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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The cast and crew of the hit ABC show, Once Upon A Time, have returned to Steveston this month to continue filming the fifth season. This time there was a phone booth (TARDIS? Lol) that Snow White and Prince Charming entered in with the rest of the townspeople behind them, a fallen clock tower, some random destruction and chaos, and a gorgeous car prop - a 1975 Chevrolet Camaro LT.  *drool*  Who drives that beautiful piece of American metal in the show? (I'm thinking it's Ruby's)

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

During the 2015 fall season, Vancouver’s first fully immersive haunted house, Fearmongers, took us through the horrors and monsters of Greek Mythology. Located in Richmond, with 12,000 square feet of obstacle-course-meets-haunted-house, this haunt did not dissappoint.

The creators, Josh and Alice, have been avid haunt enthusiasts for years. They have been going from haunted house to haunted house all over the world indulging their love of everything scary. After being to so many, they finally got together and decided to make one of their own, and put their expertise to the test. Alice has worked in the monster effects industry for years and Josh is a haunt connoisseur, so they felt they had the right ingredients for an awesome haunt.

The ancient gods were finished with mankind so guests must travel through fourteen mythology themed rooms with traps, monsters, obstacles, and more than an hour of haunting in order to evade their wrath. This interactive haunt tested every limit by uncovering one's most visceral fears. But don’t worry, if things end up too intense for your liking, there is a safe word that will end your experience and get you escorted out to the real world. There was even a VIP lounge sponsored by Granville Island Brewing to enjoy refreshments afterwards.

I was asked to come in and take promotional photos while they were open and I even got to test it out myself. It was very well-designed with both physical and cerebral challenges and solid scares. I wasn't able to post photos earlier as we had to keep it all a secret for the guests but now that the haunt is over, and Fearmongers have given me the green light, I can now share the promo photos I took.

For the 2016 season, the theme will be based off of classic story books, for example: Hansel & Gretal. They had a preview room from the witch's gingerbread house available with the VIP tickets. 

Be sure to check them out next season!