Yosemite and More

 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

I went to the Refuge Christmas afternoon. As I was approaching I noticed  a lot of Sandhill Cranes and some Snow and Ross Geese flying around. This is only a very small portion of the geese in this area. One difference between Ross and Snow geese is the length of their necks. They tend to flock together.  There were a lot of Hawks around and while I saw a Kestral or two I couldn't get  them to cooperate for a photograph. Very inconsiderate. I figured this must be a mating pair, perched so close together. I mentioned I saw some Sandhill Cranes flying around on my way in. The only one I saw in the Refuge itself was this one. Great Egrets are pretty common around here. But this one was  pretty cooperative. This one was about as close as I've ever gotten to one without it flying off. This is what happens when someone or something spooks a whole lot of White and Ross Geese.  The ones in the foreground were content staying where they were. Here's the kind of reflectio...

 Went to Yosemite the other day. Really wasn't expecting much in the way of fall colors but was pleasantly surprised. I decided not to concentrate on the iconic features such as Half Dome and El Capitan, with one exception as you will see. I was surprised to see these wild grapes along the side of the road, even more surprised the deer hadn't eaten them. In Yosemite everywhere you look is pretty magnificent. Trouble is sometimes we only focus on the iconic scenes. Sometimes you look up. Sometimes you look down. This butterfly was very cooperative, or maybe just tired. Sometimes you see it climbing up a hill. Sometimes it's next to the road  but you have to walk a little to get back to it. I just thought this was kinda different. Very Old School This bush was just starting to turn. I took a trail I've never been on before, turns out it was the old Highway 41 before they build the tunnel. Photo looks kinda level, it isn't, after about a mile and half you end up near w...

 I went to Yosemite the other day just after a small snow storm. While there I visited the Ansel Adams Museum and it remined me of the power of Black and White.  I don't claim to have the talent of Ansel Adams but I like how these turned out.  Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph Dave

 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 ...