hiking

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 106 (Owl’s Clover – Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

Owl's Clover at Hetch Hetchy 

Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta) at the Hetch Hetchy section of Yosemite National Park

It was very interesting for me to see this variety of Owl’s Clover at Hetch Hetchy because we have a variant of this plant in our Sonoran Desert. It looks slightly different, but the relationship is unmistakable.

The plant is not really a clover although it does look a bit like one. An interesting fact about this plant is that it uses host plants to derive some of its sustenance. It may not be parasitic, but it does have a symbiotic relationship of some form.

The purple against the brown grasses made for a pretty setting on this overcast day.

Learn more about Owl’s Clover at the California Native Plant Society

 
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 105 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 11, 2016
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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 105 (Be Aware When Hiking – Floods)

Jeff

Merced River Walkway Happy Isles

Walkway along the Merced River in the Happy Isles Section of Yosemite

Keeping with yesterday’s theme about potential danger in our national parks, I want to explain another problem hikers and explorers may face during certain times; floods.

Storms are always a major concern when hiking. We were once making our way up Mount Humphries in Arizona which is the highest peak in the state. We were within 500 feet of the top and had been hiking for a long time with many switchbacks. As we took a break to eat our lunch at the saddle, it began to sleet and snow and rain. And if that wasn’t bad enough, lightening soon followed. We had no choice, but to begin our descent. We were exposed and it was risky either way, but staying on the mountain top was not a choice.

We always try to pay attention to the weather, but the potential of sudden storms and perhaps flash floods is a concern. Try to keep an “escape plan” in mind. Is there high ground nearby? If it gets cloudy and threatening, reassess where you are. Always select the safest option. He who turns and hikes away, lives to hike another day!

While visiting the Happy Isles section of Yosemite, we walked along the Merced River. The water was flowing quickly, but we knew that from our previous days.

Merced River Walkway Happy Isles

Did you happen to notice the kiosk across the river in the picture? There was a sign under the kiosk, but it was too small to see in the first picture (circled above).

This is a closeup of the sign

Merced River Walkway Happy Isles

This underscores the point…what seems like a relatively calm, placid, user-friendly place can become dangerous and some times rather quickly.

As Cheryl Strayed wrote in her book Wild, “The universe, I’d learned, was never, ever kidding. It would take whatever it wanted and it would never give it back.”

Stay vigilant my friends!

 
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.

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 104 (Vernal Fall 2/2 – Our Wild National Parks)

Jeff

Reminder - National Parks are Wild Places 

Reminder: National Parks are Wild Places

John Sebastion and the Lovin’ Spoonful recorded the song Younger Generation and one of the lines in the song is:

“And still he’ll stick his finger in the fan.”

I always interpreted that line to mean that no matter what you tell someone, they often need to learn for themselves. Over the years, I have seen this validated numerous times via news stories and accounts of individuals who have done things without thinking them through.

Unfortunately, many people arrive at our national parks and because they might serve Peet’s Coffee in the snack bar, and there are souvenir shops and stores with sundries for purchase, there is a tendency to forget that these are wild places that CAN be dangerous.

This is brought home by signs like the one above. On this day, I did not witness anyone in the fast-flowing water, but I may have more to share about this topic in a later post.

Visitors need to be educated that while we need wild spaces to experience nature completely, cautions must be taken; heed the signs and warnings!

 
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.

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 102 (El Capitan 2/2 – Climbing )

Jeff

Climbing El CapitanClimbers hauling gear up El Capitan


Before arriving at Yosemite, I had no idea that it was permitted to climb El Capitan. This is a very captivating site. There were people in the meadow with binoculars, telescopes and other equipment watching the climbers ascend the various routes of El Capitan. Apparently there are so many climbers that sleep on the wall, hanging by ropes on their platforms, that at times, there are multitudes of lighted dots along the mountain.

The picture above is not of the climbers, however. If you look closely (see below) it is only their gear. The climbers were above this package tied to ropes. It takes several days to make the climb (so I was told), and everything to eat, drink, etc. needs to be hauled along with the climbers. All biological needs must be met as one makes this ascent.

I don’t know anything about rock climbing. I can only look on in amazement!

Climbing 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 102 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 10:46:29 AM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 101 (El Capitan 1/2)

Jeff

El Capitan seen from the Valley Loop TrailWhen hiking the Valley Loop Trail, you should pass right by El Capitan

After one false start, we were able to zero in on the Valley Loop Trail. Surprisingly, the trail is not well marked if starting out at the Yosemite Falls vista. We purchased a detailed map and we were stopped a number of times by people who were on the trail, yet had no idea where they were. Of course, we offered to share our knowledge with them.

While hiking the Valley Loop Trail, you should pass close to El Capitan. This is one structure that looks best from a distance. Up close, it is a sheer wall of rock. Walking past El Cap, you will feel very small indeed! (El Cap’s Different Personality Tomorrow…)

 
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 101 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0354.CR2
Capture time: 10:47:39 AM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
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Canon SX50 HS

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 100 (Sentinel Dome 3/3: What Views!)

Jeff

This is post 3 of 3 about my hike to the top of Sentinel Dome. If you missed 1/3 (YOY) – Day 98 or 2/3 (YOY) – Day 99, click the links to “catch up!”

 

One of the spectacular views from the top of Sentinel Dome

I was so intent on making it to the top of Sentinel Dome, that I don’t think I turned around during the climb to take in the views at the various heights. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I stopped at all until I arrived near the very top of the hill.

Once there, I turned around and the picture above was part of what I saw. What makes Sentinel Dome so striking is that it has views of the major players in “the Valley.” There is a three-hundred-and-sixty degree range of visibility so turning around will reveal El Capitan, Yosemite Falls as well as Half Dome and the supporting cast of other falls, mountains, etc.

This was an essential hike for me and I was glad to have taken advantage of it. Of course there are views of these sights from other aspects of the park, but to have them laid out in front all at once was a rare treat!

I would suggest a telephoto and wide angle lens, if possible. I had my bridge camera which tries to cover both, but the lack of a true wide angle did not permit me to capture some of the scenes I would have liked to share.

Nevertheless, I will post more Sentinel Dome photographs and views of the other sights in a later post. This is enough of the dome for now.

 
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 100 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 12:01:03 PM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f/18
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Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 99 (Sentinel Dome 2/3)

Jeff

Looking up at the climb to the domeFirst full view of Sentinel Dome as we ascended the trail

As we approached Sentinel Dome, we could get a hint of what we might see as Half Dome was visible through the trees. At the end of the trail, we arrived at the base of the dome and after the hike up the trail, it did look formidable.

I must say, the climb was easier than I thought it would be. It was a bit steep, but the path was clear and the stone provided a surface that was easy to grip. Seeing other people on the dome and at the top let me know that I could do it as well. (To be continued…)

To See Yesterday’s post about Sentinel Dome, click HERE

 
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 99 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 11:47:37 AM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 98 (Sentinel Dome 1/3)

Jeff

Sentinel Dome view ascending the trailFirst full view of Sentinel Dome as we ascended the trail

As we hiked the trail to Sentinel Dome, we had great expectations. The trail was fairly busy so we knew it had a reputation of being worthy. Another clue that the hike to the dome was popular was the lack of room in the nearby parking areas. Luckily, parking along the road, but not on the road, was permitted. We secured the car and began our trek along the Sentinel Dome trail.

There was some rock scrambling, but the trail is certainly moderate with various ups and downs. The elevation gain up to the dome was not too bad. As we rounded one part of the trail, the picture above was the first full view we had of the dome. This mountain top was well rounded like one would expect it to be. (To be continued…)

 
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 98 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 11:26:24 AM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 97 (Now That’s A Pine Cone!)

Jeff

foot long pine cone 

Large pine cone found along the Valley Loop Trail

We live in the desert of Arizona and while we have some drought-tolerant pine trees with pine cones, they are nowhere near the size pictured above. Even when we lived on the east coast, we couldn’t find cones this large.

My shoe size is ten-and-a-half, triple E so that may provide a mode of comparison. We were in Bishop, CA several days before reaching Yosemite and they did have pine cones equal to or larger than this as well.

NOTE – While taking a shuttle bus to Glacier Point, the driver explained that it was a violation of federal law to remove anything natural, including pine cones, from the park. National Parks are home to many life forms including insects, rodents, mammals, etc. and they use the resources of the park to create a living environment for themselves. Pine cones, for example provide food for a variety of wildlife.

 
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 97 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 96 (Beauty Among the Debris)

Jeff

Beauty among nature's debrisEven among the debris, nature leaves behind, beauty stands out!

What I like about this photograph is that even among the debris left behind by nature, the inherent beauty shines through. There are dead trees, debris in the pond left by recent rains and branches dying on nearby growth. Yet the beauty in the background was breathtaking!

The sapling to the left of the water (foreground) should serve to remind all that nature rejuvenates our world when left to her own devices. Yes, Half Dome peering out above the distant mountain watches over the lush, green valley; joy to the world!

 
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 96 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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