Tue 9/23 - Thur 9/25 - Yosemite
Left SF early and headed for Yosemite. For the first hour of our drive out of SF traffic going in the other direction was stop and go. That must make for a lovely commute every day into the city. We were going in the other direction, so things were good.
Approaching Yosemite there was evidence of recent fires. Our first stop was Tunnel View, the site of iconic Ansel Adams picture of Yosemite. Of course, Bridalveil Falls was dry and it was mid day, but it was still impressive. Not quite enough for the guy parked next to us. His wife jumped out of the car with camera while he sat with his back to the view checking his phone.
On our drive to Glacier Point we found several bears. Our technique for finding them is both traditional and effective: we slow down when a huge bunch of cars is blocking the road and both sides. Generally it's pretty easy to spot the bears then. More frequently deer.
Glacier Point views are great. There's the Awhanee, our hotel. Those bumps are people at the top, or the hat brim, of Half Dome. You can hike up on the far side using a chain handrail. Not for me. Nevada Falls was nearly dry -- that's the upper section of the Merced River. Within the valley the river was a raging trickle.
Apparently we don't try hard enough for our selfies.
On day 2 we drove around the valley. The shuttle bus is very effective,
but didn't go far enough for us, so we drove. Views everywhere.
Climbers on El Capitan.
Fern Spring, a little viewpoint along the road.
Bridalveil Falls with just a little bit of water. sun as The backlight made for an interesting effect right at the top.
A deer family on Cathedral Beach.
Went to Tunnel View again for sunset. Very orange and then pink, but no clouds. That's the story of Yosemite this year -- no clouds, no rain.
Day 3 breakfast in the Awhanee restuarant.
The day included a Photo Walk in which we learned lighting and "how did that make you feel?" Did see a woodpecker drive off a jay. That was fun. Also more view of the valley.
One way to view the valley.
There were actually clouds during the day and at sunset.
Left SF early and headed for Yosemite. For the first hour of our drive out of SF traffic going in the other direction was stop and go. That must make for a lovely commute every day into the city. We were going in the other direction, so things were good.
Approaching Yosemite there was evidence of recent fires. Our first stop was Tunnel View, the site of iconic Ansel Adams picture of Yosemite. Of course, Bridalveil Falls was dry and it was mid day, but it was still impressive. Not quite enough for the guy parked next to us. His wife jumped out of the car with camera while he sat with his back to the view checking his phone.
On our drive to Glacier Point we found several bears. Our technique for finding them is both traditional and effective: we slow down when a huge bunch of cars is blocking the road and both sides. Generally it's pretty easy to spot the bears then. More frequently deer.
Glacier Point views are great. There's the Awhanee, our hotel. Those bumps are people at the top, or the hat brim, of Half Dome. You can hike up on the far side using a chain handrail. Not for me. Nevada Falls was nearly dry -- that's the upper section of the Merced River. Within the valley the river was a raging trickle.
Apparently we don't try hard enough for our selfies.
Climbers on El Capitan.
Fern Spring, a little viewpoint along the road.
Bridalveil Falls with just a little bit of water. sun as The backlight made for an interesting effect right at the top.
A deer family on Cathedral Beach.
Went to Tunnel View again for sunset. Very orange and then pink, but no clouds. That's the story of Yosemite this year -- no clouds, no rain.
Day 3 breakfast in the Awhanee restuarant.
The day included a Photo Walk in which we learned lighting and "how did that make you feel?" Did see a woodpecker drive off a jay. That was fun. Also more view of the valley.
One way to view the valley.
There were actually clouds during the day and at sunset.
