Yosemite and More

Took a trip to Northern California, where I was born and raised. spent a little time on the McCloud River mostly near Upper Falls and Lakin Dam.  Lower and Middle Falls just had too many people. In late spring and summer the vegetation along the river takes over, Especially the Indian Rhubarb. Which if you're careful you can eat part of. The Number of wild flowers still in bloom surprised me. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph. Dave  

Visited the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the Merced Wildlife Refuge on VERY different days. One very sunny, the other fog bound. The Sacramento NWR, was a clear day with a lot of visitors that limited the  birds near the auto route. The fog and few visitors actually allowed for more opportunities at the Merced NWR. Case in point First the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Blue Morph Ross Geese White Faced Ibis, Hunting and Hiding Small Bufflehead Duck, these swim fast and don't like  cars, people, or cameras. This is taken through the reeds and heavily cropped. I thought this hawk was going to take off but instead it just fluffed it's feathers and settled back down. Merced National Wildlife Refuge seemed to have a wider and more easily photographable subjects. Thought this was an interesting juxtaposition. Each section of the refuge is flooded to to certain depth depending on what species they want to accommodate. I find it interesting that in the wild the male al...

 Some of the MANY photos I took in early January. Any day in Yosemite is pretty good, but having snow on the ground adds a different level. Hoarfrost has always intrigued me so there are several of that and none of the iconic features of Yosemite. You can look back on previous posts for those. You'll notice (or not) on some I separated hoarfrost, it's one word. I almost didn't post this one, I tried sky replacement and not thrilled with the  results, but I like the rest of the image. This is probably my favorite image of the day. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph. Dave

 Spent a little time in Northern California. Here are a few of the photos I took of the various mountain from different directions when possible. You can really only get a photo of the Eddies from this side unless you want to go into the wilderness. Could someone please tell me why what's obviously not a butte is named Black Butte?  Notice the winter difference between the northwest side and south. Each side of Mt. Shasta has a unique view. You can choose your favorite. And on the way home a hazy Mt .Lassen Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph. Dave