Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a special place for Linda and me. Some 58 years ago we first met at a high school leadership conference held here.  this trip was short and so we only were able to visit the main valley attractions. On an earlier anniversary we spent a week hiking a part of the John Muir Trail which starts in Tuolume  Meadows and winds around the back of Half Dome descending into the Yosemite valley.

 

This is the view that greets you upon leaving the tunnel which feeds into Yosemite valley.

the two of us at Bridal Veil Falls.

The park center has this 3D map of the entire valley. the tunnel referenced above is on the right side about midway ( the yellow line that looks like it is dotted)

El Capitan with Half Dome in the distance

another view of El Capitan

El Capitan from its base. this rock is a popular rock climbing site with some climbers opting to stay over night in hammocks hung from the face. the climb to the top is about a two-three day adventure.

Yosemite Falls  this is a three stage falls and you can see the stages; first the wider section at the top, the narrow stream mid way and the final stage at the small  section just above the tree line.

San Joaquin river reflects the mountains

a doctored (romantic?) shot of the valley

this hotel was previously known as the Awanee but as a result of a change in vendors in the National Park it is now called the Majestic Hotel. built in 1923 it has a long and colorful history of hosting presidents and historic figures.

this is the main dining room at the Awanee.

the main lounge area

Registration desk

the park service has introduced a free shuttle bus system that goes to all areas of the park valley. once you find a parking space there is no reason to move the car with over 4 million visitors each year the park is very busy all year long.

one of the many streams that are produced by the waterfalls and feed into the San Jouquin river.

the continuing drought has killed several trees which have been cut as safety hazards.  the wood is cut up for use in fires by staff and visitors.

the 1997 flood was a disaster for the valley wiping out many buildings and exhibits.  this sign indicates the depth of  flood waters. much of  the damage was the result of log dams building up in the narrows of the canyon and then breaking free sending tons of debris down the valley.

this black and white is my homage to Ansel Adams who created several photos of iconic features of the Yosemite area.  If you have enough imagination and stare long enough you might be able to see an indian woman's face on Half Dome's face. she is guarding the valley from evil.

a part of my attempt to imitate Ansel Adams