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Next day we cleaned up the cabin and left Brian and Suzie to put the finishing touches to the place and ventured back into the park to traverse the Tioga Pass which we thought might have been closed for the season but the weather was being friendly to us so off we went.
The summit has an elevation of over 9900ft and the scenery was spectacular. The Granite walls on either side of the road looked like someone had poured cement over the edges. After crossing the summit the scenery changed dramatically as we passed into the eastern sierras... much steeper roads, fewer trees... a real contrast to 5 minutes before. At the bottom of the pass lies Mono Lake which looks like something from space... very barren looking with metallic blue/green water that looked like it could be walked on.
After driving up to Bridgeport we hung a left and headed over the Sonora Pass heading back towards Modesto. This pass was less touristy with fewer pull outs so there was a lot of quick head turns for the driver. It was much steeper with one road climb of 27% gradient and big signs saying "Use Low Gears Gaddamit... Gee!". As if that wasn't enough of a reminder for us, the two motorcycle accidents we saw on the way down the pass certainly was! Still, the Aspen trees and foliage (yes, we have both turned into David Bellamy) were amazing!
Got back to Modesto around 6, had a BBQ and more beers and enjoyed our last evening with Brian and Suzie. They were great hosts and even better company, they both had many stories to tell about their travels and mishaps... each one ringing a little too familar from our escapades.
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