Just a half mile down the road from our cabin was this almost-life-size metal sculpture. Before leaving, we had breakfast at Sugar Pine Cafe,then a stop in Merced for our traveling drinks. When you’re gone for a few days, the changes at home can be dramatic, like these crape myrtles at Justin’s driveway.

We parked at our first opportunity, unloaded the bikes and rode to Yosemite Fall.As we walked closer to the fall, we heard singing. A choir of Japanese students put on an impromptu 2-song performance – it was beautiful.More riding, to Half Dome Village, which used to be called Curry Village. There are more than 400 tent cabins here – they look HOT to me.Rafters are assisted into the slow-moving river by a park employee – it was clear (and funny) that some rafters had never put an oar in water.We drove to Glacier Point, above the valley. The views were amazing. Nevada Fall, which is above Vernal Fall:Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is to the right:A better view of the valley, Half Dome barely visible at right:In the past, people have gone out onto this point of rock to have their picture taken, but now there is an impassable fence. In the background, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite is very crowded all the time, but summer is the busiest. The earlier you get started the better. First stop, Bridalveil Fall.Riding bicycles turned out to be the best way to get around on the valley floor – lots of paved paths – and parts of the park are closed to general traffic, only the shuttle bus, bicycles and pedestrians are allowed. Sweet.The Merced River:Next stop, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. The trail was only 0.8 mile but all uphill, therefore slow.Ample bike parking.The upper pool of Mirror Lake:Formerly known as the Ahwanee Hotel, it’s now called the Majestic Yosemite Hotel.The dining room:Beauty is everywhere.Yosemite Falls in the distance.It was a hot day – the 90s in the park, 104 in Mariposa. Ice cream from the Sweet Shop was a very good idea.Lots of biking, hiking, and sweating – a good night’s sleep was assured.

Adrienne and I left for a little adventure today – a few days at Yosemite National Park. Hurray, we took our bicycles!Because all the hotels in and near Yosemite were booked, we rented a cabin near Mariposa through VRBO – the Poppy Cottage.Very cute 2-bedroom cabin down the hill and across the gravel road from the owners.A very nice deck in the back.After settling in, we drove back to Mariposa to explore and have dinner.After asking a few shopkeepers about their favorite restaurant in town, we chose Castillo’s.

Yes, I ended up buying one! The Yuba Mundo is about 55 inches from wheel hub to wheel hub and would not fit on my bike rack, so Thais dropped me off at Practical Cycle in Old Sacramento and I rode it back to her house where it will stay. I am really looking forward to using it when I watch Sophia and Avery on Tu and Th afternoons.Later in the day, Thais sent me a few pictures. Rolling three-deep:Cousin Cameron also got a ride.

Every year, the Rio Linda Chamber of Commerce holds a fundraiser to elect an honorary mayor. There were three candidates running this year, each person represented a local non-profit organization and sold $1 tickets. Half the money raised goes to the C of C, half goes to the organization. Tonight, the winner was announced at a dinner held at the American Legion. The winner just received the symbolic top hat from last year’s H-Mayor; at right is the candidate from the Moose Lodge – and I have no idea who any of them are because I don’t hang out at either the Legion or the Moose, which are essentially two of Rio Linda’s bars.I supported the Rio Linda Food Closet and the three women who work tirelessly to make it a success. Catherine was their candidate.

L-R: Brenda Conover, Bev Doster Ward, Catherine Green

I met Linda and Adrienne for coffee today. Mary Gail Dorn came in with her grandson and stopped by to say hello.