Yosemite Fall and Winter together

Last week they predicted snow in Yosemite Valley and that it would end

about 10am with variable cloudiness after that. The first snow of the

season was just too tempting and I headed up, getting there about 10am.

On the way up I stopped along the Merced River several times. While overcast

there wasn't any rain and I wondered what would happen in Yosemite.

As you can see the colors along the river were pretty good.

As I got to the park it wasn't snowing, but a good layer of snow had already fallen.

This is one of the first indications that it was going to be a very good

day to photograph. 

Yes, it was going to be a very good day.

Then it started to snow a little, you might be able to see some snow blur

on the lower portion of the photograph.

Then it started a little harder. I was worried because I'd left the rain cover for

my camera at home and I'm a little paranoid about wet cameras.

While taking this one a young lady near me remarked how special it was

to visit Yosemite and have both Fall and Winter at the same time.

Then it started to really snow. I had a choice, play it safe and hunker down and make

sure my camera was dry or improvise. 

I found a white rag in my SUV and draped it over the camera and lens and

went for it.

Yosemite has some wonderful areas and things to photograph. Color or Black and White?

 I had trouble deciding so here are both.

Yeah that's snow falling!

Anyone who has been to Yosemite a couple of times will

recognize this grove of trees.

Of course there is the closer up aspect of a good snowstorm.

Seemed like every Aspen leaf had a little hat on.

Not to be outdone the Oak leaves were dressed in their 

Fall/Winter finest.

The Pohono Bridge is iconic to the park and at the beginning

of the 'Loop'. Here's my take after a snowfall and the sun starting

to make an appearance.

The sun was somewhat fickle, here one minute hiding the next.

Once again I couldn't decide on Color or Black and White.

El Capitan always presents itself in all it's wonder.

I went round and round about which image from Tunnel View I should post.

This one from left to right.

El Capitan, Half Dome and the Three Brothers

I don't normally have people in my photographs and I kept yelling at these

people to get out of my shot but their only response was a rude gesture. Kidding

of course. It wasn't long after the snowfall but you can see by the snow it was a 

very busy area.

As the sun warms the area the inevitable false/second snow fall happens as 

the trees let loose of their new coat.

Fall and Winter together in Yosemite, it doesn't get much better than this.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave