Fins

Today we are based in a dusty hot campground in Oakhurst, in the foothills of the Sierra on the south side of Yosemite. We are at a car rally of people who drive Adventurewagens, the kind of camping van that we own. Seventeen vehicles are present, and the guy who designed and built them all is here as well; we have an interesting time comparing notes and lore. We are a surprisingly compatible group for a random gathering based solely on the purchase of a particular vehicle. Some of the guys are into all manner of arcane mechanical details, but I am looking for ideas for new lightproof curtains and tricks for stowing a lot of stuff in a small space.

These Cadillac fins, however, do not belong to any of our boxy vans. There was a coincident classic car show up the street that included a pancake breakfast, and we took an early morning walk before the heat really hit, checking out the fifty or so tricked out cars and enjoying a meal we did not have to cook on our little stove.

We've come from 35 degree nights to days that feel like the thermometer is pushing 100. This place is hot and dry and dusty so we head off to nearby Bass Lake and the relief of swimming in clear water, sitting under a big shady oak, and eating quintessential American food: a gooey saucy hamburger, fried onion rings and a rootbeer float! (disclaimer: good Mr S got the soup and salad)