Stage 1: Salinas, CA to Yosemite National Park

We just spent 2 great nights in and around Yosemite National Park, seeing the expected: El Capitan, Half Dome, and  Tuolumne Meadows. (Pictures below.) We even saw a bit of the unexpected in the form of a curious and yet strangely apathetic black bear, lumbering through our campgrounds.

Even though we're probably all familiar with pictures of Yosemite Valley's major landmarks, we really were a bit stupified when brought in close proximity to such sublime (as MJ's students would say) prospects. Krieger was unfazed; he thought the mighty glory of one of the most famous national parks in America quite sufficient as a place to take his dinner. 

Heading through Nevada right now after being pulled over in Tahoe, and we literally just hit a tumbleweed. I don't think we're in California anymore...

Full Stage 2 coverage tomorrow!