Odometer: 59,815

Time: 09:00

In the morning the temperature is still nice – it’s somewhere in the 80s F (ca. 27 Celsius).

First on the HWY then on small roads we work our way inland towards Oakhearst which is just south of Yosemite National Park. As we drive the temperatures start climbing and go as high as 118 F (48 Celsius). Even at 7:30 pm in Fresno it is still 113 F (45 Celsius). Today we only got out of the car when needed and to get ice cream!

The landscape along the way is in most parts very dry (obviously) and for miles there is only bare grassland without any bushes or trees. In some areas though we see some orchards: Walnuts, prunes, peaches, strawberries, olives, oranges and probably more. Approaching Oakhearst, which is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet (600 Meter) there are more and more bushes and trees (oaks) again, but the temperatures stay in an unbearable range of over 110 F (43 Celsius). We stop at two lakes, they are both reservoirs and offer a welcome change in the bare almost desert like environment and a refreshment for the people spending their weekend out here.

Already early afternoon we arrive at Oakhearst, where we would like to stay overnight to be close to Yosemite tomorrow morning. The first Hotel we ask has a rate of $99, second Hotel, the same – Oooooppps, might not be such a good idea to stay here! There are hardly any small privately owned places, that could offer cheaper rates either. So, we take HWY 41 south to Fresno, which is 47 miles away and certainly offers much better rates.

A bit more than an hour later we check in at a room for $50 including tax at the Super 8 Motel!

Overnight Stay: Super 8 Motel, Fresno, CA

Dinner: Sizzler (Salad and ice cream!)