Yosemite and More

 I took a trip to Yosemite a couple of days ago just after the storm cleared. It was a magical day, fresh powder, snow on the trees, few people and great reflections. The road was packed snow and ice when I first got there, it eased up a little when the sun warmed non-shaded areas. This Pine Tree took the weight of the snow pretty well. Kinda looks like a hunched snow monster.   Tunnel View in the Winter never gets old. And there weren't many people. And of course El Capitan, reflected in the Merced River Then came the Three Brothers Just about anywhere you looked was great. These frosted pine needles caught my eye. The oaks formed a canopy over part of the road.  This oak leaf has a winter coat on. As did this railing The Swinging Bridge that doesn't swing The clouds played with El Capitan all day. Iconic Half Dome from Paparazzi Bridge Line of snow covered trees along the Merced River You can guess from these trees which way the wind was blowing. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Sa...

 Because my original work plans changed I decided to invite my photo pal Friedhelm  to head up to Yosemite with me on Tuesday after the Monday snow storm  and the promise of more snow to come. This was our first stop and showed us what kind of a day we were in for. To say I was excited would be an understatement A sneak peek through the trees This one leaf among the snow covered branches caught my eye. El Capitan, Snow, Merced River, you gotta love it It doesn't get much better than this Snow covered oaks, with Bridalveil Fall in the background. I've taken a lot of photos of the Chapel. Don't post many because I've taken a lot of photos of the Chapel. But in winter I just can't help myself. This is from Tunnel View, I know that since the snow fall  I'm the only one who took this angel because my footprints were the only ones in the snow. Just a bit of snow on the end of a pine needle. Should have gone back and gotten my macro lens, darn. As the light faded the s...

Last week I went to Yosmite the day after a good snowfall. It was truly a winter wonderland. It was inspiring just standing there and taking in all the beauty, and of course I took a few photos. Looking up to the ridges and high country was especially beautiful. And to be honest I was happy to be where the temp was around 30°. Being in a valley you are of course surrounded by high country ridges and  wonderful views. Friedhem suggested we hike to the bottom of Yosemite Falls, I was honestly skeptical. But the short hike was very doable and I was able to get this view of Half Dome along  with several of both upper and lower Yosemite Falls. A new experience. should have  brought my tripod. This isn't to say the views on the Valley floor weren't just as spectacular. Go, See, Enjoy and Photograph. Dave

The weather report said that it was going to snow in Yosemite Valley. So.... Friedhelm and I headed up that way. Well there wasn't any snow except on the peaks but there was fog and great photo opportunities. Except for a few of exceptions, in this post, I tried to stay away  from the iconic photographs. Some photos I changed to  Black and White some stayed color. First up is Bridal Veil Falls in B & W. I thought this  highlighted the falls itself better. As usual anywhere you look in Yosemite you have a pretty good view. The fog and clouds just added to the beauty. Sometimes you look straight up.  As I mentioned the snow was on the peaks and sometimes they just peeked through. Okay another bad 'Dave' pun. But the Clouds turned out spectacular for a short period later in the day You know that I had to feature at least one photograph that was all about the lines. This was taken o...

Well I finally made it to Yosemite. Friedhelm and I decided to take a quick trip last Wed thinking during the middle of the week there wouldn't be much of a crowd. Oops, spring break! The amount of water in the Merced River and the various falls is amazing. There are falls just about everywhere you look. Fern Spring is always a popular photo spot. I went on the other side of the road and got this shot. I guess this could be called 'moss cascade', I chose  Lower Fern Spring instead. This is actually a small portion of  area. While Big Oak Flat Road is closed to thru traffic, they do allow you to drive up a few miles. That allowed me to clime down under the Tamarack Creek  Bridge and get a few shots. Off to the left of the Lower Cascades, is a smaller one. Less visited  but quite beautiful. Even the smaller falls have a beauty, especially against the roughness of the granite. ...