Last Day of Vacation - Sonora

Friday, September 7th

Today, we left the Eastern Sierras to venture to a new place we've never explored -  Sonora.  We had hoped to go over the Sonora Pass but it was closed due to a fire.  So, we drove over Tioga Pass, and into Yosemite once again. 

Traffic was heavy at times leaving us little time to explore Sonora and surrounding environs.  Plus, it was very hot (95 degrees).  I had hoped to visit historic Columbia State Park (where Back to the Future was filmed), Jamestown, the Railroad Park, Twain Harte and so on.  Well, we've already decided to return in the Spring!

Thanks to Donny's suggestion, we did have time to visit Natural Bridges and New Melones Lake.  Wow, this 2 mile trek proved difficult at times, especially navigating a rocky path.

It leads to Natural Bridges, home to limestone caverns that have been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake. ... The trailhead is off Parrotts Ferry Road.

Wowee, it was super fun.  Initially, it's shallow but quickly becomes deeper.  We weren't ready to take the full plunge.

The water felt refreshing especially with the soaring temperature.

Loved every minute of it.

We also stopped at New Melones Lake.  Can't wait to bike it next year.

The lake seemed endless.  In the evening, we had a great meal at a local restaurant.  I also had a super Barbara from a local winery - Hatcher.  That was a pleasant surprise. A nice way to end our trip.  We visited the farmers market before leaving Saturday morning.  Wow, they had eggplant the size of my fingers.  Returning to traffic infested or is it congested Bay Area was a let down.  Oh well.  Til the next getaway!