jbabs, if you've not visited Yosemite before, you're in for a real treat. I've visited about 60% of the National Parks in the system over the years, and better than 80% of the ones out west, but Yosemite is my favorite. The Tioga Road drive betwen the Valley and Mono Lake, is to me the most beautiful route in the country.
And if you do visit Yosemite, make it a point to stop on your way back at the Mobil gas station at the junction of Tioga Rd. (CA 120) and US 395, the turn-off from the highway to Yosemite. You can't miss it. There's a little eatery in the Mobil Gas Mart you may enjoy called the Whoa Nellie Deli. Trust me on this.
