During March 1851 fifty seven members of Mariposa Battalion became the first not- Indians entering the Yosemite Valley. The majestic scene, slightly muted by haze as by veil, and clouds shrouded the tops of the mountains, produced the completely indelible impression - some warriors even shed a tear or two…

Since then the constant steam of travelers from the entire world lining up to see this splendid place and photographers are the majority of them… Until today the Yosemite park - one of the most heavily photographed places in the world. Between more than four million visitors per year it is hard to find at least one clutching the camera, everyone feels like being next Ansel Adams…

Moonrise over El Capitan with the last beam of the setting sun, taken from Tunnel View. Bridalveil Fall is on the right.

 

 

 

Almost frozen Bridalveil Fall, from the Tunnel View. Small fog cloudlet rises up from the Valley and disappears in a whiff of wind.

 

 

 

Rainbow over the Lower Yosemite Waterfall. It is almost impossible to avoid seeing a rainbow in the Valley, it shows over at least one of the waterfalls, given the right time. Some people are lucky to catch the hard to imagine moon rainbow.

 

 

 

Half Dome from the Mirror Lake.

 

 

 

Finally, we know where floats are coming from - they grow on trees…

 

 

 

Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall are reflecting in the still water of Merced river.

 

 

 

 

It is almost impossible to meet a bear face-to-face these days (they are more attracted by food left in unattended cars), but deer are everywhere. They are peacefully grazing on the roadside, sometimes jumping across. They usually turn their heads when people approach them, but do not react at all if you have a camera, no amount of effort to attract their attention would help you…

 

 

 

Half Dome view from Sentinel Bridge. You can make it to the top of Half Dome and feel like you rule the world.

 

 

 

Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River from Swinging Bridge. The bridge is actually swinging when you walk over it - with an added thrill of frozen walkway and gusting winds adds to the excitement.

 

Tags: California, Parks

This entry was posted February 18, 2008