Lake Tahoe

Is the largest alpine lake in North America and certainly one of the most scenic.  I skied Tahoe back in the 80s and as I recall you could go down one side of the mountain into California and the other side of the mountain into Nevada.  A great area for hiking, water sports, and games of chance.

Reno/Sparks

I am finding the Reno area a very pleasant place to stay.  It has all of the amenities that you would want and if you pick the right casinos, there are some incredible deals on meals.  It reminds me of how Vegas was 30 years ago.

The Sparks Marina RV Park is one of the best places I have camped  and at $175/week is a great value.  I am extending my stay another week or two.

Virginia City

A Victorian-era mining town that is now a Historical Landmark.  Samuel Clemens, a/k/a Mark Twain, used to work here as a reporter for the local newspaper when it was the "Richest Place on Earth".  Some say the gold and silver mines from the Comstock Lode financed the Civil War.  Old West saloons, shops, museums, and restaurants housed in 19th century buildings make it a great place to stroll the board sidewalks.

Yosemite National Park

You definitely want to put Yosemite on your "bucket list". Towering rock formations, incredible waterfalls, and giant sequoias make it one of the most spectacular parks in the country. The high elevation roads were closed so I was unable to see Glacier Point or drive the Tioga Road across the park (will have to save that for another day). Here, perhaps more than anywhere else I have been, photographs simply do not do the experience justice...

Yosemite Valley in the background
(click on photos to enlarge)

El Capitan
(climbers take 4-6 days scaling this vertical rock - imagine sleeping there)

Half Dome

Lower Yosemite Falls

Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls

Grizzly Giant

Sequoia National Park

On my second attempt I got to see the giant sequoias including General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume).  I did not take as many photos as I would have liked as part of the route was under construction and had a vehicle length limit of 22 feet.  My truck is 21.9 feet.  Add a little snow and ice into the mix and you can understand my reluctance to stop and take photos.  They closed the Generals Highway at 7,000 feet due to snow so I was unable to see Kings Canyon.

Sequoia National Forest

My first attempt to see the giant sequoias via the southern entrance to the park ended with:

Still, it was a pleasant drive up the mountain.