Yosemite Series #7

Earlier in the Yosemite series, I shared a view of Half Dome. This photo shows a reflection of the same view, but from Mirror Lake. Usually the lake is very still and you can see a mirror-like reflection (hence the name), but the slight breeze that moment gave an impressionistic look to it.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #6

The Yosemite Valley has so much to offer; but, you have to do at least one hike through the Cook's Meadow to get away from the crowds and truly appreciate it. The trail is an easy, flat walk with amazing views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock all in this little short, one-mile loop.

Here, the breathtaking Yosemite Falls rises above Cook's Meadow in early spring. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. This spot is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #5

Tunnel View is the most popular scenic overlook in Yosemite National Park. The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley. The view looks eastward into the valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right.

The iconic and expansive view of Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View point have been seen and documented by visitors since it opened in 1933. Internationally renowned artists to casual tourists have painted, drawn, and photographed the dramatic scenery from here and nearby vantage points since the 19th century. Ansel Adams was famous for taking breathtaking black and white photography of the park and even has his gallery there. I was inspired to do some black and white as well.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #4

Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. It is possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor. This view of Half Dome (center) was taken from the Mirror Lake Trail.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #3

The Gates of the Valley, also known as Valley View, is near the western end of Yosemite Valley. This is probably the second most popluar view point in the park (Tunnel View being the first, of course). From this view, you can see El Capitan on the left and Bridalveil Fall on the right, with just a corner of Sentinel Rock visible in the background. 

Yosemite National Park, California

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Yosemite Series #1

The Wawona Tunnel is a mile-long highway tunnel in Yosemite National Park. It, and the famous Tunnel View just beyond its east portal, were completed in 1933.
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Yosemite National Park, California

Back in March, I went on a road trip to southern California for a few weeks. Mostly to spend time in the beach towns, and get some much-needed vitamin D. We get a lot of rain where I live, and like Superman, I need to get re-energized by the sun. But while there, I also checked out some touristy places like the San Diego Zoo and Yosemite National Park, among other spots. 

I'd like to share some pics of the adventures by featuring places in upcoming blog posts. While traveling, I took about 4,000+ images and am still going through them all. So I figured small batches are easier to digest for both our sakes. ;)

Here are a few previews below. Be sure to follow me on my Facebook page to get updates when future posts are published.