Hiking, Exploring & Travel

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

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 71 (Top of the World – Lembert Dome)

Jeff

Top of the World at Lembert DomeLembert Dome offers wonderful views of the Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding peaks

I have mentioned Lembert Dome a number of times as part of my previous Year of Yosemite posts, but I haven’t really shown the top of the dome itself. In the picture above, the rounded protrusion at the center-top is where I stood to take 360 degrees of photographs to document the circle of vision seen from the dome.

As you may note, it is quite an upward trek although the footing is mostly very good . The surface is somewhat rough and provides footholds along the way. I must say that when I got to one point, I had to place my cameras on a ledge above me and hoist myself up to that level. It was a stretch, but not too far! Oh, we also had to avoid patches of ice and snow!

There were groups of people sitting at a lower “saddle” eating lunch and enjoying the panoramas. If you are physically fit to undertake the climb, I can assure you it is a view worth the effort. Good hiking shoes or boots are strongly recommended!

 
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 70 (El Capitan by a Nose)

Jeff

The Nose of El Capitan 

The ridge facing left on El Capitan is referred to as “the Nose”

Of course I had heard of El Capitan long before I saw it or even before I planned to visit Yosemite. In preparation for the visit, and while at the park, the readings about Yosemite would often refer to “the nose” of El Capitan.

Apparently the ridge that juts out (facing southwest) is one of the premiere rock climbing trails and referred to as “the nose” by rock climbers. It was once thought impossible to scale, but is now one of the benchmarks of achievement for rock climbers.

You can read more about “the Nose” and rock climbing:

The Nose: How to Climb El Capitan’s Most Famous Route by Andy Kirkpatrick Jul/2014

Danger Zones: The Nose – Accidents On El Cap’s Most Popular Route

The Nose of El Capitan 

 
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 70 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 69 (Un-BEAR-able Food Storage)

Jeff

Bear Storage LockersFood Storage Lockers at Campgrounds

While there are bears in Yosemite, they are not grizzly bears, but black bears. Depending upon your outlook, this may be a good thing. Black bears are not as territorial or aggressive as grizzlies and thus there is less fear of an outright attack.

This does not mean that one should take chances or let their guard down. A bear is still a bear and they are strong, wild animals. Everyone is advised to stay away from the native animals and give them wide berth.

At each campground, we saw food storage lockers. Bears can smell food from quite a distance so campers and others are advised not to keep food in tents or cars. This is what the sign says:


FOOD STORAGE
ALL FOOD MUST BE STORED
IN THIS LOCKER
Leave no food out
Leave no food in your vehicle
VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED (CFR* 2.10) (Details Here)
PROTECT YOSEMITE BEARS
REDUCE PROPERTY DAMAGE

*Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

I may have more to say about bears in a later post…

 
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 XX YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Day 69,yosemite,hiking,information,natural beauty,nature,Year of Yosemite,Yosemite National Park,YOY,food storage locker, bear

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 67 (Floating on the Merced)

Jeff

Rafting on the Merced River-Yosemite

Scores of rafters enjoyed the well-flowing pace of the Merced River

Yosemite is truly an outdoor playground and there was ample opportunity for those who enjoy rafting or kayaking. The Merced River was near peak performance as this picture taken near the Swinging Bridge picnic area attests.

 
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 66 (Three Brothers)

Jeff

Bridal Veil Falls, the Three Brothers 

Bridal Veil Falls and the Three Brothers photographed from Tunnel View

Bridal Veil Falls was putting on quite a show as the Three Brothers (rock formation) looked on. A typical shot from this vantage point will often include El Capitan which is off to the left.

I wanted the other “players” to have their own moment.

 
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 66 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 63 (Glacier Point-Half Dome)

Jeff

Half Dome from Glacier PointHalf Dome from Glacier Point

I would advise anyone who visits Yosemite National Park to go to Glacier Point. There are numerous viewpoints which, on most days, will be stunning. For those who are more energetic and capable than I am, a hike up to Glacier Point and then back down would be tremendous. It is possible to take one trail up and another one down.

We decided that hiking up and down was more than we cared to do on the day we set up to go to Glacier Point. Fortunately, there is a shuttle bus that leaves from the Valley Lodge area and they offer a one-way fare. We took the bus up and hiked down. I heartily recommend this for those who are so inspired.

Another benefit of taking the shuttle is the “inside information” the bus drivers are able to share about the park’s history and highlights.

IMPORTANT – Purchase your tickets in advance or the shuttle may be sold out. If you know which day you want to visit, purchase tickets a couple of days in advance. The early shuttle tends to sell out quickly.

 
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 63 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 62 (Sentinel Dome Trail)

Jeff

Balanced Rock on Trail to Sentinel DomeBalanced Rock on Trail to Sentinel Dome

One of the virtues of the wilderness is its democracy. Dozens or even hundreds of people can hike the same trail passing the same sites and yet some individuals will find beauty where others don’t. Hikers are able to feed their spirits by focusing on those things that inspire them.

On the way to Sentinel Dome, we passed the two rocks above nestled among the trees. They were just off the trail about twenty feet or so into the wooded area. I thought the brown and gray colors of the rocks against the foliage and lichen captured the essence of the area and I saw beauty there.

The small boulder has managed to find a “home” on top of the larger pedestal rock almost like two pieces of a puzzle. It has even managed to form a base to keep it steady and secure; at least for the foreseeable future. Everyone is free to find their own version of beauty in our national parks!

 
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 62 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 61 (Hetch Hetchy Falls)

Jeff

Wapama and Tueeulala FallsWapama and Tueeulala Falls at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Our day hiking at Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy reservoir was overcast and threatening at times. Wapama Falls (bottom center) was putting on quite a display as seen from the bridge leading to the tunnel and the trail. Less robust, but interesting Tueeulala Falls can be seen diagonally to the left of Wapama 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.

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Meta Data – Day 61 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 60 (North Dome)

Jeff

North Dome from Mirror Lake TrailA view of North Dome from the Mirror Lake Trail

Yosemite has many domes and some of them get much attention. People who have never visited Yosemite seem to know Half Dome and many who have visited are familiar with Sentinel Dome and/or Lembert’s Dome, but it seems that there is a Rodney Dangerfield of domes; North Dome.

North Dome rises above the tree tops and is visible from many angles along the Mirror Lake Trail. Unfortunately, across the way (diagonally southeast and more than 1,000 feet taller), is Half Dome. North Dome can’t seem to get much respect!

 
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 60 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 59 (Trash Talk)

Jeff

Gum jammed in trash can 

Why do people need to place gum like this?

During our many hikes and visits to state and national parks, we have often remarked how the majority of people carry their trash with them, recycle those items that can be reused and otherwise care for the parks. Every once in a while, however, I am really disappointed. We recently heard the news that an artist decided to paint on the rocks in some of our national parks (source) and a celebrity decided to carve initials in a heart in the Coconino National Forest (source).

In one of the Seinfeld episodes, Jerry said something like: “People, they’re the worst.” While I don’t agree totally with that sentiment because after all “we the people” have put aside our national parks for all of us and our posterity. I do understand the intent of that remark.

I wonder why, in such a beautiful area such as Yosemite, some people feel a need to place gum, candy, etc. in places where they do not belong and will be a problem for cleaning. This shouldn’t really be done anywhere much less in our parks.

This was a disappointment for me and luckily it was only one of a few ugly behaviors I encountered.

 
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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