vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

You've all seen some wonderful shots of the noteworthy landmarks in Yosemite. Mine wouldn't compare. I did manage to get some other interesting views last weekend as well as some of the little details that many people might miss.

In addition to the views you'd expect to see in the valley, favorites included views from the area around Sentinel Dome and Taft point.

The whole family went, all 10 of us! It was challenging getting everyone to decide where to go and then getting there, much like the proverbial "herding cats." The dream of catching some shots at either dawn or sunset will remain a dream for now

A glimpse of Yosemite Falls

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The trail to Vernal Falls aka Mist Trail

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Vernal and Nevada Falls runoff

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On the way to Taft Point

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Near the edge

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One of several reasons why you need to watch your step

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Taft Point

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A "Just Because" shot

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Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls as seen just below Sentinel Dome - elev. about 7,000'

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Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Beautiful Vicki...I'm outta breath just looking!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Very nice shots Vicki, Yosemite is still on my to do list ..... hope to get there before my legs won't allow it.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Those are spectacular Vicki. You really captured Yosemite and its mighty landscape.

carlysue Loc: Columbus

Not only interesting views, but views well seen and photographed. I loved your view of the Mist Trail. Also looks like some treacherous and dangerous hiking. Actually very nice to see areas of Yosemite that are not the iconic views. Its a gorgeous landscape and we are so fortunate to have it preserved and open for all to enjoy.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

The hiking to Vernal Falls was considered "strenuous," and I'll be the first to agree. I've hiked it before when it was neither hot nor crowded. Climbing the granite steps on the last stretch to the falls is both challenging and treacherous. This time I stopped just short of the wet zone, letting the rest of our group go without me. My excuse was not wanting to get my camera wet. The hike to Taft point was easier but 3,000' feet higher than the valley floor or about 7,000-7,500.' Some of the family climbed to the top of Sentinel Dome (8,100') for the 360 degree view. Two of the kids kept me company in the shade at the bottom. My cell phone clocked the mileage at about 10.5 miles for the two days.

I'm glad you enjoyed these Reconvic. Thanks.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

You should definitely go. Your legs will manage fine if you stick to trails that don't have a lot of change in elevation and take a walking stick.

Thanks for the visit and comments weberwest. I appreciate it.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I really wanted to get to the valley just before sunrise. Getting the other 9 people moving early was a huge challenge. Since we rented a house about an hour away in Mariposa, I couldn't easily dash back and forth when everyone was ready to go.

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed these DebAnn. I'm most grateful for your thoughtful reply.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Speaking only for myself, of course, I --and I'd like to believe by extension, we-- appreciate more the 'non-standard-everybody's done 'em' images made by solid, competent photogs like yourself than I (we?) do any of the rest. Those who've been convinced that fine work can't be done on the fly --while herding cats, or while being one of those cats who are being herded-- or isn't somehow possible, are hereby proven wrong. By you. Nice stuff, Vicki!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Vicki, these are excellent shots of magnificent landscapes. It sounds like a really fun adventure.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

So many scenes are, as you've noted, iconic. Of course I tried to get some of those shots but felt they'd been done and seen so many times, I'll keep them for family memories. There are other parts of the park that are quite spectacular yet often ignored.

Hiking can be dangerous almost anywhere in the park. Falling in the river at this time of year can be life threatening. If you don't drown, you'll die of hypothermia before you can be rescued. I had to laugh when my son-in-law told his kids to turn so they'd be going down the rapids feet first. In most cases, that would be true, but here you'd be killed before you could get oriented the right way. Then there are the cliffs with very few guard rails.

Of the other dangers we encountered, high on the list was the risk of being knocked off the trail by the crowds of rude people. Also, getting back to the car and navigating vehicular traffic proved to be challenging. I suspect people get hit from time to time when they're trying to dodge cars. These are traffic jams you'd expect only in large cities at rush hour. Fortunately there are shuttle busses that run through the park quite regularly. Needless to say, it was a relief to hike at the higher elevations away from the masses.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply Carla. I always appreciate your insightful comments.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Your very nice compliment is greatly appreciated Jim. Thank you for that.

We saw some rather spectacular rock formations (and other things) apart from the usual which gave me great delight. I suspect the rest of my group resented being slowed down when I stopped to get a shot....unless they welcomed the chance to catch their breath.

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Nice commentary....thank you...Vic

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

We had a great time. My husband accused the kids of trying to kill us off to get an early inheritance.

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the shots Carol. It looks like some other UHH members have recently visited the park and have posted rather stunning images of "THE" views.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

A most enjoyable set, Vicki--beautifully shot.