hiking

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 85 (Home of the Sierra Club)

Jeff

The Yosemite Conservation Heritage CenterThe Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center – Hone of the Sierra Club

“The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (formerly LeConte Memorial Lodge), National Historic Landmark, was built by Sierra Club volunteers in 1903-04.

The Sierra Club still operates the iconic structure as a public education and visitor center ever since, presenting and promoting the conservation ethic through public programs, educational displays, a library, and interactive programs for kids and families.” https://sierraclub.org/yosemite-heritage-center/about-us

Interestingly enough, as noted in an earlier post, the building had been moved. In speaking with volunteers, it was mentioned that the roof line does not fit as exact as desired so there are some gaps and appropriate accommodations that need to be made.

To see a nice photograph of the beautiful stone building from the outside, see former YOY post 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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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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Meta Data – Day 84 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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Meta Data – Day 83 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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.

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Meta Data – Day 82 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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Meta Data – Day 80 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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Meta Data – Day 79 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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Meta Data – Day 78 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 77 (Half Dome Close Up)

Jeff

Closeup of Half Dome 

Another view of Half Dome – It never got tiresome.

This picture of Half Dome was taken from Glacier Point. If you plan to go to Yosemite, schedule a ride to Glacier Point which hosts some of the best views of many of the Valley’s hot spots.

Better yet, take the shuttle bus and save your car’s brakes and a nerve burning ride. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Once again, I recommend that, if you are fit and you are comfortable with following a trail and trail map, consider taking one of the shorter trails down to the Valley. We took the Four Mile Trail and it was splendid.

 
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 77 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 76 (Merced River Flowing)

Jeff

Merced River Full FLowDuring our Yosemite Visit, the Merced River was at full flow

The week before we arrived at Yosemite, it had rained nearly every day. Added to the snowpack, this pushed all water features into overdrive and it was superb!

This picture of the Merced River is just one indication of the fullness of the flow.

 
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 76 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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Meta Data – Day 75 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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