Yosemite in Spring, with Dogwoods

 Went to Yosemite the other day because I read that the Dogwoods were in bloom. 

YES they were.

Bloom is actually the wrong word since what we see as petals are actually specialized leaves, 

pretty none the less. And of course in Yosemite there's more beauty than just Dogwoods.

 I was surprised at how many people there were, mostly couples and very few children. 

As you may know the Merced River is very high. My guess is when I got there

it was about a foot or more below it's recent peak. The 'Paparazzi' Bridge was closed

off as were other areas near the river.

This is the Swinging Bridge, you can see how high the river is. I was thinking about

photoshopping the people on the bridge but I like their reflections in the water.

I really liked the contrast of the Dogwood and the log and brush.

Not sure the name of this bridge (duh), but the sign says "No Crossing Water on Bridge". 

That gives you some idea of how high the river got. I would have taken a better angle but

there's water just to the right of where I was standing.

Where the Merced River was wide and slow enough there were some great reflections.

And you thought I was done with the Dogwoods!!

These were a little smaller than many of the Dogwoods, I'm guessing that 

it's because they were in direct sunlight. I was also surprised at the shape.

I used a tree for my tripod so I didn't get quite the river blur I was trying for.

Still like it though.

 

The pines seem to like the extra water they got this winter.

Reflection of Yosemite Falls across the road from the Yosemite Chapel, 

in what I believe is Cook's Meadow

I also have another Yosemite post from a few weeks ago, farther down

the Blog

Go, See. Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave