Hiking, Exploring & Travel

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

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 83 (Hetch Hetchy – Dripping Water & Ferns)

Jeff

Plants growing from dripping springs at Hetch HetchyThe water seeping from the rocks along the trail gave life to plants in crevices

While hiking the Wapama Falls Trail at Hetch Hetchy, we came across a number of places were the plenitude of recent rains gave rise to dripping streams along the rock faces. Plants found hospitable environments and festooned the hard surfaces with their soft, contrasting foliage. I found the contrast of the green, delicate foliage and wet, dark rocks to be very interesting.

Ferns were growing robustly in this moist and somewhat shady environment.

 
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.

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Trail Ridge Road (RMNP) Marmots

Jeff

The first marmot I saw, as far as I know, was at Yosemite National Park. I thought it was a beaver scampering across Tuolumne Meadows, but after doing some research and speaking with others, I came to the conclusion it was indeed a marmot. I had never heard of a marmot before that encounter.

“Yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) are one of the largest members of the squirrel family. They can be two feet in length and weigh up to 11 pounds. Their large body size is an adaptation to the cold, high elevation sites in which they live. Marmots have reddish-brown fur and a yellow belly, from which they get their name. They are related to woodchucks and groundhogs in other parts of the country.” (Via link below)

We recently visited Rocky Mountain National Park and they have their share of marmots as well. One day we drove along the Trail Ridge Road picking spots to get out and hike. It was bitter that day especially when considering we were coming from the N. Phoenix (100+ degree) area. The temperature was 34 degrees with serious wind gusts. Nevertheless, we braved the wind and cold to see beautiful vistas and whatever else we came across.

As I emerged from the car wearing a hiking shirt, hoodie, nylon rain jacket, lip balm, gloves and toting two cameras, I walked to the end of a paved path outpost and sunning themselves on the distant boulders to gather whatever heat they could were two marmots.

Marmots at Rocky Mountain National Park
Two marmots sunning themselves at Rocky Mountain National Park
Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross – All RIghts Reserved”

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You can read more about marmots here – Rocky Mountain National Park (Service)

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous JBRish posts and pictures about wildlife HERE

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 82 (Four Mile Trail)

Jeff

Part of the Four Mile TrailPart of the Four Mile Trail not too far from the Trailhead at Glacier Point

I have shown a number of photographs taken along our hike down the Four Mile Trail. This picture gives an indication as to the type of trail it is. Notice that the path is rather “clean” with few rocks to catch toes. There are some rougher spots along the way, but nothing that would be very problematic. We found the trail to be quite navigable.

The path appears a bit narrow, but we had no trouble finding places to pass and to let others pass us. Much of the trail has canopy so it is a good hike even on sunny days. Being near the “edge” of the mountain also provides excellent views.

 
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.

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 80 (The Mist of Yosemite Falls)

Jeff

Upper portion of Yosemite FallsYosemite Falls throwing mist into the air

The water falls and Merced River were powerful because of an abundance of seasonal rains and snow melt. Approaching anywhere near Yosemite Falls was a powerful experience both visually and auditorily. A mist was constantly thrown into the air waiting to surprise passersby.

Of all the waterfalls at Yosemite, I think Yosemite Falls would be the super star. Keep in mind, of course, the falls do not run all year round.

 
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.

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 79 (A Duck Rock Formation)

Jeff

Duck rock formationThis rock formation on the way to Taft Point across from large fissures reminded me of a duck.

I am always saddened to hear stories of vandalism in our national parks and similar settings. Of course it is wrong at any time, but the wounds seem much deeper when they occur in such a beautiful area put aside for all to appreciate.

The recent destruction of the sandstone formation known as Duckbill Rock or Thor’s Fist on the Oregon Coast at Kape Kiwanda was one such incident. To pay homage to our now lost icon, I offer the above picture of a rock formation that appears duck-like. It doesn’t replace what was destroyed, but can remind us that we need to treasure the resources we have.

 
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.

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Meta Data – Day 79 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 78 (Wildflowers Along the Trail)

Jeff

Wildflowers along the Four Mile TrailPink and Yellow wildflowers dotted the mountainsides along the Four Mile Trail

While hiking down the Four Mile Trail from Glacier Point, we were rewarded with numerous outcroppings of wildflowers. This photograph shows an alpine-type pink penstemon perhaps Mountain Pride.

Sorry to say I could not identify the clusters of yellow, succulent-like flowers that served as a backdrop. The picture is a bit fuzzy because of the slow shutter speed (my bad!), but I think it still offers an idea of what can be expected at Yosemite during the spring and early summer.

NOTE: It was recently brought to my attention that the yellow flower is Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) – edit 2/11/17.

 
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.

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 77 (Half Dome Close Up)

Jeff

Closeup of Half Dome 

Another view of Half Dome – It never got tiresome.

This picture of Half Dome was taken from Glacier Point. If you plan to go to Yosemite, schedule a ride to Glacier Point which hosts some of the best views of many of the Valley’s hot spots.

Better yet, take the shuttle bus and save your car’s brakes and a nerve burning ride. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Once again, I recommend that, if you are fit and you are comfortable with following a trail and trail map, consider taking one of the shorter trails down to the Valley. We took the Four Mile Trail and it was splendid.

 
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.

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 75 (Dramatic Clouds over Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

** NOTE ** JBRish will be on a brief hiatus starting tomorrow and thus Year of Yosemite (YOY) postings will also pause.


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Dramatic Clouds over Hetch Hetchy 

Hetch Hetchy with a dramatic sky

The day we began our hike on the Wapama Falls Trail at Hetch Hetchy the weather was variable. It started as a partly cloudy morning, but by midday, the clouds were dominant.

As we were making our way back to the parking area, I couldn’t get enough of the dramatic valley containing the reservoir. It was reminiscent of the scenes one sees from China with the mountains encircling the water. The clouds added another dimension to the setting.

 
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.

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Meta Data – Day 75 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 73 (Ribbon Fall)

Jeff

Ribbon Fall Yosemite NPRibbon Fall is seasonal and flows only during the melts of winter and early spring.

Ribbon Fall is more wispy than many of the other waterfalls and it may be overshadowed by its proximity to El Capitan; situated just to the west.

Looking at the way the water starts narrow and widens as it reaches the base, it is easy to understand how it received the moniker, horsetail. I was drawn in by the light playing off the leaves of the trees as the mountain was being bathed in shadow.

 
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.

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 72 (American Robin)

Jeff

American Robin on a dead logAmerican Robin sitting on a log


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American Robin on a branchAn immature Robin watching us watching it


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One of my interests is moderate bird watching. I am really not one to walk miles to try to find a bird that was spotted a day or so ago. I will arise early to go on a bird walk as long as I am with someone with experience as my bird ID skills are not well developed.

I do enjoy taking photographs of birds and many times, with photo “in hand,” I am able to identify the bird after the fact. When we head onto hiking trails, the anticipation of sighting a bird I had not seen before is always with me. Generally, we are not up and about on the trails at the best times for birds, but we take what we can get.

The only bird I was able to capture in a good photograph during our exploration of Yosemite was the American Robin which we don’t see in Phoenix, AZ. The bird in the tree is an immature Robin.

 
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.