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The trick was to pick the right time of the year to visit - late enough in the Spring to have enough snow melt to give life to the waterfalls, and early enough in the Spring to avoid the stampede which ensues, especially when the kids get out of school.
This April has been warmer than any I remember in the recent past, dryer too - lots of melting snow and clear roads! All signs were pointing to the last weekend in April as the time to strike.
The goal as I hinted earlier, being to scout the various vista points and points of interests and best time of day to view and capture, for repeated forays into the park over the next year, except maybe the summer "it's a zoo" months.
On an early Saturday morning, I met my friend Mike, who had also expressed an interest in a stop to take pictures and let the view sink in kind of a riding weekend. We decided on an IHOP in Folsom (This one) for a quick and simple breakfast before we set off. The day was warm, bright and clear, the scouting incursion was a go ... little did we know as we rode south ... the guardians knew we were coming ... and we had been poisoned ... :(
We stayed off the heavily patrolled Hwy 49 and stuck to back roads, not that it did us much good. We counted 1 CHP, and about 4 Sherriff's vehicles along our route. Only CHP had his radar on. Luckily no one stopped us to sell tickets to the patrolman's ball.
It was already over an hour past noon. Ticket seller presence and lunch in Groveland had slowed us down. When we finally reached the valley floor, we headed straight for Bridal Veil Falls.
An easy, relatively flat hike led us towards the base of the falls. I stopped at a couple of points along the way to photograph the "Pohono" effect. When the wind picks up, it lifts up the falling water at the top of the falls and swirls it around in the air..
Across from Bridal Veil Falls El Capitan stands watch. Also looking over the Ribbon Falls to it's right.
... and back we were the next day. Early in the morning, and headed straight to Tunnel View - maybe a bit ill advised, morning is not the time to capture Tunnel View. It is best conquered late afternoon or before sunset, but there was a silver lining that we were once again far from the madding crowd.
It still was a view to behold, despite the morning haze and the sun in our eyes (and lenses).
Yes, we rode, we saw, we didn't quite conquer.. :-)
We were smug in our belief that we had made good our escape from the Valley, but the Guardians had sent a mindless beast to intercept us. Just before we escaped through the gates, this mindless creature ambushed us. In a crazed Kamikaze attack, it jumped from a cliff, landing several feet in front of me. It had jumped from a height too high and it lost it's balance and collapsed on the road, kicking it's legs erratically, desperately trying to regain it's balance. It threw me into frenzied emergency braking, trying to halt my charging steed before I came upon the beast. Then miraculously, just as I had determined it was unavoidable and was getting ready to let off the brakes and get on the throttle in an attempt to push it out of my path - the beast regained it's footing and darted across the road a mere 10 feet or so in front of me.
We had made our escape, but only by the skin of our teeth!
Thank you very much for reading, and for indulging (or tolerating) my juvenile 'Scouting the Guardians' fantasy. :-)
This April has been warmer than any I remember in the recent past, dryer too - lots of melting snow and clear roads! All signs were pointing to the last weekend in April as the time to strike.
The goal as I hinted earlier, being to scout the various vista points and points of interests and best time of day to view and capture, for repeated forays into the park over the next year, except maybe the summer "it's a zoo" months.
On an early Saturday morning, I met my friend Mike, who had also expressed an interest in a stop to take pictures and let the view sink in kind of a riding weekend. We decided on an IHOP in Folsom (This one) for a quick and simple breakfast before we set off. The day was warm, bright and clear, the scouting incursion was a go ... little did we know as we rode south ... the guardians knew we were coming ... and we had been poisoned ... :(
We stayed off the heavily patrolled Hwy 49 and stuck to back roads, not that it did us much good. We counted 1 CHP, and about 4 Sherriff's vehicles along our route. Only CHP had his radar on. Luckily no one stopped us to sell tickets to the patrolman's ball.
It was already over an hour past noon. Ticket seller presence and lunch in Groveland had slowed us down. When we finally reached the valley floor, we headed straight for Bridal Veil Falls.
An easy, relatively flat hike led us towards the base of the falls. I stopped at a couple of points along the way to photograph the "Pohono" effect. When the wind picks up, it lifts up the falling water at the top of the falls and swirls it around in the air..
Across from Bridal Veil Falls El Capitan stands watch. Also looking over the Ribbon Falls to it's right.
Next, we set our sights on Sentinel Rock - as it stood guarding yet another waterfall (Sentinel Falls) - these numerous water falls are the real treasures of Yosemite.
We happened upon this young couple sharing a romantic picnic in the meadow across from Sentinel Rock, with a great view of Yosemite Falls. Can you spot the madding crowds distracting them from each other? Neither could I! :-)
Our sights set high we aimed straight for the Captain, hiding behind some fallen trees to conceal our approach.
Then when his gaze was elsewhere, we quickly breached cover to cross the river.
Till we were finally on "The Road to El Capitan"!
Unfortunately, this was about the time when our forward progress was stopped in it's tracks. The Guardian's agents had successfully poisoned us at breakfast. We had to beat a hasty retreat! It was an early end to the day, but I had come prepared to fight back ... to quote the Governator ... "I'll be back!" and to quote Austin Powers ... "Who does #2 work for? ... "
... and back we were the next day. Early in the morning, and headed straight to Tunnel View - maybe a bit ill advised, morning is not the time to capture Tunnel View. It is best conquered late afternoon or before sunset, but there was a silver lining that we were once again far from the madding crowd.
It still was a view to behold, despite the morning haze and the sun in our eyes (and lenses).
Yes, we rode, we saw, we didn't quite conquer.. :-)
This spot would be magical at sunset. Throw in a few light clouds to diffuse the fading amber light and it would be bliss! Although, it would be a mad struggle elbowing for tripod room. In addition, unless staying in the valley, waiting for sunset on a motorcycle is probably not something I would want to do..
El Capitan covering for and protecting the wounded warrior (Half Dome).
Descending into the valley again. We found El Capitan to be in a reflective mood.
A mood shared by the Three Brothers.
Which left the path clear to approach Yosemite Falls!
Maybe they were in a pensive mood because yet another beautiful woman was getting hitched. This one hailed from Portugal. The ever dwindling supply of beautiful and available women would put anyone in a sobering mood.
The old, wizened one with only Half a Dome wasn't being so contemplative ... yet, his gaze was affixed on the river ...
... allowing us to keep getting closer to the twin falls of Yosemite. At 2,425 feet combined, they are the tallest falls in Yosemite.
Nope. Didn't take him long ...
The lower Yosemite Falls and the strategic bridge near it.
Half Dome was still busy mirroring his thoughts ...
The North Dome on the left, however, was ever the watchful.
No, North Dome wasn't reflecting at all!
Busted! We made haste towards the exit, looking back for one last "Valley View" at El Capitan, The Cathedral Rocks and Bridal Veil Falls. I had actually wanted to spend a little more time here to experiment with different compositions, but as it happened a tour bus had descended upon the scene, and we were already past delayed for a lunch meet with our friends John and Kathy, so we high tailed it out of there.
We were smug in our belief that we had made good our escape from the Valley, but the Guardians had sent a mindless beast to intercept us. Just before we escaped through the gates, this mindless creature ambushed us. In a crazed Kamikaze attack, it jumped from a cliff, landing several feet in front of me. It had jumped from a height too high and it lost it's balance and collapsed on the road, kicking it's legs erratically, desperately trying to regain it's balance. It threw me into frenzied emergency braking, trying to halt my charging steed before I came upon the beast. Then miraculously, just as I had determined it was unavoidable and was getting ready to let off the brakes and get on the throttle in an attempt to push it out of my path - the beast regained it's footing and darted across the road a mere 10 feet or so in front of me.
We had made our escape, but only by the skin of our teeth!
Thank you very much for reading, and for indulging (or tolerating) my juvenile 'Scouting the Guardians' fantasy. :-)
Great pictures! I rode through Yosemite back in 2011 and it was packed with people. It was nice to see the park, but the number of people everywhere made it less enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you Erik! Next to Yellowstone, this might be the most popular park in the country, but unlike Yellowstone it's isn't quite as vast (Yellowstone is thrice the size in area). Moreover the valley is narrow and only 7 miles long - so unless you are going to be on some remote hiking trail up in the altitudes and maybe even then, you are going to run into lots and lots of people.
ReplyDeleteIt is what it is - after all it is everyone's park. I am looking forward to more visits in the near future, perhaps not before school lets out, but definitely in the fall when the herds thin out. Hopefully Vernal Falls is still going at that time..
If you can time it right, opening day of Tioga Pass Road is awesome! The campgrounds at Tuolumne Meadows aren't usually open yet (ground is still to wet) so the number of visitors is limited, there's still snow right near the road, and there are lots of cool little waterfalls that dry up quickly as the spring progresses.
ReplyDeleteNice "reflections", Sam. We enjoyed lunch with you and Mike and as always, your pics are excellent and prompt us to visit our backyard neighbor again soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you John! It was really nice to see you and Kathy again. You both are really good folks and I don't think I will ever forget the concern and interest you had shown me, when I wasn't doing so well last year. It was very good to see you two and I hope to again sometime very soon! :-)
ReplyDeleteRuss. Tioga is tentatively scheduled to open May 11th, the same day as Glacier Point Rd is supposed to open. It is tempting to head over to both close after opening day, but it seems my weekends are booked solid in May with other (riding) engagements..
ReplyDeleteWe lived in Sonora for about ten years quite a while back. Since moving to Placer County seventeen years ago, I must sadly report that we have not returned. Your photo-essay reminds me of what I have missed. As my wife turns 60 (although looks much, much younger) I think you have given me the inspiration necessary to plan and extended weekend in the Valley or, better yet, up toward Tuolumne Meadows.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the visit will undoubtedly be in a Honda Civic, know that you have prompted an addition to my bucket list that said addition resides near the top of it.
Nicely done! And, "Thanks!"
Another amazing adventure taken solely from you utterly amazing photographs!! WOW, is all i can say. There are all so awesome! I can't agree more on visiting the valley when traffic is low represents a much finer visit. I love it in the fall too, with the beautiful colors and chilly air. I'd love to overnight there sometime, you know, when I win the lottery!!! Thanks, Sam for the exquisite journey.
ReplyDeleteWow, just WOW. These pictures are absolutely stunning. What a fantastic day out. You need a couple more with the bikes in the front of the picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. B, Donna and Chiller!
ReplyDeleteYa'll are too kind, really! Your comments are very much appreciated! :)
PC:
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Yosemite, perhaps next year.
I don't notice many people there but I was in Yellowstone a few years ago and it was pitifully slow with all the stopped cars taking photos and the buffalo on the road. It took a long time to get through.
I liked your photos, now I can see what I have been missing . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Mr. Puppychow, Hello! your pictures are awesome! My husband and I are visiting Yosemite in August of this year. We own an FJR but are flying into San Fran and renting a BMW (they don't offer an FJR)... we have two half days and 3 full days for the park. One day is devoted to Half Dome (yes we have a permit, yea!) any suggestions for other spots to see? Things to avoid? While you are planning your Park Tour, please consider Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park along with Yellowstone. Also, if you have never tried attending Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC consider adding it to your list of things to see, ok?
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI think you will have a great time in Yosemite. I think the falls will still be going good at that time, but I have never been to Yosemite Valley in summer so I am not entirely sure if they would have dwindled.
Still, off of the top of my head the other suggestions which I didn't have time to explore on this short weekend trip would be (in no specific order):
1. Glacier Point (drive or hike)
2. Taft Point (hike)
3. Vernal Falls (hike)
4. Nevada Falls (hike)
5. Ahwahnee Lodge (leisurely explore the grounds and architecture, the restaurant is A++ top notch).
6. Tuolumne meadows (day hikes).
Enjoy your trip! Ride safe! :-)
I am not sure if your trip is exlusively for Yosemite, or if you have time to visit the Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park, but if not, you could still visit the Mariposa Grove (if huge giant trees is your thing), fun road too (Hwy 41), but expect traffic in the summers.
DeleteAlso, if you want to eat at Ahwahnee restaurant, make reservations.
Geat shoot and read.
ReplyDelete