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Yosemite in Winter
Yosemite trip,
Alarm went off at 5:30 am. Batteries charged, clothes, (lots of warm stuff) and camera gear were all packed yesterday. Truck was all gassed up and ready as well. A quick run through the rain locker and I’m off.
Arrived at Mariposa 4 hours later, too early to check in. Grab breakfast and head on over to the park. Found out at the visitors information building you need to have chains to even enter the park. Oh well, there goes another hundred bucks. The guy at Napa assures me along with several other folks they are a snap to put on.
About a mile or so into the park there was a sign informing everyone to put on their chains. Turns out putting the chains, or more accurately cables requires similar problem solving skills as a Rubik cube. The cables come apart and you have to throw one end under the vehicle behind the tire, and then wrap the cables around the tire and hook it up with connectors, and elastic circular gizmo that pulls it all tight. Of course your cold, reading the instructions that at first make no sense, and you get wet trying to accomplish all this. Took awhile but after you figure out how to get the first one on the second is pretty easy, and the darn things work great!
Yosemite this time of year is chilly to say the least. Sunday was overcast with clouds, and mist hanging on and obscuring mountain, and cliff tops. I think I got a couple of good shots. Drove around the valley, took a short hike up to Yosemite falls. Visited Bridelvale falls, which is pretty interesting, in the spring you can’t get near the falls because of all the mist, but now with very little water flowing you can see the falls along with the towering cliff walls.
On the way out I stopped at Valley View (I think), and light was exceptional! I have a couple that I am very pleased with. (You have to read this entire morass of words or you will not be able to view the photos at the end of this epic tale.)
In the dark I got turned around leaving the park, and cost me about an hour. Sigh
When I finally got back to Mariposa, and my place of lodging, it looked like the Bates Motel. Dark single story strip of rooms without a singe car parked there. When I mentioned the Bates Motel to the young lady in the office she gave me a blank stare, and asked what the Bates Motel was. The indignities one has to put up with growing old!
Then to top if off, the temps are way below freezing, and the heater in the room had been turned off for who knows how long. Took an hour to heat the room up! Then they wondered why all the towels were damp. I won’t be staying there again.
Monday, up before dawn, grab a quick breakfast. The Happy Burger (misnamed, they have much more than burgers, free coffee every Monday for veterans) was open at 5:30 am.
Entering the park I see chains aren’t required today, and the day is dawning bright and clear. I drove around the valley like a lost tourist for awhile not finding what I wanted, so I decided to just head on out and do some hiking.
Note: Many of you may remember I have been off work recovering from major surgery, so the secondary purpose of the trip beyond just being stunned by the phenomenal majesty of Yosemite was to assess how well my recovery was progressing.
I used the shuttle bus to drop me off at the trailhead for Vernal Falls. I was the only one up and about. The bus, and trail were deserted. It was still early, and temps were in the low 20s. I loved it!
I started this hike with great trepidation. Last June I hiked up to the falls and damn near died. I had to stop 3 or 4 times take my pack off. And rest. Each step was an enormous effort. Heart rate was very elevated, and breathing heavy. At the time I chalked it up to being over weight, out of shape, and the altitude. Turns out it was much more than that. I was very concerned about the hike this morning. Would it be any better? There isn’t a soul around, what if?
The hike it’s self was only about two miles total. One mile in and of course a mile back. The elevation gain is about 750 feet, so there are some pretty steep spots with the ever-present very slippery ice, and snow.
Fantastic news! The hike in while strenuous and steep at times went exceptionally well! Recovery is better than I could have hoped for.
Note: the 5D is a lot tougher than most give it credit for. I slipped on the ice, camera was catapulted out of my hand and I was down so fast all I could remember was seeing the camera in mid air and hearing the clatter as it hit the ice and rocks. It took a minute to access my situation; yes I am lying on my back and side on the ice. After a minute I realized this ice is cold I better start thinking about getting up. Happy, and a little surprised I discover both the camera, and myself are no worse for wear.
At one point I am standing on a bridge where in the spring huge torrents of water crash down the mountain with unbelievable force and deafening raw power. Today however the water is but a trickle of its springtime self. At this location you can look up and see mountains and cliffs looming right above, placing you below, and in the middle of this mountains circle. Just as a joke I took my cell phone out, and dialed a friend in San Jose. What do you know! I had great reception. There I am all-alone in the middle of a fantastic winter wonderland, and I am talking my friend 200 miles away!
The hike down was much easier that going up. Who knew?
When I got back to the bottom, I felt so good I continued on to Mirror Lake and took an additional 5-mile hike. Didn’t get any great shots here, but it was a nice walk.
Many of the roads in Yosemite are not accessible vehicles, but of course you can walk on them. On the way out I was walking along contemplating my place in universe, watching the ice under foot, when all of sudden something startled me. I stopped looked up and 5 feet from me I see 4-foot wide antlers, (about 10 points or so). The darn thing has stopped and is staring at me as to say, “hey! Don’t you see me here crossing the road? I have the right of way bub! I tried to take a photo, but alas it was at ISO 100 for tripod use. I needed about 1600 in the gloom under the trees. Oh well I tried.
When the shuttle bus dropped me off by Curry Camp I noticed a guy with a big lens and tripod intently taking photos of something. The something turned out to be a coyote. I spent the next half hour or so chasing coyotes. I will post a photo just for Ed. Ed is a Yosemite coyote chaser extraordinaire.
Grabbed a quick bite, and HOT coffee, and headed out. Stopped at few places but no great photos.
This concludes my feeble attempt at a trip report. For those of you who persevered I have posted some photographs.
Thanks to all,
Sam
Alarm went off at 5:30 am. Batteries charged, clothes, (lots of warm stuff) and camera gear were all packed yesterday. Truck was all gassed up and ready as well. A quick run through the rain locker and I’m off.
Arrived at Mariposa 4 hours later, too early to check in. Grab breakfast and head on over to the park. Found out at the visitors information building you need to have chains to even enter the park. Oh well, there goes another hundred bucks. The guy at Napa assures me along with several other folks they are a snap to put on.
About a mile or so into the park there was a sign informing everyone to put on their chains. Turns out putting the chains, or more accurately cables requires similar problem solving skills as a Rubik cube. The cables come apart and you have to throw one end under the vehicle behind the tire, and then wrap the cables around the tire and hook it up with connectors, and elastic circular gizmo that pulls it all tight. Of course your cold, reading the instructions that at first make no sense, and you get wet trying to accomplish all this. Took awhile but after you figure out how to get the first one on the second is pretty easy, and the darn things work great!
Yosemite this time of year is chilly to say the least. Sunday was overcast with clouds, and mist hanging on and obscuring mountain, and cliff tops. I think I got a couple of good shots. Drove around the valley, took a short hike up to Yosemite falls. Visited Bridelvale falls, which is pretty interesting, in the spring you can’t get near the falls because of all the mist, but now with very little water flowing you can see the falls along with the towering cliff walls.
On the way out I stopped at Valley View (I think), and light was exceptional! I have a couple that I am very pleased with. (You have to read this entire morass of words or you will not be able to view the photos at the end of this epic tale.)
In the dark I got turned around leaving the park, and cost me about an hour. Sigh
When I finally got back to Mariposa, and my place of lodging, it looked like the Bates Motel. Dark single story strip of rooms without a singe car parked there. When I mentioned the Bates Motel to the young lady in the office she gave me a blank stare, and asked what the Bates Motel was. The indignities one has to put up with growing old!
Then to top if off, the temps are way below freezing, and the heater in the room had been turned off for who knows how long. Took an hour to heat the room up! Then they wondered why all the towels were damp. I won’t be staying there again.
Monday, up before dawn, grab a quick breakfast. The Happy Burger (misnamed, they have much more than burgers, free coffee every Monday for veterans) was open at 5:30 am.
Entering the park I see chains aren’t required today, and the day is dawning bright and clear. I drove around the valley like a lost tourist for awhile not finding what I wanted, so I decided to just head on out and do some hiking.
Note: Many of you may remember I have been off work recovering from major surgery, so the secondary purpose of the trip beyond just being stunned by the phenomenal majesty of Yosemite was to assess how well my recovery was progressing.
I used the shuttle bus to drop me off at the trailhead for Vernal Falls. I was the only one up and about. The bus, and trail were deserted. It was still early, and temps were in the low 20s. I loved it!
I started this hike with great trepidation. Last June I hiked up to the falls and damn near died. I had to stop 3 or 4 times take my pack off. And rest. Each step was an enormous effort. Heart rate was very elevated, and breathing heavy. At the time I chalked it up to being over weight, out of shape, and the altitude. Turns out it was much more than that. I was very concerned about the hike this morning. Would it be any better? There isn’t a soul around, what if?
The hike it’s self was only about two miles total. One mile in and of course a mile back. The elevation gain is about 750 feet, so there are some pretty steep spots with the ever-present very slippery ice, and snow.
Fantastic news! The hike in while strenuous and steep at times went exceptionally well! Recovery is better than I could have hoped for.
Note: the 5D is a lot tougher than most give it credit for. I slipped on the ice, camera was catapulted out of my hand and I was down so fast all I could remember was seeing the camera in mid air and hearing the clatter as it hit the ice and rocks. It took a minute to access my situation; yes I am lying on my back and side on the ice. After a minute I realized this ice is cold I better start thinking about getting up. Happy, and a little surprised I discover both the camera, and myself are no worse for wear.
At one point I am standing on a bridge where in the spring huge torrents of water crash down the mountain with unbelievable force and deafening raw power. Today however the water is but a trickle of its springtime self. At this location you can look up and see mountains and cliffs looming right above, placing you below, and in the middle of this mountains circle. Just as a joke I took my cell phone out, and dialed a friend in San Jose. What do you know! I had great reception. There I am all-alone in the middle of a fantastic winter wonderland, and I am talking my friend 200 miles away!
The hike down was much easier that going up. Who knew?
When I got back to the bottom, I felt so good I continued on to Mirror Lake and took an additional 5-mile hike. Didn’t get any great shots here, but it was a nice walk.
Many of the roads in Yosemite are not accessible vehicles, but of course you can walk on them. On the way out I was walking along contemplating my place in universe, watching the ice under foot, when all of sudden something startled me. I stopped looked up and 5 feet from me I see 4-foot wide antlers, (about 10 points or so). The darn thing has stopped and is staring at me as to say, “hey! Don’t you see me here crossing the road? I have the right of way bub! I tried to take a photo, but alas it was at ISO 100 for tripod use. I needed about 1600 in the gloom under the trees. Oh well I tried.
When the shuttle bus dropped me off by Curry Camp I noticed a guy with a big lens and tripod intently taking photos of something. The something turned out to be a coyote. I spent the next half hour or so chasing coyotes. I will post a photo just for Ed. Ed is a Yosemite coyote chaser extraordinaire.
Grabbed a quick bite, and HOT coffee, and headed out. Stopped at few places but no great photos.
This concludes my feeble attempt at a trip report. For those of you who persevered I have posted some photographs.
Thanks to all,
Sam
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Comments
Beautiful shots by the way, the first coyote photo is a winner
Thanks for sharing your trip!
Elaine
Comments and constructive critique always welcome!
Elaine Heasley Photography
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
www.edhughesphoto.com
I am glad that you and the camera are ok.
and I really like river and valley images... Those would make nice note cards...
Glad the camera survived (I am also happy that you did as well..)
DS
Twitter: @steelephotoaz
I'm glad your recovery is going so well. Congratulations and enjoy your new health and mobility.
I loved the story and the photos. I haven't seen snow like that in such a long time. A nice layer of snow to make everything pretty, but not so much you have to drag yourself through knee high snow.
http://www.twitter.com/deegolden
Great story, nice pictures!
The last one (the valley view) is definitely a wall hanger!
And for those who don't know about Bates Motel - here's a linkie. You can also google or imdb it.
First I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment. The trip was really exceptional in several ways. I just thought I would add an update to the story. The Valley view image posted here is but a sad semi likeness of what it looks like in print. I have been working with my new ipf5000, and the Hanhahmule Fine Art paper. After 5 test smaller prints I made a few lasts minute adjustments, and used the best settings from the tests, and printed it out at 16” X 8”.
I REALLY hope this doesn’t sound like bragging because that is not the intention. The print is one of the best I have ever done! The printer along with all the new paper choices provides wonderful alternatives to the more traditional semi gloss, gloss, or even matt prints. The print has a look I cannot describe. I can’t wait to get my roll of Hahnemuhle paper so I can print it out larger!
I think I am approaching being able to produce the quality of images I envisioned 4 years ago. Ain’t technology great!
Sam
I love this one.. it has such a wonderful mood to it.
SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com
http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
...and I don't have the time for it.
Guess I'll have to make time, then.
Great shots!
PBase Gallery
Sam,
I visited Yosemite on a round trip from Louisiana to Oregon last fall and and my journey took me into Yosemite from the east side in October. So, after viewing your photos, I had the urge to respond. They are all quite beautiful and have a completely different point of view from my experience there. Very nice compositions...they make me feel like I am standing right there in the crisp air.
All photographers know that it is always extremely difficult to convey the feelings one has when standing there surrounded by 360 degrees of God's wondrous natural world. You did a great job!
I hope to publish my Oregon trip pics on Smugmug soon...seems like they got caught up the "busyness" of the Holiday Season.
Tioga Lake
Smugmug: Bayou Oaks Studio
Blog: Journey to the Light
"Serendipity...the faculty of making happy, unexpected discoveries by accident." .... Horace Walpole, 1754 (perhaps that 'lucky shot' wasn't really luck at all!)
Thank you very much for your kind words. Looks like with this being just your second post your a new guy here, so let me be the first to welcome you. You will find a great group of people here.
Sam
Yes, I'm a "new guy" with DGrin. Twenty five years of amateur photography experience...35mm to digital now...love nature, landscapes, nostalgia. I've been looking for the "right" site for some time now to display and discuss my photos and am pleasantly impressed with Smugmug and DGrin. I look forward to participating more often with this very talented group.
Al
Smugmug: Bayou Oaks Studio
Blog: Journey to the Light
"Serendipity...the faculty of making happy, unexpected discoveries by accident." .... Horace Walpole, 1754 (perhaps that 'lucky shot' wasn't really luck at all!)