After passing through Santa Cruz, we turn east to cross the Diablo Range of mountains and then stop to buy cherries and strawberries (above) from a roadside stall. Our objective is the historic Wawona Hotel (left), located in Yosemite National Park, but some 27-miles south of Yosemite Valley. After driving over 320-miles, we reach the hotel late in the evening and enjoy a late meal of items bought from a supermarket earlier

David writes up the day's journal

Day 7 is spent not far from the hotel when we visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - the largest stand of these huge trees in Yosemite. Our exploration of the area includes a wonderful one-hour tram tour which is enhanced by the commentary provided by the driver/guide - Walt. We also visit the Pioneer Yosemite Visitor Centre, which has a collection of relocated, historic buildings. After a relaxing afternoon at the hotel, we have another enjoyable meal, and then plot tomorrow's route after discovering that our planned exit from the National Park via the Tioga Pass (the highest road in California) is closed due to snow. Instead of visiting the Tuolumne Meadows; Mono Lake; and (time permitting) Bodie ghost town and Devils Postpile National Monument (a route of 265-miles) we will need to  drive 341-miles via Fresno; Bakersfield; Lake Isabella; and the Walker Pass (5,250-feet)

On Day 6, we explore Yosemite Valley - although parts of the valley are closed due to last winter's snow not yet having melted, we are able to view the most spectacular sights of the park including Bridalveil Falls; El Capitan; Yosemite Falls; Half Dome; and the Merced River. After a full day exploring the valley by car, foot, and shuttle bus, we return to the Wawona Hotel for an enjoyable meal that celebrates Jeanette and David's 31st Wedding Anniversary