Year of Yosemite

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 132 (Lembert Dome – On top of the World)

Jeff

Hikers resting on top of Lembert Dome

On top of Lembert’s Dome, hikers were resting and having a snack

This picture is a screen shot from part of a panorama. Of course I could have just singled out the one photo with the couple in the middle, but I had the pano handy. Because this is a section of a panorama, some of the people might have slight distortions.

**NOTE** when merging a number of photos into a panorama, items that are moving (i.e. people) have a tendency to be distorted.

It was absolutely breathtaking to stand on Lembert Dome and to slowly move in 360 degrees and view the total magnificence of the surrounding mountains. The sky was beautifully blue and clear with a few puffy clouds.

The feeling was exhilarating; trust me!

If you want to see the entire pano from a larger file click on the link below. Kindly keep in mind that as a courtesy, I have altered the faces of those who might be recognizable.

Large Pano

 
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 132 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0233.NEF
Capture time: 1:28:50 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

** Because this is part of a panorama, I have provided the Metadata for the one picture that makes up the central part of the image. The other images would have similar specs.

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 131 (Near the End of the Lembert Dome Trail)

Jeff

The first picture below is from yesterday’s YOY post. It was near the beginning of the Lembert Dome Trail hike.

 

There is no way one could envision what I like to refer to as the “big reveal” at the end of the trail. Each step, even those that were labored, had me hoping for something spectacular at the end. The quest for the big payoff is always in the back of my mind.

The photograph of Lembert Dome below shows several people looking toward the top of the dome and perhaps assessing whether or not to hike up that incline. I had no such hesitation. Having made it to this point, I needed to go to the top IF I COULD!

I wasn’t going to take any significant risks and luckily for me, the hiking surface was rough-textured and allowed relatively easy footing. I was also able to find a ridge that allowed me to place my equipment there and then provided a gripping point for me to hoist myself up.

By the way, the big payoff isn’t always at the end of the trail. Once in a while it is something I experience along the trail at a distance from the end.

 

The trail ends at the top of the dome

Nearing the end of the Lembert Dome Trail for one of the best views at Tuolumne Meadows

 
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 131 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0217.NEF
Capture time: 1:20:20 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/160 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 130 (Hiking – So It Begins)

Jeff

The trail begins

Hikers begin their journey to Lembert Dome – the trail begins

One of the most exciting periods of any hike is locating the beginning of the trail. Finding the trailhead and confirming that indeed you are on the correct path is major step number one! This, at least for me, is where the anticipation begins to build!

The beauty of hiking is as Forest Gump pointed out: “My Momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'”

The same can be said about new hikes: “You never know what you’re gonna get.” The photo above looks like a nice, level, relatively easy to follow meandering path, but that can change in a matter of a few feet. There can be a drop off or a sudden steep incline. You just can’t tell until you get there.

Additionally, I am always wondering what I will find around the bend. Will there be a bird I have never seen? Will I encounter a large mammal? Will there be a pond or a river? What beautiful vistas will I be able to capture with my smartphone or camera?

Any step along the way can become a revelation. I have friends who don’t understand why I like to hike. After all, it can be hard work…but it is an adventure and often one that only a select group of people attempt. When someone tells me to “Take a hike,” I am often glad to comply.

 
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 129 (Small-er Miracles at Yosemite)

Jeff

Cascade Falls Yosemite

Cascade Falls is one of the smaller water displays at Yosemite

In staying with our theme of finding hidden wonders in our national parks, I want to show you another picture of Cascade Falls. It isn’t nearly as large as Yosemite Falls, or Vernal Falls or even Bridalveil Fall, but it is still very pretty and dainty; as far as waterfalls go.

I find the cascading water flowing over the rocky “steps” very attractive. I enjoy watching the streams of water and the beautiful patterns they make as they fan out over the rocks. In some ways, they look more like a bride’s veil than does the cascading flourish of that name.

We stopped to view this smaller display as we were heading out of the valley to hike in and around Tuolumne Meadows. There is a bridge-like structure as the road curves and parking in two places nearby. The picture above is the high side of the mountain, but the water flows under the bridge and continues to cascade down into the valley.

While I think the uphill side is prettiest, the downhill display is attractive as well. This doesn’t draw the crowds as much as some of the other features at Yosemite, but it “falls” onto my list of places to stop and see!

 
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 129 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0202.NEF
Capture time: 8:48:16 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 200
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 128 (Another Small Gem – Lizard)

Jeff

Yosemite blue bellied lizard

Another of my favorite subjects to photograph is lizards.

Yesterday I spoke of the small miracles we often overlook as we hike the byways of our parks and natural places by referring to plants, but we need to keep in mind that there are far more miracles than plants, flowers and trees.

The fellow above, probably a Western Fence Lizard, with beautiful markings including a blue belly and black collar is one of nature’s gems. Many lizards are able to shed their tails and then regenerate new appendages…truly a miracle. Look at the coloration. Isn’t that wonderful? This lizard blends well into the rock that it might be hard to see UNLESS you make the effort to look.

I so enjoy looking around as I hike and walk among our woods and fields. There is so much to see. What miracles of nature have you spotted that you feel many might have missed?

You can view a post about another lizard we came across along the Taft Point Trail by visiting Year of Yosemite – 38.

 
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 128 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0199.NEF
Capture time: 6:37:04 PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/20 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 35mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 127 (Small Miracles Along the Pathways)

Jeff

Fern and wildlflower along the trail

A fern and Alumroot,Heuchera micrantha growing along the Four Mile Trail.

I find that it is so easy to be awed by the major attractions in our national parks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, etc. that the small natural miracles that appear in significant numbers often get overlooked.

I am always surprise at how plants grab hold and take root in the smallest cracks in the rocks to grow and flourish against what appears to be great odds. We encountered numbers of wildflowers along the Four Mile Trail. Some were yellow, others were purple and yet others were just dainty-leaved beauties.

The fern in the photo above surrounds the Alumroot and it makes it difficult to see the full beauty of that particular species (pinkish, small blooms – upper-right). I had an earlier post, Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 28 (Alumroot-Heuchera micrantha), that you can visit to get a better look.

I hope every time you hike, you make the effort to seek out these hidden gems along the side of the trails or tucked away among the nooks and crannies in the rocks.

 
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 127 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0196.NEF
Capture time: 5:40:45 AM/PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f/5.6
Focal Length: 38mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 126 (Half Dome – Not Always A Beauty)

Jeff

Half Dome seen from Mirror Lake

Half Dome peeks out above other mountains and cliffs as one hikes around and near Mirror Lake

When we began our explorations of Yosemite, we thought we would be able to easily find and complete the Valley Loop Trail. Unfortunately, the map provided to visitors as a freebie was a bit ambiguous.

We were able to hike part of the Valley Loop Trail, but found ourselves accidentally segueing over to the Mirror Lake Trail. There was a ranger addressing a group nearby so I approached and waited to ask a question. When there was a break in the presentation, I learned that we were far off the Valley Loop Trail.

The ranger was very animated and encouraged us to finish the Mirror Lake Trail and told us that there were views of Half Dome that most people don’t see.

Generally speaking, we find that rangers provide very good information. We have relied on them many times and found areas we would probably not have discovered on our own.

So…off we went. The hike around Mirror Lake was pretty and a worthy one. Following the ranger’s advice, I took a detour to see if I could spot Half Dome. The picture above is one of Half Dome among and behind other mountains and cliffs. Even this icon of Yosemite doesn’t always have it’s “best face forward!” It was still something to see, just not as picturesque as usual!

 
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 125 (Danger Sign Ignored)

Jeff

A warning sign many ignoreX

A sign placed near the entrance to the trail leading to Bridalveil Fall

This is something I just don’t understand. This warning sign is very clear and announces DANGER. I don’t know how legible it is on your computer monitor or device, but the little red and yellow sign in the upper-left says:

2015 life altering injuries to visitors scrambling between boulders below waterfalls:

  • 1 spinal fracture – paraplegic
  • 1 cervical fracture – quadraplegic
  • 1 skull fracture – traumatic brain injury
  • 1 shoulder dislocation
  • Multiple leg and arm fractures

PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL

Below this sign, there are replicas of x-rays that show some of the broken bones and injuries.

With all this, AND with rather large yellow danger signs attached to some of the boulders, people were still scrambling on the rocks and taking risks just like those in the picture.

It is hard for me to understand this behavior. I enjoy a thrill as much as anyone else, but when clear warning is given in a national park or other hiking area, attention must be paid! Another thing or two to keep in mind…Where is the nearest hospital and how would I get there?

 
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 124 (Bridalveil Fall)

Jeff

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall was creating quite a spash!

Unfortunately, I think I might have missed some opportunities by visiting Bridalveil only one time. I did get a few photographs, but nothing that I would categorize as “special” IMHO.

While writing my Year of Yosemite posts, I have come to realize how we sometimes misname a particular waterfall. Invariably many of us add an “s” on the end of a waterfall’s name. For example, when I search Google for Bridalveil Fall, even on Tripadvisor, it is sometimes labeled Bridalveil Falls. There are certain waterfalls that do carry the “s,” at the end, but these are the features that generally have several different areas where the water cascades.

Here is a list of some of the waterfalls at Yosemite to underscore the point:

  • Bridalveil Fall
  • Chilnualna Falls
  • Horsetail Fall
  • Illilouette Fall
  • Nevada Fall
  • Ribbon Fall
  • Sentinel Fall
  • Vernal Fall
  • Wapama Falls
  • Yosemite 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.

***********************************

Meta Data – Day 124 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0265.NEF
Capture time: 6:34:08 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/25 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 45mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 123 (Wildflower – California Sweetshrub)

Jeff

California Sweetshrub

Calycanthus occidentalis aka California Allspice or California Sweetshrub near the Arch Entrance at Yosemite

While pulling off the main road into Yosemite from the El Portal access, known as the Arch Rock Entrance (click HERE for a picture), I entered a staff parking lot. In many of the wooded spaces surrounding the parking area, there were numerous bushes of California Allspice also called California Sweetshrub.

At first I thought it might be a type of rhododendron, but I was able to make a positive identification using a field guide. The pretty red color against the lush green foliage was very striking. Some of my favorite moments during my hiking trips are discovering a wildflower or wild plants such as these.

 
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 123 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0405.NEF
Capture time: 10:06:06 AM
Capture date: June 10, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/22
Focal Length: 36mm
ISO 500
Nikon D3300