Sunday was my third day in Sequoia/Kings Canyon - I really liked Azalea Campground, but was feeling the need for showers, etc. Azalea had no hookups and no public showers, but also only $18/day. But I was also worried about the tires since I had noticed they seemed to bulge on the inside lower edges allowing only an inch of clearance between them. Maybe they always looked like this, but as I sat on lower ground behind them, it gave me a full view. But there was nowhere in the parks so it would have to wait for Monday to get checked. So today I took the advice of the ranger who suggested the Lake Hume trail, dog friendly and well attended with people. It is in the National Forest, not park, so dogs allowed. It did involve a long drive down the Lake Hume Road, with some narrow points toward the end, not too much traffic until I arrived at the lake - tons of people, huge buses, school buses and school children. The central area is also a church camp center with church, activity fields, cabins, houses, stores, boat/kayak rentals and children everywhere. I found a place on side of road to park the RV and walked the entire trail circumference, 3.4 miles I later read! It would not have been a big deal except that the sun was out, and it went from cool to hot when Sara and I were halfway around! I didn't bring water, and the warnings about Giardia in the streams kept me from letting Sara drink from the lake or creek. She was dragging her tongue by the end, but it was a nice way to spend an afternoon. Then it was back up the road to get out of this deep valley which was originally dammed in 1908 to create a flume to propel logs downstream to processing plants. Back up to our 7000 ft elevation had my ears popping again. Then a nice rest and walk around the campground before packing up to be ready for early departure. This morning I was on the road by 8:45 am to drive in to Discount (called America's in CA) Tires. I have also learned on this trip that downshifting is not just for downhills, but also for climbing these long grades - saves on transmission as well as brakes, so I've been in 4th or 2nd gear nearly the whole trip. Again, my experience at America's Tires was as pleasant as all the Discount Tires. Since I don't have tire extenders, they have to work to get at the 2 left rear tires, taking hub cap off, and once even removing the whole tire. They think the tires are fine, but added a couple pounds of air to one tire while Sara and I hung out at Starbucks plotting our next campground. I was looking for full hookups so I could get some laundry done and a good shower. I had a hard time finding anywhere with space (this weekend will be Memorial Day) until I found Sierra Meadows RV Park in Ahwahnee. That sounded good because there were a couple dog facilities in that area, altho it is still 1.5 hours from main area of Yosemite. But I accepted because they had room - didn't find out til later that it would be $50/NT with my Good Sam discount! While in Fresno, I found Trader Joe's and Costco near my tire store, then stopped for a propane refill (had to use heat this week and need to be prepared to be without electric if I do more Park camping). Back on the road to Yosemite, I wandered a long winding road to find this campground, and it's big draw is "free golf". I thought I was lucky to get a spot near the laundry and bathrooms. But first I spent 40 mins calling dog boarding facilities and trying to figure where they are, leaving messages with many who did not answer. Yosemite actually has kennels, that will be opening this Friday, too late for me!! In frustration, I went to talk to campground owner, who has dogs, and ask his advice. He seemed to indicate he would watch her Wed if I hadn't found anyone, but that means staying here 3 days. Also, tonight I went into bathroom and it appears to be unisex since there's only 1 room with 4 showers and a very thin, short curtain at the shower. But I hoped to get in and out quickly, so ran to do my shower, only to discover cold water! Back to RV and spent my time in the RV shower - ugh! Really can't believe I'm paying $50 for this! After my RV shower, I notice that an alarm light is showing "pilot light not on" under the water heater button. Never saw this before, so it's to the forums to read up on this problem. Or call my friends at Thor to figure this out. Maybe he didn't turn the gas on after filling tank....but not going exploring at 11pm! So, lots to do tomorrow!