Yosemite and more!

I went one my first trip with the Green Tortoise last week. It is a three day trip..but it really longer for the drivers.  We did not pick up the guests until 9pm, but I had to show up at the yard at 10am to help prepare for the trip.  Luckily, I was not required to drive. We inspected the bus (called the pre-trip) then we went off the do the shopping. Shopping for thirty people is a little more than I have done in the past, however, I was only there to help and...well hold the "smart end" of the measuring tape. :)

We got everything ready and made our way off to San Francisco. The traffic was a bit intense since it was the evening of the 4th of July.  In fact, SF was a mad house.  While we were loading the passengers it sounded like a war zone with all the huge fire works going off.  I wish I could have paid it more attention, but I was focused on our guests.  We loaded and were on our way to Yosemite. After about an hour we stop at a local supermarket to allow the passengers to prepare to sleep on the bus.  With the help of the passengers the bus is converted to "sleep mode"  and then guests enjoy a relaxing ride during the night in a fully reclined position.

We made a few stops along the way for fuel, propane, and then stopping early in the morning to allow the driver to rest and wait for the proper time to enter Yosemite Park.  With that, it was time to wake everyone  and get their first meal ready.  The Green Tortoise experience is different than any other adventure tour or trip.  The guests help in all aspects of the kitchen.  This is essential for several reasons.  It increases in the speed of meals, cooking, cleaning, etc., it promotes team building and group continuity, and it enables everyone to feel the sense of importance by having a hand in feeding their fellow passengers.   And the results...are wonderful!                                                                    
                                            

Trail made French Toast, fluffy Eggs, Strawberries, and yummy Blueberries.

Not even ten hours on the trip and he had figured out how to have a great time. 

Classic view of the Valley and Half Dome.

Devils Postpile.

Tufa spires at Mono Lake

Apparently battling bats are an issue.

If only I had better photographic equipment.

There was a lot of pride shown here by the cooks.

It was a jamb packed week. We went to Yosemite Valley, climbed upper falls, drove over Tuolumne Pass over to Mono Lake, Mamouth Lakes area to see Devil's Post Pile, and much more. In three days we accomplished more that most vacations I have ever been on. 


Stay tuned for more.  I am getting ready for a 16 day tour of the National Parks of the west.