beyond the dogpark - outline Chapter 12:  Northern California Mountains
September 16 - September 26, 2002
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beyond the dogpark I am surprised when officials at the California border request to inspect The Chief for moths.  Confident that I present no agricultural risk, an inspector presents me with a certificate of moth-freeness and I head to Lake Tahoe to meet up with my boss's sister.  We hike near dazzling blue water in the day and visit glittering Nevada casinos that night.  Near Mono Lake, I learn of efforts to restore this very old lake following the removal of much water by the city of Los Angeles.

I drive to Yosemite and, having made unfinished attempts on two prior visits, I am determined to hike to the summit of Half Dome.  The highlight of this day-long hike involves using steel cables to pull myself up a very steep grade near sheer drop-offs.  Successful in conquering Half Dome, Griffin and I move on to Sequoia National Park and I am humbled as we walk among the world's most massive trees.
all materials (c) 2003, Paul A. Brown