So we made it to one of our most favorite cities. Being here already twice we just knew to stay at least a week. At the Candlestick Park just opposite of the SF 49er football stadium we had a close enough campground.

Since it wasn’t the safest area by night we decided to drive a bit into San Francisco, park at the Golden Gate Park and do everything by bus and cable car. Our city pass gave us the opportunity to use public transport and see some museums.

So we strolled around the Golden Gate Park, walked on the Golden Gate Bridge and watched the seals at the Fisherman’s Wharf. At the Golden Gate Park you could spend days and the California Academy of Science with its cool exhibitions was just amazing.

Sure we did the Coit Tower, saw the most crookedest Lombard Street, went down to the Ferry Building and Embarcadero Center, shopped at Union Square and had some fun at the hippie center Haight Ashbury. We also looked around at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) but somehow my art gen is missing. I just say a sandwich on a black board.

The sun was following us already for the whole trip so we had some nice sunsets at the beach and from Twin Peaks with a brilliant view. Alcatraz was interesting again but it must have been claustrophobic to be a prisoner here.

On Sunday our calm campground changed into an ant hill full with SF 49ers and St. Louis Rams fans. 75 000 fans pouring into the stadium and plenty stayed at the campground ready with barbecue and TV. It was fun to see.

The only tickets you could get started at $ 200 so we decided to enjoy another day in Frisco. Just before the weather changed we drove south following Hwy 1 on the coast towards Malibu and Los Angeles.

The camping spots at the Wawona campground were more suitable for smaller trailers but we found a nice spot close to the river. Since it was quite cold outside we had a little bonfire and enjoyed the clear night sky with billions of stars.

Even if you don’t have water and electricity at most National Park campgrounds, the setting is so much nicer than the commercial campgrounds. You are in the forest, next to a river surrounded by pure nature. And on top we paid only $ 14 per night.

The next day we headed towards the Yosemite Valley and caught a stunning sight at the Tunnel View. From here you can see the granite rock formations of the impressive El Capitan and Half Dome as well as some waterfalls.

Unfortunately in winter there is no water left in most of the waterfalls. At least the Bridalveil Falls had a bit of water left so we just made a quick stop. Inspired by the beautiful colors at the Mirror Lake we searched for water without success. Just in spring and summer the mountains give a stunning reflection in its waters.

At the Glacier Point we had a dramatic overlook via the Yosemite Valley and the Half Dome. The drive up there reminded us of the Alps.

In the night it started snowing but luckily 300 m (1000 ft) above us, so we left for San Francisco and took the sun with us.