Thursday, December 12, 2024

Yosemite

 Over the spring and fall, I made a trip to Yosemite National Park for some quick overnight stays.  The first in early spring was a 2 nighter to rediscover the park.  Literally decades since my last visit so I wanted to give myself ample time.  On both occasions, I stayed at lodgings within the park and primarily ate at the stores and restaurants.  I dont own much in the way of camping equipment and this makes pack in and pack out very easy.  This was especially helpful on the days I left the park.

The first trip I went around the valley with the help of the shuttle bus system.  The weather was fabulous and the waterfalls were in full gush from winter melt.  I took the opportunity to watch the sun set and fall over Tunnel View.  I stayed at Housekeeping with a site near the Merced river.  Nice set up with fire pit, tables, covered porch, lighting, and electricity.  Sleeps several with a double bed and bunk beds.  The canvas flaps were the only "doors" and could not keep out the elements, bugs, or woodland creature.  That trip has been posted with links to videoes.

On the return a few months later, I really wanted to visit Glacier Point above the valley.  In early spring, the road to the point had not been opened yet.  This time, they would close shortly after my visit.  The sun rise and set with nothing but Half Dome and the sky behind it was breath taking.  Twinkling lights along the trails below Half Dome were evidence of those making their way back from the long hike.  After sunset I got back to my ten at Curry Village.  This area has a greater number and density of free standing tents but do not have facilities for cooking or campfires.  One of the main benefits are the restaurants and eating establishments within the grounds.  Head over to my Youtube page, RogueogueVlogue, to see the videoes post for the second go around.


Also available is a video for Castle Air Museum.  I stopped by here on the way to Yosemite

Monday, November 4, 2024

Japan 2024 - Videoes

 My Youtube page will have all the videoes posted soon, https://www.youtube.com/@RogueDogueVlogue.  They have been premiering on Wednesdays and the last one willl be coming up this week, Nov 6.  The videoes all the footage of the parades that I was present for, what I ate, and what I did while in Tokyo.  The last video is a bunch of leftover stuff that did not make it into the previous ones.


The video after that will be an account of a visit to Copenhagen Bakery and Cafe.  Then a recount of an overnighter to Yosemite.  Finally, for the forseeable future, a video on the Castle Air Force Museum in Atwater, CA/

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Japan 2024 - Day 12 The last day

 Theres not much left to do but check out and head to the airport.  However, the flight is not until 2130 and that leaves me several hours in the baking sun before sunset and lowered temps.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Japan 2024 - Day 11 The last full day

Headed over to Toyosu this morning but not for the fish market.  Near the popular fish market is a new establishment of shops, eateries, and spa.  Located off Shijo Mae on the Yurikamome is Senkyaku Banrai. 

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Japan 2024 - Day 10 Shinjuku

Today, Im staying local to the Shinjuku area.  How local are you staying?  So local I dont have to get on a train today.  Family Mart starts the day with their Famichiki, croquette, and tsukune.  The three minced chicken meatballs on a skewer were grilled with a bouncy texture.  It was good but a bit on the sweet side for my liking.  I think they misheard me or there was no beef in the croquette because I ordered beef croquette.  The potato filling is creamy while the outside is crispy.  This too is good and a nice replacement for a hash brown.   Finally, I would have the Famichiki over KFC.  Its a boneless thigh meat thats also deep fried.  It less mess less fuss sincd there is no bone to deal with and the flavors are on par.  All topped off with an iced latte, of course.