Bailed out of Yosemite this morning

[JudyJB]

I ran my furnaces (front and back) all night to keep warm because temps dipped to 24 by early morning. Then when I woke up, I discovered my house battery was almost dead and my generator would not start--did not even turn over, just clicked. That was it.

I had been seriously thinking of leaving early because of the cold and damp and grey skies, but this did it. In addition, I had had to go all over the park yesterday to find internet service. I did not mind paying $5.95 but not happy that the visitor center guy had sent me first to free internet at Curry village. (I had originally been told I could get a signal in the visitor center.) Took the shuttle, walked around trying to find the right building, only to discover that only a certain number of people could be on at once and it was full, plus being really weak signal. So on to the Yosemite Lodge, where I paid and then enjoyed a drink and cookie in the café. By the time I got back to RV, I was beat. I did visit the museum and Indian displays, but skipped the Ansel Adams place because I had been there about 15 years ago and was cold and tired.

I had hoped to take a tour to Wawona and Glacier Point, but there were road closures and no tours were running, other than the valley tour, which was booked. The snow was pretty and it was an adventure, but I do not recommend going there this late in the season. I'd have been fine if I had gone three weeks ago as originally planned or when Beth was there.

SO I am back at Hensley Lake for a few days before returning to Napa for my procedure. It is sunny and relatively warm here, and I have power for satellite TV and my internet is working.

By the way, there is Verizon and AT&T cell voice service in Yosemite via roaming, but no data whatsoever. At 3:00 am I was able to use my phone to access a couple of things online but it was very iffy.

[Bethers]

I actually did send some emails from my phone while at Yosemite ... so my data was working in places.

Sorry for your bad weather there. Sandi and I were very lucky as we changed plans from going to Alcatraz to going to Yosemite at the last minute, and it was a brilliant move (thank you Sandi!). I would have enjoyed one night of the snow and playing in it, but doubt I would have stayed as long as you did. (And I just bought tickets for us to do the night time Alcatraz tour later in November - which I didn't know about and doesn't start again until then).

BTW, one of the things I emphasize to people is that the furnace pulls a ton from the batteries - and will drain them as yours did. For a hint to start the generator when that happens, start your rig. That will send enough boost to the house batteries to get the generator started.

Happy travels.

[mtngal]

Sorry to read your Yosemite visit was a bust!
I do hope you will get to try again when the
weather is better (and I'm in the area for an
insider tour! )

[JudyJB]

Good trick to know, Beth. I did try to start the generator after starting the vehicle, but I think it was just too darn cold! I had run the furnaces the night before, but it was a little warmer, so the battery did not drain completely all night. Last night was the coldest yet. These RVs are just not practical in very low temps, I think.

Got back here to Hensley Lake, and it started like a champ. So now I am warm and enjoying TV and back to grading the never-ending student papers.

[IrishIroamed]

You're awesome Judy! Handling the snow, etc. I only hope I can be 1/10th as good as you've done whenever I get to travel. You're an inspiration.
Good luck on your procedure (incase your internet access is iffy again). Keep us informed.

[JudyJB]

I will have excellent internet in Napa!

Here is a video of the snow I posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDBpHE6SgRY

Quality in the original was better.

[JoanE]

Judy, I moved from the NY/NJ area to escape the cold and snow. I do enjoy a very tiny dose occasionally but agree with you that our rigs are not the way to go. You seem to be having a marvelous adventure. Hoping you recover quickly from your procedure so I can enjoy your next installment.

[BirdbyBird]

Thanks for the snow video...I love the big heavy flakes......If I am lucky I will be out of Ohio before I get to experience them here in person....

[judi]

Love the snow video! Snow is my favorite thing. I think I'll try to make it to Yosemite next spring.

[Travelinana]

Judy, sorry for the problems but you certainly have proved you are a trooper and handle these problems very well...I looked at the video and it made me look forward to our first snow which is usually not until January if it comes at all...one of the things I like about AR is they are so special...everyone reacts the same..with pure delight...Last year it came on Christmas Day and I absolutely loved it...I am not caught up yet and don't know what your procedure is but prayers for all to go well with complete healing.

[Deeann]

When it's really cold at night I don't use my furnace. I sleep in a good quality sleeping bag and stay toasty warm all night. When I get up in the morning I turn on the heater. This might keep you from running your battery down.

[Bethers]

When it's really cold at night I don't use my furnace. I sleep in a good quality sleeping bag and stay toasty warm all night. When I get up in the morning I turn on the heater. This might keep you from running your battery down.

I do the same - although I don't use a sleeping bag, just a lovely comforter/quilt that keeps me warmer than I want to be lol. I think she was more concerned about tanks/lines freezing. Unless it's getting really, really cold, I don't worry about that - if it's going to warm up enough during the day.