nature

Steal the Scene from Liberty Cap – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 232

Jeff

Liberty Cap

Liberty Cap seen from Glacier Point

Yesterday’s post discussed how some Yosemite features “suffer” from comparison to the more iconic and more easily recognizable sights of the national park. It is hard to be located adjacent Half Dome and try to draw attention to yourself.

This photo demonstrates the “location conundrum.” While Liberty Cap is located near the center of the photograph, Half Dome pulls our attention to the left of the frame and perhaps another pull comes from the waterfalls on the right.

Liberty Cap is trying to make a statement and avoid “blending in.”

 
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 232 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Liberty Cap – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 231

Jeff

Lizard on the Taft Point Trail

Liberty Cap Mountain and Nevada Falls

Let’s be honest. If I asked you to name the major attractions at Yosemite, would you refer to the mountain in the photo above? This is a massive granite mountain just north of Nevada Fall.

I am willing to wager that many visitors to Glacier Point, the overlook from where this photo was taken, skip over this feature because it tends to be overshadowed by Half Dome, even further to the north (not in the photo). When the water is flowing, Vernal and Nevada Falls also draw attention away from the surrounding mountains, hills, etc. and grab the spotlight. This large feature becomes an unknown co-star for most visitors.

I had never heard of Liberty Cap before out trip to Yosemite and I think most people would share that sentiment as well. A good number probably would not be able to recall it even after visiting Yosemite. That is one of the reasons I love photography. My record is saved for posterity and, if necessary, a Liberty Cap memory jog!

 
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 231 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Lizard Tail on the Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 230

Jeff

Lizard on the Taft Point Trail

Lizard along the Taft Point Trail

This was the second lizard of this type that we saw as we hiked along the Taft Point Trail. We passed one on the way to the point and this specimen showed up as we were on the way back to the parking area.

Interestingly enough, we saw both in the same area which was muddy from recent rains. As you can see, the shutter speed was a bit slow and the movement of his hind leg is blurred.

NOTE: In the YOY Day 38 post, we had a picture of a Sierra Fence Lizard taken during our Taft Point Trail hike and this appears to be the same species. This particular lizard looks as though he is regenerating a new tail which might have been torn off during an escape.

 
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 230 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Leaving Taft Point – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 229

Jeff

Looking back leaving Taft Point

Looking back towards Taft Point as we head back to the trailhead

After spending time soaking in the magnificent views offered to visitors at Taft Point, it was time to head back to the trailhead and parking area. As we made our way past the fissures, we took one last look back at the scene.

We had quite a day taking in valley views from both Glacier Point and Taft Point. These were adventures we will never forget!

 
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 229 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nikon D3300

 

Farther View of the Falls from Taft Point – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 228

Jeff

Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

A farther view of Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

Yesterday’s post touted the size, beauty and strength of Yosemite Falls. As part of that dialogue, I explained that being above the valley enables visitors to see the relationship of Yosemite’s features to each other.

This is a more distant view of the falls from farther back on the trail. You can get a better sense of where the falls are geographically and of course El Capitan would be toward the left of the frame (not visible) .

From this point, we started the return trip back to the car.

 
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 228 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Canon PowerShot AS590 IS

 

Yosemite Falls from Taft Point – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 227

Jeff

Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

A view of Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

When visitors are in and around Yosemite Valley during spring and early summer and they hear the roar of Yosemite Falls, they may walk toward the bottom level to watch the torrent of water free falling down the wall of the mountain and into the basin. It is quite a sight; and quite a splash I might add.

I suppose some visitors think that what they are viewing is the total of Yosemite Falls, but if they could actually see the entire waterfall, their amazement would increase more than twofold. It is huge!

That is the beauty of hiking at Glacier Point and Taft Point…you get to see the bird’s eye view of Yosemite Valley. There is more than meets the eye at ground level and it is easier to understand the relationship of all of the major attractions to each other when standing at the top of it all.

The photograph above shows the full scope of Yosemite Falls. It was wonderful, beautiful and powerful. The roar of the falls can be heard for quite a distance at ground level and lulled us to sleep at night.

 
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 227 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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El Capitan’s Nose from Taft Point – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 226

Jeff

El Capitan from Taft Trail

El Capitan close up from Taft Trail

Yesterday’s post showed a more distant picture of El Capitan with the surrounding meadows and the Merced River. This photo brings viewers a bit closer to El Capitan and the “nose” of the mountain.

The nose is the ridge facing left that juts out like a nose on a face. I guess mountains do have faces…don’t they?

 
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 226 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Nikon D3300

 

Taft Point – El Capitan – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 225

Jeff

Rock Formations - Taft Point Trail

A view of El Capitan from Taft Point

Once we arrived at Taft Point, the beautiful views opened up before us in a number of directions. The photo above shows El Capitan and the valley meadows. You might be able to discern the Merced River just off to the left of the meadow nearest El Capitan’s nose.

As you can see, I was standing relatively close to the edge, but leaning over a secured railing. It was quite a drop off and it was reassuring to have the “safety net” of a railing to lean against as I jockeyed for a position that would yield the desired picture.

 
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 225 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Taft Point Rock Formations – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 224

Jeff

Rock Formations - Taft Point Trail

Rock formations abound along the ledge of the trail

Naturally hikers focus on the view at the end of the Taft Point Trail, but before arriving at the very end and seeing the valley, interesting rock formations can be found across the chasm on the other side of the mountain.

In another place, these might have been the main attraction; location, location, location.

 
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 224 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Taft Point At the Edge – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 223

Jeff

At the edge of Taft Point

Part of the pay off for hiking to Taft Point; THE VIEW!

If you read yesterday’s post, you would probably have noted these quoted phrases describing Taft Point:

  • without the guardrails
  • dramatic vistas of Yosemite Valley
  • afraid of heights or not

And so it was! One thing about our National Parks which helps them be awesomely beautiful is that they don’t put fences or railings everywhere they can. There are some, but not an abundance. Part of the “thrill” of the alluring Taft Point panorama is the inherent danger.

There is one place, high and along the edge that does have a railing and is relatively safe. Hold onto young ones and those who might appear timid. One thing I have learned over the years is to respect the fear others may have. Don’t try to force anyone to take chances and leave the definition of “chances” strictly up to them.

While I am not afraid of heights and I do get fairly close to the edge, I don’t get quite as close as the people outlined along the precipice seen the upper-left of this photo.

The vista was so beautiful on this bright, sunny day that it is easy to appreciate why Yosemite is a favored destination of many.

 
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 223 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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