Farewell Yosemite, For Now--Until Next Time...

Beyond the obvious majestic rock formations with names like El Capitan and Half Dome, and aside from the roaring waterfalls with names like Bridalveil and Nevada, Yosemite has a magic about it that is evident almost everywhere you look.  Here are my parting shots from a trip that was long in coming, and too quickly passed.  This small set of photos didn’t quite fit in with other groupings, but if omitted would leave an incomplete sense of the Yosemite experience.  Whether it’s the Yosemite Visitor’s Center, the Ansel Adams Gallery, or the Ahwahnee Lodge, there are many things to do and see—and a few oddities and curiosities along the way.

Take for example the very surprising hiker that was coming up the trail to Upper Yosemite Falls as we were making our way down.  She was in a costume that looked like a cross between a ballerina and circus clown.  I was either too tired (yes) and/or too caught off guard (definitely) to ask her to stop so I could take her picture.  I was mumbling to myself for the next couple of paces at my missed opportunity, one that would clearly never happen again in my lifetime, when low and behold, here come some more colorfully decorated hikers.  I must live right!  Ok, now I’m ready…what gives?  Turns out that one of the hikers has her birthday today and all of her friends thought this would be a great way to start the celebration—and I agree! 

Also to be seen in Yosemite were mountaineers on the face of El Capitan, photographers out in the middle of a foggy meadow, craftsmen (and women) making arrow heads and weaving baskets, and even a bobcat! 

An early morning walk before that first cup of coffee provide an opportunity for a "surprising" shot.  My objective was to see if there was any wildlife out, so my camera was all set up for such a possibility...telephoto lens, continuous focus setting, fast shutter speed, etc...  I'm walking through the woods holding my camera like a hunter...when all of a sudden a rustling and commotion off to my right accompanied by a loud and active quacking!!  Without hardly thinking, I raise my camera in that direction, and with little time to look through the viewfinder, I press the shutter hoping to capture the action.  I got lucky...the duck looks beautiful.

Oh, and coffee?  Well, as nice as the rooms were, they didn’t have coffee makers in them.  Instead, when you checked in, you got vouchers for free coffee at the Lodge’s food court.  I wasn’t going to sound like a commercial with this, but I have to say that this was some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.  And it wasn’t just the first day, or the influence of excitement from seeing a bobcat…no, this was great coffee every single time.  When I got back home, I sent an email to the company that provides the coffee and asked them specifically which of their products they provide to Yosemite.  They were quick to respond and the coffee is commercially available.  If you want more details, send me note (I’m not on commission, but wish I was!!!).

The drive out of the park, through the same long tunnel that had whispered anticipation on the way in, now said goodbye and beckoned a quick return.  It's easy to understand how the early visitors to this area were captivated by it, and much thanks should be given for John Muir's efforts to preserve it as a National Park, and Abraham Lincoln's taking time out from the Civil War to make it so.

I saw a sign once that said, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints...  The memories I took away will last a lifetime.

To see my entire Yosemite image collection, visit my website at www.CostaMesaPhotography.com

To share your thoughts or comments with me, send email to CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com