Hiking, Exploring & Travel

Personal adventures in hiking and exploring various countries, cities and geographical areas.

Nearer the Edge – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 221

Jeff

Nearer the end - Taft Pt. Trail

At this juncture we could get a glimpse of what might be ahead.

After hiking along the Taft Point Trail enjoying the sites the path provided, the trees began to give way and we could see a distance before us. Through the trees we could envision a potential distant precipice that held the promise of a spectacular view near the edge.

There was a drop off straight ahead as well as off to the right offering a look into the valley.

 

Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 221 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0366.NEF
Capture time: 1:42:22 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 38mm
ISO 125
Nikon D3300

 

Beginning the Taft Point Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 220

Jeff

Beginning of the Taft Pt. Trail

This is the path as we began to hike to Taft Point

The Taft Point Trail was fairly typical of a number of trails at Yosemite National Park. We knew that “the point,” of the so-named Taft Point Trail, would be an outcropping of some sort and we anticipated the potential of great vistas.

On the way to the point, however, we hiked through the woods with an abundance of trees. Some of the places were very muddy and we had to scurry to find the driest path forward.

In the photo, viewers can see the log that is sawed into pieces to allow hikers to pass. I am always appreciative of the workers and trail keepers who do this labor to allow us to more safely hike the special lands!

 

Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 220 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 3565.JPG
Capture time: 1:08:37 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/1000 sec @ f/4.5
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 80
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

Clusters of Phlox – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 219

Jeff

Clusters of Phlox at Yosemite

Apparently this environment was favorable for this species of phlox

You might remember that in post YOY 216, I showed a closeup of spreading phlox and how it likes to nestle into crevices in and around rocks.

The picture above also shows how clusters spread out along the sandy areas of the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails. The random patches of purple color really did make a beautiful scene especially up against the contrasting, abutting green foliage and brown sand.

 

Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 219 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 3564.JPG
Capture time: 1:01:17 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/1000 sec @ f/4
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 80
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

Half Dome Photo with Quote – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 218

Jeff

Robert M. Pirsig quote about what each brings to the hiking experience

“The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there..” – Robert M. Pirsig

Photographof Half Dome from Setinel Dome
Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross, ALL Rights Reserved ©

The reason this quote resonates with me is that when I speak of hiking, especially if it involves going uphill on a mountain, some of my friends look at me as though I have three eyes. They can’t seem to grasp why I would want to work that hard to get to the mountain top. Of course this is their prerogative. They don’t have to appreciate how I feel when I get to the top of the peak and look out over a vast panorama that strikes like a bolt of awe straight into my being.

It isn’t just the hike to the top that motivates me. It is the miracles one can find along the way! If you don’t like the outdoors and nature and you don’t have a calm, awe inspired attitude when walking in the woods, or watching birds or other experiences nature offers, then climbing a mountain may not provide the same astonishment and wonder it brings to others.

You have to bring that sense of adventure, wonder and deep appreciation with you as you climb and that is what helps to keep your feet moving as you hike.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 218 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0353.NEF
Capture time: 11:53:33 AM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 48mm
ISO 110
Nikon D3300

 

Mountain Violet on the Trails – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 217

Jeff

Yellow Mountain Viola

Yellow Mountain Viola along the trail

This is another wildflower we came across as we hiked along the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trails. At first this Mountain Violet (Viola purpurea) may seem like just another fairly nondescript yellow flower, but when looking close, the dark lines along the bottom petals of the flower give it a bit of flair (see detail below).

Some of the leaves on this specimen seem a bit elongated which might be caused by weather or environment, i.e. amount of shade, etc.


Yellow Mountain Viola detail

Read more about it the Mountain Violet HERE:

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 217 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0363.NEF
Capture time: 1:00:52 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 52mm
ISO 110
Nikon D3300

 

Spreading Phlox on the Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 216

Jeff

Spreading Phlox

Pockets of spreading phlox appeared along the trials



The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails share a junction-type trailhead. We decided to hike the Sentinel Dome Trail first to assure that we had all the time we needed there. Later we had plenty of energy and time so we then hiked to Taft Point.

Along the way, we passed a number of pockets of Spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa). The clusters were very pretty offset against the rocks and brown sound. It appears that the phlox likes to locate itself against rocks and in crevices that are formed by the natural surroundings.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 216 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0343.NEF
Capture time: 11:13:12 AM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 25mm
ISO 140
Nikon D3300

 

Interior – Conservation Heritage Center -Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 215

Jeff

Interior - Conservation Heritage Center

The interior of the Conservation Heritage Center

In yesterday’s post, we showed a photograph of the architectural style of the Conservation Heritage Center. Today we provide an interior picture to demonstrate the quaintness of the facility. There are many “artifacts” related to the history of the Sierra Club on display as well as general information about the natural world.

There were interesting photographs, drawings and maps related to Yosemite and other areas. Standing inside the building one will get a sense of the history of the club and the center itself.

Interesting Note

One of the volunteers indicated that because the building was moved, the roof did not align perfectly and from time-to-time the weather becomes an issue.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 215 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0424.NEF
Capture time: 2:27:54 PM
Capture date: June 10, 2016
Exposure: 1/4 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 1600
Nikon D3300

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Day 215, Year of Yosemite, hiking,information,natural beauty,nature, wild places,Year of Yosemite,Yosemite,Yosemite National Park,YOY,Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, interior

 

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 214

Jeff

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Another view of the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

During my previous YOY posts, I have touted the beauty of the buildings and other stone features at Yosemite. Considering the age of the park and some of these buildings (as well as the limited budget the National Parks have), they are in very good shape; at least those that I saw at Yosemite.

As mentioned previously, the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center has been moved and renamed. One needs to appreciate the architecture and stonework. If you have a chance to stop by, it is a very nice feature and they have volunteers from the Sierra Club to answer your questions.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 214 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0423.NEF
Capture time: 2:25:34 PM
Capture date: June 10, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Lupines Along the Path – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 212

Jeff

Lupines appeared along the trail

Lupines were abundant along the different trails. I highlighted lupines HERE and you can see that the plant looks quite different in the earlier post.

The variety in the picture above may be a different type or the fact that it is in full exposure of the sun, wind, snow, rain, etc. has stunted the growth. I find the leaf form very interesting and the leaves shed water which tends to form into drops.

NOTE – Lesson learned: Taking photographs from above the plant doesn’t always render the best perspective.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 212 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0361.NEF
Capture time: 12:24:49 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/100 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

Pussy Paws on the Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 211

Jeff

Pink Wildflower at Yosemite

Pink wildflower along the Sentinel Dome Trail

I find that wildflowers are one of the treasures nature has created for all of its animals to enjoy. Whenever and wherever I hike, I try to pay attention to all of the wildflowers and plants. There are some plants that are lovely because of their leaf structure and form with or without flowers.

The plant above, Pussy Paws (Calyptridium umbellatum), had a very interesting presentation. This particular specimen had leaf damage, perhaps from the harsh winter snows, but it sent out a number of radial stems with clusters of pink flowers on top. Each flower carried a number of shades of pink and the clusters appeared almost fuzzy because of the form. A bee on the rightmost cluster was enjoying the spring’s bounty.

For additional pictures, perhaps more detailed, showing other colors and giving more information about Pussy Paws (Calyptridium umbellatum), click HERE.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 211 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0360.NEF
Capture time: 12:24:28 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300