Like many non-revs, I often make up my mind to go somewhere at the last minute -- without making detailed advance planning.

On a recent trip,while driving through Death Valley I decided to go on to Yosemite National Park, entering from the east off US Route 395. Much to my surprise, after checking into a hotel in Bishop, CA, I learned that the roads through the passes leading to Yosemite were still blocked by snow until some time in June. A drive around the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains would add approximately 450 miles to my trip.

I should have known better. Two years ago at Glacier NP I was among the first tourists to follow the snow plows opening Logan's Pass -- in the third week of June!

Tip: To get current info on what's open in our National Parks (and what's not) check out the National Park Web site (now reopened after a hiatus due to some issues) <a href="http://www.nps.gov" target="_blank">http://www.nps.gov</A>

If you'll need current info on road conditions on California highways, call this toll-free number
800-427-7623. It's an automated system in which you enter the route number to hear the conditions applicable to that highway.



[This message was edited by Chris on May 26, 2002 at 05:13 AM.]