Hiking, Exploring & Travel

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

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 136 (Hetch Hetchy and Me)

Jeff

Jeff hiking at Hetch Hetchy

Jeff pauses to have his picture taking while hiking along the Wapama Falls Trail

I was very impressed to come across such large ferns as we hiked the Wapama Falls Trail at Hetch Hetchy. I am nearly six feet tall so we could surmise that the ferns were more than four feet high. They were lush and full. The wet spring and probably accounts for some of the height.

BTW, this is my usual get-up for hiking and photography. My two cameras basically at the ready with my JPEG-only camera tucked into one of the side pockets of the belly pack. There is a variety of supplies inside the belly pack. If you are interested, you can read more about it in my previous post:

My Photography, Hiking, Exploring Procedure

 
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.

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

No Meta Data for Day 136 YOY – Year of Yosemite

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 135 (Hiking and Weather – Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

A scene along the Wapama Falls Trail - Hetch Hetchy

A scene along the Wapama Falls Trail – Hetch Hetchy

When we plan to hike, we plan to hike. Unless there is a deluge or lighting or hail, etc., we hike. We spent a week hiking in the Grand Tetons where it rained on us at some point every day for a week. The best weather day was the day we left for home. Only one day was a complete wash out because we thought it would not be safe to hike in a solid downpour. We took that opportunity to refresh ourselves. The highlight for us that day was a visit to the local Dairy Queen where they were replaying the movie Shane in a continuous loop.

The day we left Yosemite Valley for Hetch Hetchy, the weather was partly sunny. We understood that the forecast, which we always check, was calling for cloudy weather with the possibility of rain. We always carry a poncho or some sort of rain gear so let it rain! Shortly after we arrived at the Wapama Falls Trail, the clouds started to roll in.

Clouds can be helpful to the hiking photographer because it tends to difuse the light and it can provide a dramatic sky. The picture above is a simple JPEG taken with my oldest camera with the least resolution, but I like it anyway. That simple little camera does and adequate job of recording the scene. I favor the golden tones against the dreariness of the overall vista.

 
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 135 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 3594.JPG
Capture time: 2:49:56 PM
Capture date: June 11, 2016
Exposure: 1/640 sec @ f/4
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 80
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 133 (Sun Begins to set on Half Dome)

Jeff

Half Dome near Sunset

The sun begins to set and the light on Half Dome turns golden

The last several posts were focused around Lembert Dome, but today’s post is of Yosemite’s most famous feature, Half Dome. We were fortunate to be in residence within walking distance of this field and I was drawn to it on a number of occasions.

Recent rains left a bevy of puddles in the low lying areas, to the delight of photographers seeking to capture reflections of the iconic rock as it loomed over the meadow. It is hard to get tired of this view!

 
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 133 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0284.NEF
Capture time: 7:09:24 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/250 sec @ f/8
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 320
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 132 (Lembert Dome – On top of the World)

Jeff

Hikers resting on top of Lembert Dome

On top of Lembert’s Dome, hikers were resting and having a snack

This picture is a screen shot from part of a panorama. Of course I could have just singled out the one photo with the couple in the middle, but I had the pano handy. Because this is a section of a panorama, some of the people might have slight distortions.

**NOTE** when merging a number of photos into a panorama, items that are moving (i.e. people) have a tendency to be distorted.

It was absolutely breathtaking to stand on Lembert Dome and to slowly move in 360 degrees and view the total magnificence of the surrounding mountains. The sky was beautifully blue and clear with a few puffy clouds.

The feeling was exhilarating; trust me!

If you want to see the entire pano from a larger file click on the link below. Kindly keep in mind that as a courtesy, I have altered the faces of those who might be recognizable.

Large Pano

 
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 132 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0233.NEF
Capture time: 1:28:50 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

** Because this is part of a panorama, I have provided the Metadata for the one picture that makes up the central part of the image. The other images would have similar specs.

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 131 (Near the End of the Lembert Dome Trail)

Jeff

The first picture below is from yesterday’s YOY post. It was near the beginning of the Lembert Dome Trail hike.

 

There is no way one could envision what I like to refer to as the “big reveal” at the end of the trail. Each step, even those that were labored, had me hoping for something spectacular at the end. The quest for the big payoff is always in the back of my mind.

The photograph of Lembert Dome below shows several people looking toward the top of the dome and perhaps assessing whether or not to hike up that incline. I had no such hesitation. Having made it to this point, I needed to go to the top IF I COULD!

I wasn’t going to take any significant risks and luckily for me, the hiking surface was rough-textured and allowed relatively easy footing. I was also able to find a ridge that allowed me to place my equipment there and then provided a gripping point for me to hoist myself up.

By the way, the big payoff isn’t always at the end of the trail. Once in a while it is something I experience along the trail at a distance from the end.

 

The trail ends at the top of the dome

Nearing the end of the Lembert Dome Trail for one of the best views at Tuolumne Meadows

 
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 131 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0217.NEF
Capture time: 1:20:20 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/160 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 130 (Hiking – So It Begins)

Jeff

The trail begins

Hikers begin their journey to Lembert Dome – the trail begins

One of the most exciting periods of any hike is locating the beginning of the trail. Finding the trailhead and confirming that indeed you are on the correct path is major step number one! This, at least for me, is where the anticipation begins to build!

The beauty of hiking is as Forest Gump pointed out: “My Momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'”

The same can be said about new hikes: “You never know what you’re gonna get.” The photo above looks like a nice, level, relatively easy to follow meandering path, but that can change in a matter of a few feet. There can be a drop off or a sudden steep incline. You just can’t tell until you get there.

Additionally, I am always wondering what I will find around the bend. Will there be a bird I have never seen? Will I encounter a large mammal? Will there be a pond or a river? What beautiful vistas will I be able to capture with my smartphone or camera?

Any step along the way can become a revelation. I have friends who don’t understand why I like to hike. After all, it can be hard work…but it is an adventure and often one that only a select group of people attempt. When someone tells me to “Take a hike,” I am often glad to comply.

 
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.

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

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 129 (Small-er Miracles at Yosemite)

Jeff

Cascade Falls Yosemite

Cascade Falls is one of the smaller water displays at Yosemite

In staying with our theme of finding hidden wonders in our national parks, I want to show you another picture of Cascade Falls. It isn’t nearly as large as Yosemite Falls, or Vernal Falls or even Bridalveil Fall, but it is still very pretty and dainty; as far as waterfalls go.

I find the cascading water flowing over the rocky “steps” very attractive. I enjoy watching the streams of water and the beautiful patterns they make as they fan out over the rocks. In some ways, they look more like a bride’s veil than does the cascading flourish of that name.

We stopped to view this smaller display as we were heading out of the valley to hike in and around Tuolumne Meadows. There is a bridge-like structure as the road curves and parking in two places nearby. The picture above is the high side of the mountain, but the water flows under the bridge and continues to cascade down into the valley.

While I think the uphill side is prettiest, the downhill display is attractive as well. This doesn’t draw the crowds as much as some of the other features at Yosemite, but it “falls” onto my list of places to stop and see!

 
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 129 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0202.NEF
Capture time: 8:48:16 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 200
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 126 (Half Dome – Not Always A Beauty)

Jeff

Half Dome seen from Mirror Lake

Half Dome peeks out above other mountains and cliffs as one hikes around and near Mirror Lake

When we began our explorations of Yosemite, we thought we would be able to easily find and complete the Valley Loop Trail. Unfortunately, the map provided to visitors as a freebie was a bit ambiguous.

We were able to hike part of the Valley Loop Trail, but found ourselves accidentally segueing over to the Mirror Lake Trail. There was a ranger addressing a group nearby so I approached and waited to ask a question. When there was a break in the presentation, I learned that we were far off the Valley Loop Trail.

The ranger was very animated and encouraged us to finish the Mirror Lake Trail and told us that there were views of Half Dome that most people don’t see.

Generally speaking, we find that rangers provide very good information. We have relied on them many times and found areas we would probably not have discovered on our own.

So…off we went. The hike around Mirror Lake was pretty and a worthy one. Following the ranger’s advice, I took a detour to see if I could spot Half Dome. The picture above is one of Half Dome among and behind other mountains and cliffs. Even this icon of Yosemite doesn’t always have it’s “best face forward!” It was still something to see, just not as picturesque as usual!

 
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.

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 125 (Danger Sign Ignored)

Jeff

A warning sign many ignoreX

A sign placed near the entrance to the trail leading to Bridalveil Fall

This is something I just don’t understand. This warning sign is very clear and announces DANGER. I don’t know how legible it is on your computer monitor or device, but the little red and yellow sign in the upper-left says:

2015 life altering injuries to visitors scrambling between boulders below waterfalls:

  • 1 spinal fracture – paraplegic
  • 1 cervical fracture – quadraplegic
  • 1 skull fracture – traumatic brain injury
  • 1 shoulder dislocation
  • Multiple leg and arm fractures

PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL

Below this sign, there are replicas of x-rays that show some of the broken bones and injuries.

With all this, AND with rather large yellow danger signs attached to some of the boulders, people were still scrambling on the rocks and taking risks just like those in the picture.

It is hard for me to understand this behavior. I enjoy a thrill as much as anyone else, but when clear warning is given in a national park or other hiking area, attention must be paid! Another thing or two to keep in mind…Where is the nearest hospital and how would I get there?

 
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.

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 124 (Bridalveil Fall)

Jeff

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall was creating quite a spash!

Unfortunately, I think I might have missed some opportunities by visiting Bridalveil only one time. I did get a few photographs, but nothing that I would categorize as “special” IMHO.

While writing my Year of Yosemite posts, I have come to realize how we sometimes misname a particular waterfall. Invariably many of us add an “s” on the end of a waterfall’s name. For example, when I search Google for Bridalveil Fall, even on Tripadvisor, it is sometimes labeled Bridalveil Falls. There are certain waterfalls that do carry the “s,” at the end, but these are the features that generally have several different areas where the water cascades.

Here is a list of some of the waterfalls at Yosemite to underscore the point:

  • Bridalveil Fall
  • Chilnualna Falls
  • Horsetail Fall
  • Illilouette Fall
  • Nevada Fall
  • Ribbon Fall
  • Sentinel Fall
  • Vernal Fall
  • Wapama Falls
  • Yosemite Falls

 
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 124 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0265.NEF
Capture time: 6:34:08 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/25 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 45mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300