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

Last week I took a quick trip to Yosemite and then decided to go on over Tioga Pass to Mono Lake. It turned out to be a very interesting day weather wise, from warm and sunny,  to puffy clouds, then rain and a slushy drive on the way home. Mostly I'll share some of the animals I saw in Yosemite, mostly. This female Mallard swam very close, hoping I'm sure for a quick meal. There were a lot of Acorn Woodpeckers, this one kept coming to the same branch, but would fly away if I got too close. I seemed to spend quite a bit of time chasing very elusive butterflies Then on to Mono Lake and some puffy clouds As with most outings sometime you just need to look behind you. It's hard to see the Alkali Flies, they're usually just a mass of black. For California Gulls the Alkali Flies are a major food source. Foreboding of things to come. It started to sprinkle just as I left Mono Lake. On the way up from Mono Basin I saw what was ahead of me. There wasn't  actual snow on the r...

 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...

 Went to Yosemite the other day to relax and take a few photos. On the way up the Redbud was in full bloom. I don't think I've see so much of it.  However it's ending soon, so get going if you want to experience it. Fern Springs is always a good place to photograph. This coyote barely moved. I knew that someone would give it a handout,  sooner or later. People don't understand the harm this can be. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph Dave

 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...