365 pictures from our 2016 trip to Yosemite National park with brief descriptions and tidbits of information.
“I can is 100 times more important than IQ.” — Max Lucado
“The greatest ethical test that we’re ever going to face is the treatment of those who are at our mercy.” — Lyn White
“Some old fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder
“Dogs have masters, cats have staff.” — Unknown
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In our research and also along the trail itself, there were warnings about “the Fissures.” If you aren’t familiar with the term, these are large crevices and the warnings are certainly warranted.
I am not sure you can see how dramatic it is in a two-dimensional photo, but in the middle, bottom of picture above is a large “crack” in the mountain which presents a dangerous, most likely deadly hazard for anyone who falls in. Signs warn parents to hold on to their children.
The close proximity of these dangers to the trail is something to note.
Here is what YosemiteHikes.com says about the Taft Point Trail:
“It’s Glacier Point without the guardrails. Dramatic vistas of Yosemite Valley, especially El Capitan. Guaranteed to help you answer the question: Am I afraid of heights or not? And an excellent mildly sadistic people-watching spot, for seeing how your fellow hikers privately answer the same unsettling question.” Read more about it HERE.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
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 222 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 0367.NEF
Capture time: 1:46:18 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 125
Nikon D3300
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.
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 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
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.
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 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
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.
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 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
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.
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 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
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.
Read more about it the Mountain Violet HERE:
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
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 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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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 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