Yosemite

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 91 (El Capitan)

Jeff

El Capitan viewed from a nearby meadow 

El Capitan viewed from a nearby meadow

El Capitan is one of iconic features of Yosemite. No matter where one hikes in the park, it continuously reveals itself from numerous roads, paths and viewing points.

The photograph of El Capitan above was taken as we walked across a nearby meadow. It towers well above the tree line and never ceases to impress.

 
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 90 (Trail Maintenance)

Jeff

Typical view of a Yosemite Trail 

Typical view of a Yosemite Trail

As we visit the national parks, we are always amazed and appreciative of the care that is given to maintaining the trails. As most people know, the parks are not well-funded and are attracting increasing numbers of visitors.

BTW – The photograph above was taken during our hike along the Four Mile Trail at Yosemite…notice the cobble stone-like section.

Certainly there are areas where maintenance is lacking and certain amenities need upgrading, but when it comes to the trails which are often very far away from electricity, running water, roads, etc. they are mostly groomed.

We have been on trails where trees have fallen across the path. In a visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we hiked a loop trail and noticed that on the way out a tree had obstructed a path that was clear on the way in. We understand, however, that not every trail can be reviewed every day or every week or even every six months. I think this is part of the allure of hiking, i.e. one never knows what they will find.

I want to tip my hat and thank those who work on helping to care for our trails in the national parks. We appreciate any effort made to ease our way. Many a stubbed toe has been avoided by these efforts!

 
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 90 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 89 (Cascade Creek Waterfall)

Jeff

Waterfalls leading to Cascade Creek 

Waterfall leading to Cascade Creek

If you have been following my YOY series of posts, by now I think you have the idea that in spring and early summer and during an average year of rainfall, it would be hard to avoid waterfalls at Yosemite National Park; they are everywhere!

The waterfall pictured above was on the high side of route 120 as it cuts through the mountains surrounding the valley. On the other side of the roadway was Cascade Creek highlighted in YOY 68. While this is not a thunderous waterfall, it is substantial and it beautifully meanders down the rocky mountain slope to form a picturesque site. The attraction, however, pales in comparison to Yosemite’s other falls and may be overlooked.

There are two pullouts nearby and I think it is worthy of a stop!

 
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 89 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 88 (Mariposa Lily – Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

Mariposa Lily at Hetch HetchyMariposa Lily at Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite NP

One of the wonders of Hetch Hetchy when we visited in early June, 2016 was the fields of wildflowers still blooming in large numbers enveloping the Wapama Falls Trail at times. Among them was the Mariposa Lily pictured above. As you can note from the photograph it wasn’t alone on this canvas as other wildflowers were vying for attention all around.

If you look closely, you can see an insect in the bottom-right of the flower. It is yellow and black and the antennae can be seen raising above the insect.

 
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 88 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 87 (Half Dome – From the East)

Jeff

Half Dome from Olmstead Point 

Half Dome from Olmstead Point

Olmstead Point is one of those turnouts one doesn’t read much about in the literature; at least I hadn’t seen much about it. As we were driving along Tioga Road, we came across this vantage point and we were stunned by the amazing views.

The picture of Half Dome above is one that is not generally seen as many of the viewing spots are located on the other side of this Yosemite notable. Olmstead Point is northeast of Half Dome and according to the map, approximately three miles away (+/-).

The actual colors of the giant rock are not revealed well from this distance as the atmosphere lends a blue cast to the capture. There is at least one good hiking trail from this overlook (Olmsted Point trail) that we noted. Unfortunately,we did not take the earmarked hike, but now wish we had as it is remarked to be “one of the great values in scenery per square meter”.

 
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 87 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 86 (Blue Helmets)

Jeff


Blue Helmets 
Blue Helmets Blue Helmets along the Four Mile Trail

While hiking the Four Mile Trail we were surprised to find blue helmets in two different locations. One helmet was placed on a ledge of rocks and another was resting in the middle of the trail.

We made an assumption that these were probably protective gear used by rescuers. We previously showed a locked metal case placed along the edge of the trail in one spot which we likewise assumed had rescue gear inside (see YOY DAY 47).

Other than the above conjectures, we don’t know what use these items might have in these particular locations. There was no rock climbing along this trail as far as we understood.

 
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 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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Meta Data – Day 85 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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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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