If the Tioga is still closed, and it looks like it might be. Here is an Idea.
Hwy180 W to Mendota and hwy33. Then J1 W through Mercy Hot Springs, Panoche to Paicines. From there if the group is hungry a short drive up to Tres Pinos, couple of good spots to eat. Or, head S on hwy25 to the Pinnacles and a picinic. From there continue S on 25 to hwy 198 and a run E on 198 to Harris Ranch for dinner, ( JIMMINI'S treat). After a full belly 198 to hwy 41 and home. About 250 miles for the complete loop.

 

Tioga Pass at 11:00 AM this morning.

 

I am looking into all alternatives. I would really like to head north. It is always the most beautiful after a storm has made everything white. But I know it is not all about me . But I am going to go over it and see if we would all like the trip down to the Pinnacles. Thanks for the route ideas Mini Chef.

Tina

 

I forgot to post that there are a few great wineries that I know of in the Tres Pinios / Hollister area avalible for tasting

 

Following up on SRTECH's posting of Yosemite's pic from the Scrippts (sp) web cam at Tioga pass. This afternoon the web cam showed at 2:00 PM that the road had been plowed. You can check it out at the following link. www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
They still have the road listed as closed. But we can always hope.

Mariposadust

 

Great! As I thought about it last night I realized that I did not feel comfortible changing the plans to make a run somewhere else on such short notice. I planned that we will still go up to Yosemite. even if all we get to see is the valley. I am hopping that the roads open and then we will head up to lee vining. As of right now I have the fallowing people listed as going. If you can not make it please let me know!

Eddie & Felicia
Suzie
Dusty
Jim & Ina
Ken & navigator
Kevin
Karen
Susan

Thanks All of you!
Tina

 

will be on that side of the hill. will try and make it. all depends if we get all the work done by Fri.

 

Tioga Pass this morning. It's still closed, but there's a chance by Saturday.

 

Yosemite Park website shows Tioga open. See my link above.

MPD

 

Sorry that link shows the various webcams. This link shows road conditions in the park. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

MPD

 

Thank You Tina for organizing and leading this beautiful run. Had a wonderful time yesterday with a group of great people.

Shelly

 

Ditto what Shelly said. Bitize and I enjoyed the day, the landscape and sharing the adventure with our MINI friends. My little MINI drove like a dream and I think she was raring to drive some more. Her assistant behind the wheel (me) however was ready to call it a day - a wonderful day! Thanks again Tina for organizing and leading the way. Until the next "most excellent adventure".....

signing off 10-24

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2122135...7622487495867/

I uploaded photos up to Flickr of the views from yesterday

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2122135...87495867/show/

Slideshow can be seen from that link

 

Very cool pics! Wish we could have been there. Maybe next time.

 

Same here. Maybe next time when Felicia doesn't have so much on her plate.

 

You've taken some great pics. Thanks for sharing.

Shelly

 

I wanted to thank all of you who came to this event. Thank you for hanging in there with me during my first attempt in leading the run. I promise I will get better at it over time. Thanks for all the positive help and feedback. I had a wonderfu time with all of you and hope to see you soon! I did not take very many picts this time but here are my two faves!