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”

Meta Data

File Name: 0580.CR2
Capture time: 8:46 AM
Capture date: Sep 15, 2016
Exposure: 1/400 sec @ f/7
Focal Length: 215mm
ISO 100
Canon SX50 HS

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.

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

Meta Data – Day 82 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 3519.JPG
Capture time: 5:16:59 PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/2.6
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 200
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

STATUS QUOtes — 20160925

Jeff

“Though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.” — Su Dong Po

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.” — Oliver Goldsmith

“Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.” — Diane Sawyer

“All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.” — Spike Milligan

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous STATUS QUOtes HERE

Scott Bourne Demonstrates One Dilemma of a Wildlife Photographer

Jeff

Followers of JBRish know that I enjoy photography. It is a hobby that allows people to express themselves and exercise their imagination. One of my favorite subjects is wildlife which usually consists of birds, rodents, small animals, etc.

As I try to learn as much as I can from as many different sources, one of the people I admire and follow via the Internet is Scott Bourne. I wrote about him and his contribution to the photography community in a blog post Scott Bourne – Gifts from A Life in Photography

Yesterday he tweeted a picture that I thought was indicative of the problems, unforeseen circumstances, etc. of a wildlife photographer. The composite shows Scott with his camera and a thousand pound bear standing in the way of his exit via boat.

As I learned recently while filming a group of Elk, when dealing with living subjects, a photographer must be ever vigilant, expect the unexpected and react wisely.

Scott Bourne Photographing a Bear
“Scott Bourne Photographing a Bear and Demonstrating a Problem Faced by Wildlife Photgraphers”

 

Photograph courtesy of a tweet by Scott Bourne. Copyright with All Rights Reserved

See previous Photography posts HERE

STATUS QUOtes — 20160924

Jeff

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Sometimes glass glitters more than diamonds because it has more to prove.” — Terry Pratchett

“It is folly to punish your neighbor by fire when you live next door.” — Publilius Syrus

“You may not be able to change the world, but at least you can embarrass the guilty.” — Jessica Mitford

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous STATUS QUOtes HERE

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 81 (The Majestic Yosemite Hotel)

Jeff

the Ahwahnee hotelThe former Ahwahnee is now the Majestic Yosemite Hotel – still beautiful

The hotel is indeed majestic although I do wish the name had remained the Ahwahnee for historical consistency and allure.

The mountain backdrop, lawn and trees provide a beautiful valley setting for the hotel’s stonework accented with deep brown wooden tones and oh, those teal shutters! It is a stunning site from any vantage point.

 
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 81 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0133.NEF
Capture time: 8:58:18 AM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/30 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 36mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

Day 81,yosemite,hiking,information,natural beauty,nature,Year of Yosemite,Yosemite National Park,YOY,Ahwanhee

 

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.

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

Meta Data – Day 80 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0130.NEF
Capture time: 7:55:52 AM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/25 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

STATUS QUOtes — 20160923

Jeff

“Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but thank Him for not having given it wings.” — Ethiopian Proverb

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” — H. G. Wells

“The thing you have to be prepared for is that other people don’t always dream your dream.” — Linda Ronstadt

“Eternity is the second ten minutes of aerobics.” — Unknown

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous STATUS QUOtes HERE

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.

***********************************
Meta Data – Day 79 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0387.CR2
Capture time: 2:04:48 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/400 sec @ f/8.
Focal Length: 110mm
ISO 120
Canon SX50 HS