Nature

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 89 (Cascade Creek Waterfall)

Jeff

Waterfalls leading to Cascade Creek 

Waterfall leading to Cascade Creek

If you have been following my YOY series of posts, by now I think you have the idea that in spring and early summer and during an average year of rainfall, it would be hard to avoid waterfalls at Yosemite National Park; they are everywhere!

The waterfall pictured above was on the high side of route 120 as it cuts through the mountains surrounding the valley. On the other side of the roadway was Cascade Creek highlighted in YOY 68. While this is not a thunderous waterfall, it is substantial and it beautifully meanders down the rocky mountain slope to form a picturesque site. The attraction, however, pales in comparison to Yosemite’s other falls and may be overlooked.

There are two pullouts nearby and I think it is worthy of a stop!

 
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 88 (Mariposa Lily – Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

Mariposa Lily at Hetch HetchyMariposa Lily at Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite NP

One of the wonders of Hetch Hetchy when we visited in early June, 2016 was the fields of wildflowers still blooming in large numbers enveloping the Wapama Falls Trail at times. Among them was the Mariposa Lily pictured above. As you can note from the photograph it wasn’t alone on this canvas as other wildflowers were vying for attention all around.

If you look closely, you can see an insect in the bottom-right of the flower. It is yellow and black and the antennae can be seen raising above the insect.

 
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 87 (Half Dome – From the East)

Jeff

Half Dome from Olmstead Point 

Half Dome from Olmstead Point

Olmstead Point is one of those turnouts one doesn’t read much about in the literature; at least I hadn’t seen much about it. As we were driving along Tioga Road, we came across this vantage point and we were stunned by the amazing views.

The picture of Half Dome above is one that is not generally seen as many of the viewing spots are located on the other side of this Yosemite notable. Olmstead Point is northeast of Half Dome and according to the map, approximately three miles away (+/-).

The actual colors of the giant rock are not revealed well from this distance as the atmosphere lends a blue cast to the capture. There is at least one good hiking trail from this overlook (Olmsted Point trail) that we noted. Unfortunately,we did not take the earmarked hike, but now wish we had as it is remarked to be “one of the great values in scenery per square meter”.

 
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 84 (Mirror Lake – Between the Domes)

Jeff

Mirror LakeMirror Lake nestled between the mountains of Yosemtie

Mirror Lake is a pretty lake although it is a bit cluttered with vegetation at times. This was one of the first major hikes we took and I did not realize that Half Dome was situated to the southeast. I “heard” that it is possible to get a reflection of Half Dome in the lake, but I did not know and therefore did not seek out that shot. It would have been a good one to attempt.

I did manage to capture several images of North Dome which lies northwest of Mirror Lake. It would be a star in almost any other surrounding, but at Yosemite, it is forced to assume a supporting role.

 
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 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 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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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 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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