YOY

El Capitan Meadow – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 203

Jeff

Meadows near El Capitan

A view capured from the El Capitan Meadow

We decided to hike the entire Valley Loop Trail which takes adventurers near a number of the major attractions in the valley including El Capitan. The photograph above is a view from El Capitan meadow looking back toward Half Dome. As you can tell, the view was stunning. The sky was dramatic and the valley was oh so green. You can see Half Dome peeking into the valley near the middle-right of the photograph.

There were people in the area with blankets and binoculars watching climbers who were making their way up the large mountain. We were told by a tour bus driver that at night, there are a number of lights on the side of the mountain because climbers use them to read as they hang off of the mountain waiting for sleep and the subsequent sunrise.

NOTE – Hiking El Capitan can take a number of days. Supplies must be hauled along as hikers complete the trek.

 
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 203 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nikon D3300

 

The Beauty of Tuolumne Meadows – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 202

Jeff

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows viewed from near the Sentinel Dome Trail head

We have described Sentinel Dome and the hike to the top and we have also shown photographs of Cathedral Peak which can be seen in the distance (near the middle) of this photograph. I would like to point out that Tuolumne Meadows is beautiful in its own right. Look at the lush expanse of green grass and trees which leads up to the meandering Tuolumne River.

The photo was taken as we were heading to the car after a long day’s hiking and only moments before, a Yellow-bellied marmot went scrambling across the field. I believe that during the warmer weather the field would have abundant wildflowers.

 
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 202 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Dog Lake- Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 201

Jeff

A view from the shore of Dog Lakee

Dog Lake is near Sentinel Dome

If you are hiking near Sentinel Dome or in and around Tuolumne Meadows, the hike to Dog Lake may be of interest. It is actually a side trail off of the main trail to Sentinel Dome. It is not too far from that junction and may provide an extension to a day of hiking.

When we visited, the water was very cold and the shore was muddy because of the recent snow and rains. In drier weather, it would be easier to explore more of the shore line. We were getting to the end of our hiking day and we just stopped for a few pictures and to assess the lake.

 
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 201 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nikon D3300

 

Cathedral Peak Portrait – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 200

Jeff

athedral Peak from Sentinel Dome

Cathedral Peak from Sentinel Dome

Using a telephoto setting on my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS (Bridge Camera), I was able to take a “portrait” of Cathedral Peak from across Tuolumne Meadows. It doesn’t look quite as dramatic in this picture as the colors are muted because of the amount of atmosphere between the lens and the subject, the color of the light, copious snow cover, etc.

The picture above does provide a different look into the “character” of the peak and the overall topography.

 
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 200 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

 

Cathedral Peak – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 199

Jeff

Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows from Sentinel Dome

Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows from Sentinel Dome

Among the numerous and varied mountains in Yosemite National Park, a few have gained prominence because of their special location, shape or challenge to conquerors. Cathedral Peak is one such recognizable pinnacle.

The picture above was taken from the top of Sentinel Dome and shows the stretch across Tuolumne Meadows including the river. Cathedral Peak, like Sentinel Dome, stands as figurative sentries keeping watch over the expanse.

Cathedral Peak is open to mountain climbers and it stands as a challenge to those who enjoy that sport. An interesting picture of one such adventurer can be seen 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 199 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0239.NEF
Capture time: 1:29:21 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/125 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 45mm
Nikon D3300

 

Reflection of Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 198

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow with a reflection

Half Dome at the Ahwahnee Meadow with reflection

This may be bit like pointing out my blemishes after I am dressed and ready to go out, but in an effort to share my photography experiences, I want to have full disclosure. As we returned to Yosemite Village, I noticed that the light was turning very picturesque so I hurried to the meadow to see if I could capture an artistic image of Half Dome.

As noted a number of times in my Year of Yosemite series, there were significant rains prior to our visit. A number of large puddles formed in the meadow and several photographers were trying to find the “ideal” location from which to capture a “perfect image” of Half Dome.

The picture above is one of my attempts. I was working under a couple of handicaps with my lack of experience being a major issue. I had a new camera that I had used just a few times prior and I am not sure I felt comfortable with the metering mode I was using. One of the photographers standing next to me had a variety of neutral density filters which would allow him to take a longer exposure and/or cut down the glare from the puddle. I do not own a set of filters of any type at this point, however I do plan to purchase a polarizing filter in the near future.

Another problem with the photo above is my choice of vantage points. After looking at this photograph now, I think perhaps I should have moved back just a bit to include more meadow in front of the puddle. I think that might have set off the reflection just a bit more.

Nevertheless, I do like my attempt to portray Half Dome in an artistic light, but it is only an “average” picture in my opinion.

 
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 198 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 7:10:02 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

 

A Vertical View of Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 197

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow

A vertical picture of Half Dome from near the Ahwahnee Meadow

When confronted with such a recognizable landmark such as Half Dome, most photographers are anxious to get the definitive picture. There are two approaches to this task. One, which is not recommended and sometimes scorned by more experienced shooters, is called “Spray and pray” which refers to taking many, many photographs from all different angles and places hoping that the ideal picture will appear somewhere in the grouping.

A more polished method would encourage the photographer to carefully study the scene, understand models of composition and choose their captures selectively. I try to embody the more conservative, polished method. While using this approach, I attempted to compose a vertical shot (above) as opposed to YOY Day 196 which was horizontal. I also wanted to include more of the foreground to use as a leading line drawing the eye towards Half Dome.

I normally prefer a horizontal landscape as opposed to a vertical, but I do find the composition above interesting and at least partially successful. NOTE – The light was changing quickly as the angle of the sun was becoming sharper.

What are your thoughts? (Leave them in a comment)

 
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 197 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 7:07:13 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Focal Length: 20mm
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Nikon D3300

 

A View of Iconic Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 196

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow

A picture of Half Dome from near the Ahwahnee Meadow

Yesterday’s YOY 195 post showed a webcam picture of Half Dome that was taken from a spot very near to where I took the picture above. Of course my photo isn’t as dramatic because of the lighting and weather conditions present during the webcam shot.

Standing in the meadow, this seemed to be an “obvious” capture. I had no idea that there was a webcam nearby and it is tempting to say that “great minds think alike,” but anyone standing in this expansive, grassy area looking at Half Dome would be tempted by their artistic sirens. So snap away I did!

 
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 196 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 7:06:21 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Nikon D3300

 

Icons in Our Parks- Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 195

Jeff

Half Dome from a Webcam

One of the most iconic symbols of any national park – Half Dome

It is very interesting how some of our national parks have features that have become so iconic that they take on a personality of their own. Half Dome is one of those major icons. As explained in an earlier post, Half Dome is so recognizable that the North Face Company uses an abstract version of it for their logo.

One indication that Half Dome is a major draw to Yosemite is that there is a webcam set up so people can see it whenever they choose. The photo above was provided by a webcam funded through Yosemite Conservancy. The scene is of Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow which is east of Yosemite Village (taken on January 13, 2017).

NOTE – While this is not a photograph I captured, I am using it as a springboard for a few following posts.

 
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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No Meta Data – Day 195

 

Deer Near the Paths – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 194

Jeff

Wildlife along the Yosemite paths

Animals have become acclimated to people and often saunter near the paths

After hiking the byways, trails and paths at Yosemite over a period of days, it is easy to get lulled into a sense that this is not wilderness. Of course there are signs everywhere warning of the dangers of wildlife encounters. It is important that we understand there are wild animals all around even if they are not visible.

It is still somewhat surprising to come across the denizens of Yosemite so close to the paths. The deer above was very aware that we were nearby, but seemed to be comfortable with us at a relatively close distance. This deer was munching some greenery in the Happy Isles section of the park

When I lived in the northeast, a deer would often run at the sight of a human and rarely let anyone get this close.

 
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 194 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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