Old Toll Road

I continue along the Merced river to Mariposa...

...stopping often at spots of particular beauty.

Like this one.

What an amazing motorcycle...

Outside of Mariposa is Old Toll Road, a short cut to Modesto, which I'm erroneously told has a KTM dealership.

The road serpentines through gentle, rolling countryside, lined with sturdy Oaks.

I select one to my liking...

then pull over for a simple lunch of salami and chocolate.

Not a bad spot, if I do say so myself.

Yosemite Valley

I thought I'd try one last time to get the bike into the valley...

The road up to the park gates follows the raging Merced. At the Ranger's station, I was
lucky enough to run into this kindly fellow, who strongly cautioned me before, unbelievably,
allowing me to pass.

The road was as slick as oil,

but beastie and I made it through!

I was glad she got to see some of the beautiful granite formations.

The valley in winter...exquisite natural beauty.

At this point on the road, I had to ride with my feet out, so poor was the traction.

After a while, the novelty wore off, so I turned around and headed out of the park...

...in search of some sticky pavement.