wild places

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 120 (Taft Point Trail 1/3 – Nearing the End)

Jeff

Taft Point Trail near the end point
“The Taft Point Trail as we neared the end and the ‘big reveal?'”

If you hike to Sentinel Dome, the Taft Point Trail is nearby and makes an excellent companion hike. I don’t think it makes a difference which hike you do in which order, but I do think Sentinel Dome has more awesome views overall. They are both worthy and I would encourage all those who are fit enough to hike both.

The Taft Point Trail seemed a bit easier to me with fewer significant inclines along the path. There are some, but I think Sentinel Dome has more of them and they are a bit steeper. As a matter of fact, there is a loop trail on the map if you care to investigate. We did not do the loop.

The picture above shows a spot in the trail when we could almost see Taft Point itself. We were nearing the end of the trail at this point. Just beyond the cluster of pines to the left of the large tree (right of center) is Taft Point. 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 120 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 119 (Hetch Hetchy – Stairs Along the Trail)

Jeff

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 119 (Hetch Hetchy – Stairway Along the Trail)

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Partial “stairway” along the Wapama Falls Trail at Hetch Hetchy – Yosemite

As other posts pointed out, our day at Hetch Hetchy turned overcast shortly after we arrived and parked the car. As we hiked along the Wapama Falls Trail, the sky would become more threatening at times and then brighten slightly. When the clouds rolled in, the pictures were dramatic, but when the sky brightened and the sky turned solid gray picture opportunities were limited.

This photograph shows part of the trail that offered stone stairs to the hikers. I am so impressed to see these features from time-to-time as I understand the work that is required to construct these “stairways.” Not only do these pathways take a large amount of manpower to construct, they need to be maintained over time.

I believe the waterfall in the upper part of the picture is the Tueeulala Falls.

 
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 119 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 118 (Half Dome Village Residences)

Jeff

Half Dome Village

Half Dome Village

Half Dome Village – More substantial than tents!

Yesterday, we showed a view of the Yosemite Majestic Hotel. In describing Yosemite’s more modest accommodations, we can talk about Half Dome Village. This area was formerly known as Curry Village, but with the change of management of the park came the change of names.

As we were hiking through the valley, we were glad to be able to stop at the snack bar and other stores for some air conditioning and a few modern conveniences. The snack bar was quite busy as were several of the other nearby stores.

For those who would like to try camping, this might be one way of taking a dip into that realm. Understand, however, that many of amenities at Half Dome Village will not be had at the more traditional, bring-your-own-tent campgrounds. There are a variety of lodging types from motel-style rooms to to canvas tents. I have provided more links and information below.

The location is very nice and would be a wonderful launching point for many of Yosemite’s treasured hikes.

Below is some of the information from the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bueau’s website: Link #1 below

Half Dome Village

Incredible location just below Half Dome and Glacier Point, Half Dome Village is a unique and scenic place for families visiting Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome Village Features:

  • 46 Yosemite cabins with private baths
  • 14 Cabins that share convenient bathhouse
  • 403 Canvas tent cabins
  • 18 Standard motel rooms

From the National Parks General Reservations web page:Link #2 below

Half Dome Village (formerly known as Curry Village) is the largest lodging facility in Yosemite Valley. Half Dome Village offers many lodging options including, a motel, cabins with private restrooms/showers, and tent cabins without plumbing. Half Dome Village is one of the most popular lodging options inside Yosemite Park, because of its popularity Half Dome Village sells out quickly; make your reservations 10-12 months in advance to ensure availability of your lodging needs.

Half Dome Village Highlights

  • 1 Specialty Cabin
  • 14 Cabins w/Central Bath
  • 18 Standard Motel Rooms
  • 319 Canvas Tent Cabins
  • 499 Guest Accommodations
  • 56 Cabins w/Private Baths
  • Amphitheater
  • ATM Machine
  • Bicycle and Raft Rentals
  • Coffee Corner
  • Free Shuttle Bus
  • Gift Shop
  • Ice Cream Stand
  • Ice Skating Rink
  • Pizza Deck
  • Swimming Pool – Outdoor
  • The Taqueria Stand
  • Tour/Activities Desk
  • Village Pavilion

Half Dome Village Rooms & Amenities

The following amenities are available at this lodge. Please check individual room listings for room specific amenities.

  • ADA / Handicap Access
  • Daily Housekeeping Service
  • Heater
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pool (Outdoor)
  • Restaurant On Site

Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bueau’s website – 1

National Parks General Reservations web page – 2

 
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 117 (The Majestic Yosemite Hotel from Above)

Jeff

Majestic Yosemite Hotel from aboveThe Majestic Yosemite Hotel as seen from near Glacier Point

It is difficult to appreciate the size and scope of The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and the grounds when you are actually at the former Ahwahnee. The picture shows this structure in the center part of the photo just to the right of the dead tree in the area between the pines. When standing on the grounds, the abundant number of trees tend to partially block the view so seeing the resort from a distance provides more perspective.

Other YOY Posts about the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee):

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 4

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 31 (Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room)

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

 
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 117 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 4:07:00 PM
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Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 116 (Yosemite Valley – Sentinel Rock)

Jeff

Sentinel Rock, YosemiteSentinel Rock stands tall in Yosemite Valley

Interestingly enough, even the supporting cast of mountains, lakes and trails assume staring roles at various times. While hiking Yosemite Valley and at the edge of certain paths, when El Capitan and Half Dome are not directly in view, one tends to focus on other Yosemite features. They are absolutely “ready for their closeups!”

Sentinel Rock is a beauty in its own right, but it is difficult to compete with such extraordinary neighbors. Like Devil’s Tower, this formation could probably stand on its own if it dwelled elsewhere!

We enjoyed encountering Sentinel Rock during our hikes and noting how beautiful it was rising from the meadow with all of the lush green grasses providing the “red carpet” treatment!

 
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 116 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 115 (Lupines – Valley Loop Trail)

Jeff

Lupines along the Valley Loop Trail 

A wet spring brought wildflowers to Yosemite and the lupines were abundant!

As YOY followers probably know by now, one of my favorite subjects to record as I hike are wildflowers. The diversity and tenacity of nature to have flowers of such beauty that fend for themselves in the wild leaves me in wonder.

As we hiked the Valley Loop Trail, we would come across pockets of lupiines, but this particular specimen appealed to me because of the colors of the nearby ferns and the lupine leaves. The leaves have a unique (palmate) form and dark green color with lighter highlights along the ridges. Not only that, but lupine leaves have a water-gathering quality. If you look at them after a rain (or watering) you can see that the water beads and collects in strategic places on the plant.

A careful examination of the flower might remind you of a pea. Yes, it is a member of the pea family.

My wildflower ID skills are only “fair” so I am guessing these are Gray’s lupine, but they could be Brewer’s lupine. I am providing links to each below so you can decide.

Gray’s Lupine

Brewer’s Lupine

 
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 115 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 114 (Half Dome – Bridge Over the Merced)

Jeff

Half Dome and Merced River 

As we drove back to Yosemite Valley, we passed a bridge over the Merced River and Half Dome held court!

After a day of hiking, we turned down a bend in the road and crossed a bridge over the Merced River where Half Dome could be seen in the distance. I pulled over as quickly as I could, reached for my camera in the back seat and headed to the bridge for a few captures.

There were a number of people floating down the Merced this day. Some had kayaks while others had inflatable rafts or inner tubes. This photograph brings a smile every time I see it!

 
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 114 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nikon D3300

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 113 (Liken Lichen – Taft Point Trail)

Jeff

Generally I put the main description of the blog post under the picture, but this day is a bit different because I am actually offering three photographs.

Whenever I hike, I enjoy finding nature’s surprises. I am always excited to find a new fungus or a natural design created by erosion, veins in rocks, etc.

While hiking the Taft Point Trail, I came across an abundance of light green lichen clinging to several trees. Many of the trees were in various stages of stress or near death.

The pictures below show this lichen in its beauty. The texture and color are very striking especially when seen against the reddish bark of the trees. As the links below note, this wolf lichen can be poisonous to mammals.

The pictures below reveal how I discovered this phenomenon. It begins with a far off photo, moving closer in each successive picture. I hope you find it as interesting as I did!

Wolf Lichen on a dead tree

Wolf lichen on a tree in distress near death

A healthy cluster of Wolf lichen on a tree branch

What is a lichen?

“To a biologist, the answer is simple: a moss is a plant and a lichen is a partnership between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae). But that may not help you, since you won’t see the algae or cyanobacteria with your naked eye.

So here is a general rule of thumb: Mosses are often grass green and lichens are every other shade of green, or brown, grey, orange, yellow; you get the idea.”

Via – Washington Native Plant Society blog

“Letharia vulpina, commonly known as the wolf lichen (although the species name vulpina, from vulpine relates to the fox), is a fruticose lichenized species of fungus in the family Parmeliaceae. It is bright yellow-green, shrubby and highly branched, and grows on the bark of living and dead conifers in parts of western and continental Europe, the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains of Western North America. This species is somewhat toxic to mammals due to the yellow pigment vulpinic acid, and has been used historically as a poison for wolves and foxes. It has also been used traditionally by many native North American ethnic groups as a pigment source for dyes and paints.”

Via – Wkipedia

 
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 – None for this series of photographs

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 112 (Tenaya Lake)

Jeff

Tenaya LakeTenaya Lake looking north on our way to Lembert Dome

Tioga Road is one of the major thoroughfares of Yosemite and it leads to some of the major sights in the Tuolumne Meadow area. Interestingly enough, on the way into the park from the NE, there was quite a bit of ice in the lakes along Tioga Road. By the time we returned a couple of days later, the ice was gone, but patches of snow on the land remained.

Tenaya Lake proved to be a very popular stopping point for hikers, photographers and other nature lovers. On this day, the water was very still and reflections were rather crisp. I had hoped for a dramatic cloud or two, but really…who can complain with a scene like this?

 
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 112 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 10:12:08 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

For a slightly different view of Tenaya Lake taken with another camera, you can visit this previous post:

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 9

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 111 (Water Crossings – Sentinel Dome Trail)

Jeff

Stream CrossingSnow 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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