year. Wawoma is a nice campground in section 2 by the river. I was completely alone in section 2. It also only takes trailers because the bears have been bad and no open bathrooms.
Yosemite is one of my favorite camping places though I've only been three times due to the distance from home. Once we camped when our daughters were small. The next time we horse camped in Kennedy Meadows and hauled our horses up to meet-up with friends from all over the US with their horses. By then our dtr's were in their teens and had a blast. We rode out one day and camped at a rural camp with camp hosts. It was amazing there and a memory everyone remembers. Horses and bears are natural enemies, or that's what the camp host told us. Like you I would highly recommend it as a great family or solo vacation. It beats Disneyland for sure!
Hey!, we just saw you going thru Willits! If it wasn't you we hand at someone with the same set up! My mom has cancer so her travel is limited, so we have been watching your (and others) travel adventures...keep up the good work!
Just pulled that up on a map - it was a twin! Haven't made it up that way yet. So glad to hear you are enjoying the videos, and I wish your Mom the absolute best in her fight!
Great intro to your vids. You sound professional. You come across strong, natural, articulate and equal to any TV outdoor program host. Always a smooth delivery without fumbling over words or appearing uneasy on camera. A producer may come looking for you lol.
Fun video. Thanks for sharing. We were in Yosemite a few weeks ago with wife, niece, her four roommates from college, and our two dogs. Stayed in El Portal and the wonderful Yosemite View Lodge. Living a few hours away, we visit quite often. Also, there’s a great market at the Visitor Center if groceries are needed.
Looks like fun, I gotta gets to Yosemite soon. The Toyota seems to pull like a freight train, I love hearing the V8 pushing out the torque. Thanks for taking us on the ride.
Hwy 140 going into Yosemite is the easiest way to drive an RV into Yosemite. The closest large town to Yosemite is Merced where there is a Costco, here you can get groceries and the cheapest fuel before driving up to the park. If you are a member of Elks there is a lodge in Merced has it's own gated trailer park. That is an excellent location to get an early start to go into Yosemite. If you have a cab over camper, a smaller motorhome, or are willing to move your trailer more often you have an advantage over those needing long term camping spots in Yosemite. My wife and I recently got back from 4 days in Yosemite. All I heard is "You can't go, you can't get a reservation." Once again, rather than searching for a specific 4 night stay in 1 site we searched for 1 night stays which shows every single campsite available including multi-days in one site. In our search we could only find 2 of those nights that were in the same campsite (Tues and Wed) so we grabbed those. We wanted to say longer so we searched for 1 night again found a Thursday night stay at another site in the park, and another 1 night site for Monday night in another site. We have an older 26 foot motorhome, no slides, without a tow car so it is very easy to move from campsite to campsite. One morning we just took the motorhome to upper and lower falls, parked for the day, explored that area, and returned to the next campsite at about 3:30 in the afternoon. On the other Campsite switch we drove the motorhome to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, Since we have the motorhome with us we have our, swim suits, chairs, and drinks. So for us having the ability to move from campsite to campsite in that situation becomes a real advantage. Remember if you have a camping or hotel reservation, you do not need a special day reservation to get into the park. We have even done one night in Yosemite. The trick is just to arrive early on the first day and leave late on the second day giving you 2 full days. We created a short video of this trip that includes the drive using Hwy 140 if you would like to take a look. I hope this helps. Happy RVing Here the short video link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-c8lS3n_UJyE.html&ab_channel=gregmoor1
Just a compliment (nothing related to your video) as I noticed you must have one of the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. They are blue I know.... but it stands out and blend in with your complexion.
Once again AWESOME Video & info. I did want to comment on your "Firefall" video....Not sure if you have ever heard of the Band "FIREFALL", if not look them up/ but my best friends brother is the drummer for FIREFALL, and yes they did get the name from the fire fall @ Yosemite National Park/ just a fun fact for you....the members of the band are like brothers to me
Headed in with my BC Sunday for a couple days…..the park may have limitations because of the season but the winter months are the best time to visit the valley as in the spring ‘summer it is absolutely packed with people. So you really got to see it at its best. Also the road to glacier point and the view from there is spectacular but will be closed for the summer this year for road construction.
I have a relative who's a chef at one of the resorts in Yosemite and lives in the valley. I've been meaning to get out there for a visit. What is the specific model of your emergency garmin gps communication device? I should start carrying something like that with me on my Florida Everglades canoe/camping trips. Your always so cheerful; I find that refreshing and I enjoy your videos. I'm the same way when I'm out in nature. Morel mushroom hunting season will be here soon, so I will be getting lots of nature time in. Glad you didn't have any bad bear incident's.
@Wandering JackrabbitHey man. I love it down there. I used to put in at everglades city but have been putting in at flamingo last several trips and will probably continue doing so. I love camping and fishing around the cape sable and ponce De leon bay area.
Love that you go hunting for morel mushrooms, that's such a cool hobby. There are 2 versions of the Garmin. The InReach Explorer (what I have) that has the maps, but is very expensive. Or the Mini, which is just communication (that's what I gave Michael). Both have worked great: amzn.to/3MHSh6p or amzn.to/3i63IH2
@@TailsofWanderlust Thanks Cass. Sounds like the lesser expensive one will work for me. I actually don't mind getting lost down there at all; Sometimes I actually do it intentionally and discover the best places that way. Morel hunting is definitely one of my favorite things to do in the woods. I've recently learned that we also have chantrelles and a few other types of wild edible mushrooms and plants in this area. As much as you love cooking and spending time in remote areas, you should consider adding wild edible foraging to your itinerary. Fishing, foraging, cooking and camping just all go hand in hand and makes for the complete and ultimate outdoor experience.
Van Dam SP in Mendocino is also really nice but you must get sites in higher numbers like 31-45. Campsite #31 and #36 are the best in my opinion and I book those sites. One is a big angle to back in but I did it on first try and the privacy is worth it. The other is a pull up which is nice too.
Just found out bear spray isn't allowed in the park, so removed reference to that. That's very good to know! I have the Garmin InReach Explorer. It is a lot more expensive but it has the maps and navigation built in. You can also go for the Garmin InReach Mini which has just the communication built in. Both require a monthly subscription. Here are links if you want to check them out (they are affiliate links): amzn.to/3I6fHPp www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=52&pw=310177&mi=10060&pt=3&pri=1332242
Hwy 80 is a major, mostly wide multi-lane highway. I think is at least 2 lanes each direction between Sacramento and Reno. I don't remember it being very twisty. The last time I drove it was two years ago. It should be good for towing a trailer. It is usually open except for the heaviest snowstorms. Hwy 50 on the other had is mostly 2 lanes in the higher elevations. There is a huge climb up the side of a mountain to get out of the Tahoe basin. Great views along that stretch. The road in general is very twisty and is usually closed or chain controlled by snow storms. It's my favorite road to Tahoe, but It's probably not that much fun for towing a trailer.
Love your videos. Great views. You might want to consider removing your rear seat head rests so you can have better visibility. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing your trips.
Im wondering the same thing. Ive had my lance 825 truck camper on a f2504x4 for 3 years and love it so congrats on your purchase. Im curious about that tunnel.
TBD on the truck camper. I think so because mine is a pretty short truck camper. But once it is on the platform in the truck and all set, I will be taking measurements. Really hoping I'm under 10'!
Jasper is allowed in an Yosemite campground? Awesome!!!!!!! Thank you for clarifying that Yosemite is a "dog friendly" place. I thought National Parks didn't allow dogs!!!!! I can't wait for your camping w/Jasper vid. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😍
You’re probably loving California gas prices!😂 Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. I’m going in June and staying at the Thousand Trails because I’m a member. I love the film at the visitors center that shows the bear emerging from a car with a loaf of bread! 😂. RV park WiFi usually sucks!
I was tent camping near trailers in California's Plumas-Eureka State Park. At lunch time one day, I watched a brown bear and her two cubs amble up to a camper/moble home, and open the door. They went inside as the 3 people inside leapt out the windows! They didn't leave for quite awhile and the rangers were waiting when they came out. A very unfortunate event for the bears.
Over the years, I bet you’ve gotten used to dropping your trailer, setting up camp, then heading out to explore with the truck. With the new slide-in, you’ll have to basically take it all with you every time. What are your thoughts/feelings about that? Do you see yourself using the slide-in less often or only for specific trips? If so, is that also the reason you opted for the Airstream instead of a Sprinter van (or similar)?
Definitely going to be a change, but excited for it. Napoleon will be the least pleased as he likes staying behind and sleeping. I'm excited about bringing my RV with me anywhere so I'll always have a kitchen, etc. It'll be interesting to see after I use it for awhile which I prefer
FYI - bear spray is not allowed in Yosemite. Having the camper closed up is a good idea, although bears are not as frequent as in the past in Yosemite. The park has been very good in informing the visitors about bears as well as other wild life in the park.
THANK YOU! No one mentioned that at all while I was in the park, and just confirmed on the nps site this is the case. Updating the video now to take out that reference. Really appreciate you providing that update!
Was at REI shopping incl for bear spray a few days ago as prep for upcoming Yosemite trip They had a big sign over that section saying "Did you know that bear spray is not allowed in any National Parks located in California?" With all the bear action at Yosemite, this really surprised me. Now I'm wondering about CA State Parks, too...
@@TailsofWanderlust I worked at REI in Fresno, bear spray is available but behind the counter, you will be informed. Bears in Yosemite are not an issue if you keep food items and the like sent away from bears.
That was "cat" for -- "less talking, more door opening." If you are boondocking you really need a good cell extender. It can make a huge difference. Does not hurt to have a device from two different carriers, either.
Hahah! You're learning Napoleon's language. I have the cell extender, I just don't put it up that often because it takes work and isn't permanently mounted.
Hi Cass, I really love your videos I am soon to be solo traveling in a Tab, so I've watching and rewatching all your videos and I'm looking forward to your truck camper remodel. My question is how does google maps tell you which routes are best for RV's? Thank you
It doesn't! Be careful with Google Maps, especially getting into boondocking spots. I've had it try to send me down some crazy roads. I rely on reading reviews/other internet sources to find best routes. Nice thing is once you are comfortable towing the T@B, this will be a lot less of a worry as you'll know you can handle the road, or turn around if needed.
Not a dumb question at all, as I don't really know what the park's rules are on that and what they would enforce. I do not carry chains for the Basecamp.
Ma'am sorry to bother you but I was curious since I am looking at getting a base camp as well. are there places in Yosemite that you can camp with a with a camper in a dispersed manner i.e. you are not in a campground?
Not a bother at all! What John said, no dispersed camping in the park itself. I've never seen a National Park with dispersed camping inside it. However, there is often dispersed outside the park in the national forest. Yosemite is the same, but a lot of that dispersed is closed for the season.
You really need to get up to Glacier Point someday; the view is amazing! Also, the drive on 120 through the mountains is epic. At the eastern end is Lee Vining where you should see Mono Lake; a completely different ecosystem. Also stop in at the Mobil station there; there is a great restaurant inside - the Whoa Nellie Deli!
