Apparently this environment was favorable for this species of phlox
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.
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 219 YOY – Year of Yosemite
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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.
The picture above provides some indication of the general aspect of the Sentinel Dome Trail. When climbing to an elevated view, one should expect that the trail would lead upward and it certainly did. There were times when the trail would taper off a bit, but it is basically uphill all the way. I wouldn’t say it was strenuous, but as this shot shows, there is some rock scrambling along the way.
As yesterday’s post indicated, there were wildflowers along the trail and they would provide a good excuse to pause and catch our breath as we examined the floral beauties. Although this is a bit of a traipse at times, the vistas and wonders to be seen are well worth the effort if you are fit for uphill hiking.
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 158 YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Snow melt and recent rains created streams with a strong flow
As we hiked the various trails, there were places where the streams were flowing higher and faster than “normal” because of recent rains and the snow melt. We are not novices when it comes to water crossing, but one must be prepared.
The photo above shows just one place where we had to make a stream crossing. Understand that this was the “best” place we could find for a number of yards in each direction. Other areas were wider or had less debris for our feet to rest. Logs can be very tricky when used as part of a pathway because they can roll. I always “test” them first before putting all my weight on them. This is one place where hiking poles or walking sticks might be helpful depending on our style. I was careful and lucky so my feet remained dry on this hike despite a number of similar crossings.
I think it is important to make sure we have the correct hiking boots or shoes. I strongly recommend having hiking boots/shoes that are waterproof at least partially if not totally. Another precaution we take is to carry at least one extra pair of socks each. Nobody wants to hike in wet socks. Wet socks are not only uncomfortable, but I feel it can cause physical problems for our feet. [I also have a couple of very large safety pins that can be used to pin a wet sock or two to the outside of my back pack to hasten drying if needed.]
What can be more important to hikers than their feet?
BTW…One other thing I learned via experience is to make sure the hiking boot or shoe has a good solid “toe bumper” in the front. Those tree roots and rocks are continuously trying to stub my toes and the more tired, the more they seem to be nipping at them! Generally speaking, purchasing budget hiking footwear doesn’t pay in the long run or walk!
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 XX YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture time: 3:56:45 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Canon PowerShot A590 IS
One of the virtues of the wilderness is its democracy. Dozens or even hundreds of people can hike the same trail passing the same sites and yet some individuals will find beauty where others don’t. Hikers are able to feed their spirits by focusing on those things that inspire them.
On the way to Sentinel Dome, we passed the two rocks above nestled among the trees. They were just off the trail about twenty feet or so into the wooded area. I thought the brown and gray colors of the rocks against the foliage and lichen captured the essence of the area and I saw beauty there.
The small boulder has managed to find a “home” on top of the larger pedestal rock almost like two pieces of a puzzle. It has even managed to form a base to keep it steady and secure; at least for the foreseeable future. Everyone is free to find their own version of beauty in our national parks!
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 62 YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture date: June 9, 2016
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Sentinel Dome Trail was varied and steep in places.
The hike to Sentinel Dome was steep in a number of places, but there were numerous outcroppings with views and a good number of wildflowers in bloom. We stopped periodically to “smell the roses;” so-to-speak!
The payoff at the end (as you will see in subsequent posts) made it all worthwhile. If you visit Yosemite and you are trying to decide whether or not to take the Sentinel Dome Trail to the top of the dome, I would encourage you to do so if you are in good physical condition. A number of people rested at the base of the dome while others in their group hiked the dome itself. Even from that vantage point, there were beautiful 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.
Snow melt and recent rains created streams with a strong flow
Balanced Rock on Trail to Sentinel Dome