YOY

Taft Point Rock Formations – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 224

Jeff

Rock Formations - Taft Point Trail

Rock formations abound along the ledge of the trail

Naturally hikers focus on the view at the end of the Taft Point Trail, but before arriving at the very end and seeing the valley, interesting rock formations can be found across the chasm on the other side of the mountain.

In another place, these might have been the main attraction; location, location, location.

 
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 224 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Taft Point At the Edge – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 223

Jeff

At the edge of Taft Point

Part of the pay off for hiking to Taft Point; THE VIEW!

If you read yesterday’s post, you would probably have noted these quoted phrases describing Taft Point:

  • without the guardrails
  • dramatic vistas of Yosemite Valley
  • afraid of heights or not

And so it was! One thing about our National Parks which helps them be awesomely beautiful is that they don’t put fences or railings everywhere they can. There are some, but not an abundance. Part of the “thrill” of the alluring Taft Point panorama is the inherent danger.

There is one place, high and along the edge that does have a railing and is relatively safe. Hold onto young ones and those who might appear timid. One thing I have learned over the years is to respect the fear others may have. Don’t try to force anyone to take chances and leave the definition of “chances” strictly up to them.

While I am not afraid of heights and I do get fairly close to the edge, I don’t get quite as close as the people outlined along the precipice seen the upper-left of this photo.

The vista was so beautiful on this bright, sunny day that it is easy to appreciate why Yosemite is a favored destination of many.

 
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 223 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Taft Point Fissures – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 222

Jeff

Fissures along the Trail

There were areas with large crevices along the Taft Point Trail

In our research and also along the trail itself, there were warnings about “the Fissures.” If you aren’t familiar with the term, these are large crevices and the warnings are certainly warranted.

I am not sure you can see how dramatic it is in a two-dimensional photo, but in the middle, bottom of picture above is a large “crack” in the mountain which presents a dangerous, most likely deadly hazard for anyone who falls in. Signs warn parents to hold on to their children.

The close proximity of these dangers to the trail is something to note.

Here is what YosemiteHikes.com says about the Taft Point Trail:

“It’s Glacier Point without the guardrails. Dramatic vistas of Yosemite Valley, especially El Capitan. Guaranteed to help you answer the question: Am I afraid of heights or not? And an excellent mildly sadistic people-watching spot, for seeing how your fellow hikers privately answer the same unsettling question.” Read more about it 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 222 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Nearer the Edge – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 221

Jeff

Nearer the end - Taft Pt. Trail

At this juncture we could get a glimpse of what might be ahead.

After hiking along the Taft Point Trail enjoying the sites the path provided, the trees began to give way and we could see a distance before us. Through the trees we could envision a potential distant precipice that held the promise of a spectacular view near the edge.

There was a drop off straight ahead as well as off to the right offering a look into the valley.

 

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 221 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Beginning the Taft Point Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 220

Jeff

Beginning of the Taft Pt. Trail

This is the path as we began to hike to Taft Point

The Taft Point Trail was fairly typical of a number of trails at Yosemite National Park. We knew that “the point,” of the so-named Taft Point Trail, would be an outcropping of some sort and we anticipated the potential of great vistas.

On the way to the point, however, we hiked through the woods with an abundance of trees. Some of the places were very muddy and we had to scurry to find the driest path forward.

In the photo, viewers can see the log that is sawed into pieces to allow hikers to pass. I am always appreciative of the workers and trail keepers who do this labor to allow us to more safely hike the special lands!

 

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 220 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Clusters of Phlox – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 219

Jeff

Clusters of Phlox at Yosemite

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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Half Dome Photo with Quote – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 218

Jeff

Robert M. Pirsig quote about what each brings to the hiking experience

“The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there..” – Robert M. Pirsig

Photographof Half Dome from Setinel Dome
Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross, ALL Rights Reserved ©

The reason this quote resonates with me is that when I speak of hiking, especially if it involves going uphill on a mountain, some of my friends look at me as though I have three eyes. They can’t seem to grasp why I would want to work that hard to get to the mountain top. Of course this is their prerogative. They don’t have to appreciate how I feel when I get to the top of the peak and look out over a vast panorama that strikes like a bolt of awe straight into my being.

It isn’t just the hike to the top that motivates me. It is the miracles one can find along the way! If you don’t like the outdoors and nature and you don’t have a calm, awe inspired attitude when walking in the woods, or watching birds or other experiences nature offers, then climbing a mountain may not provide the same astonishment and wonder it brings to others.

You have to bring that sense of adventure, wonder and deep appreciation with you as you climb and that is what helps to keep your feet moving as you hike.

 
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 218 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Spreading Phlox on the Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 216

Jeff

Spreading Phlox

Pockets of spreading phlox appeared along the trials



The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails share a junction-type trailhead. We decided to hike the Sentinel Dome Trail first to assure that we had all the time we needed there. Later we had plenty of energy and time so we then hiked to Taft Point.

Along the way, we passed a number of pockets of Spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa). The clusters were very pretty offset against the rocks and brown sound. It appears that the phlox likes to locate itself against rocks and in crevices that are formed by the natural surroundings.

 
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 216 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Interior – Conservation Heritage Center -Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 215

Jeff

Interior - Conservation Heritage Center

The interior of the Conservation Heritage Center

In yesterday’s post, we showed a photograph of the architectural style of the Conservation Heritage Center. Today we provide an interior picture to demonstrate the quaintness of the facility. There are many “artifacts” related to the history of the Sierra Club on display as well as general information about the natural world.

There were interesting photographs, drawings and maps related to Yosemite and other areas. Standing inside the building one will get a sense of the history of the club and the center itself.

Interesting Note

One of the volunteers indicated that because the building was moved, the roof did not align perfectly and from time-to-time the weather becomes an issue.

 
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 215 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Day 215, Year of Yosemite, hiking,information,natural beauty,nature, wild places,Year of Yosemite,Yosemite,Yosemite National Park,YOY,Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, interior

 

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 214

Jeff

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Another view of the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

During my previous YOY posts, I have touted the beauty of the buildings and other stone features at Yosemite. Considering the age of the park and some of these buildings (as well as the limited budget the National Parks have), they are in very good shape; at least those that I saw at Yosemite.

As mentioned previously, the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center has been moved and renamed. One needs to appreciate the architecture and stonework. If you have a chance to stop by, it is a very nice feature and they have volunteers from the Sierra Club to answer your questions.

 
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 214 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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