Click here for a chronological listing of galleries
an excerpt from my book on the May 2009 trip:
Yosemite
When one thinks of Yosemite National Park, one thinks of Ansel Adams, especially photographers. It’s amazing while visiting there, and strolling around with a tripod, how many other visitors mention how different it must have been for him when he made so many outstanding photos of this glorious place. Just before our trip I re-read his autobiography and reverently glanced through many of those wonderful photos. I hope whenever anyone starts to talk about building roads or condos in these magical parks that there will always be someone who brings an Ansel Adams photo to the table to squelch the discussion.
We lost our National Parks Pass somewhere in our travels, but were happy to hand over another twenty to enter these sacred grounds. Our first two nights were spent at the Wawona Hotel, a splendid old place with the best food of our trip. We were about six hours before check-in so headed to the valley floor to get started. Our first stop was Alder Creek, where I learned firsthand about the special light that sings through the trees of this park to display the wonders of the place. Then on to Tunnel View, a breathtaking spot just passed the mile-long tunnel where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls in one panoramic wonder (see above). A quick loop around the valley to test out the new feeling, explore how to avoid the crowds and suppose the best places to capture the light, then back to the Wawona. After check-in we couldn’t wait to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, just a few miles away. After a pleasant stroll through the immensity, we hopped back in the rental for a Glacier Point sunset. The road to Glacier Point is usually closed this early in the season, but we were lucky they opened it the earliest ever this year on the first of May.
Our last two nights were spent at the Yosemite Falls Lodge at the foot of the highest measured waterfalls on the continent. We had the closest cabin to the falls and were fortunate enough to have the sound of the pounding water right outside our window. May is the best time to visit Yosemite because the Spring thaw assures you of a remarkable show of water throughout the park. Still, we hope to return here many times and in all seasons.
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& Sunset in Yosemite from Amazon. KINDLE EDITION -- $2.99 |
 Yellowstone & Yosemite PREVIEW |
Galleries in chronological order of experience (most recent first):
Interesting Links:
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Yosemite National Park, the official website
Please contact me with any suggestions, additions or omissions.
See also: Arches NP,Bryce Canyon NP,Canyonlands NP,Dixie NF,Gerttysburg NMP,Grand Teton NP,Joshua Tree NP,Steamtown NHS,Yellowstone NP, Yosemite NP, Zion NP, and other Utah galleries
