KOA, Coarsegold,CA:  Drove up to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir today.  Back to Mariposa and then took Rt. 140 along the Merced River down through a canyon with steep, forest-covered mountains on each side.  Had to make a detour because the road was buried by a rock slide, along with part of the Merced.  Followed the Merced all the way into the west entrance of the park.  Then the steep, forest-covered mountains were replaced by sheer granite cliffs.  And the Merced was tumbling down through the canyon amid huge boulders.  Lots of glacial erratics in the park, but more so coming in from the west. A much prettier drive coming in this way.  Took the turnoff for Rt. 120 and finally the turnoff for Hetch Hetchy.  Stopped at a little picnic area and had the lunch we packed and then continued on.  The road here wasn’t so great—especially as we dropped down to the reservoir, with steep drop-offs and no guard rails in places.  Parked by the dam and walked around, taking in the stunning views.  An amazing place.  John Muir fought the building of this dam to protect the beautiful Hetch Hetchy valley, but to no avail.  After the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco that destroyed most of their water system, it was decided they had to do something.  And so they won.  This reservoir supplies 85% of the power and water to the SF environs and beyond.  Walked around the dam for a while and then headed back.  I drove up here, so Mike drove back.  Just as beautiful going back.  Took a little over 3 hours each way.  Stopped in Mariposa for some dinner and then back home.  A beautiful place.  I’m so glad we went.

Pretty little farm up in a high valley.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir--Wapama Falls

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

View of Half Dome in the haze/smoke from the west entrance.