Our first visit to Yosemite made us ask why we waited so long to visit one of nature's wonders, and hardly more than a six hour drive from our home.
This album follows the time sequence of our trip, beginning with the strange, to us, plants along route 41 between Oakhurst and Fish Camp, CA, to the lodge, and then to the giant Sequoia forest on the afternoon of our arrival.
Entry to the park's south entrance was easy, only 2 1/2 miles from the Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, and on excellent roads.
The second day we entered again at the south entrance, drove through Wawona and into the Yosemite Valley. On our return trip we took the Glacier Point turnoff for a 16 mile trip to about 8000 feet and the most spectacular views of our trip.
The default enlargement is set at Large, 800x600 px, and may be changed to Medium for smaller screens and to Original for the largest view.
The last image of the park is a panaromic view taken from Glacier Point, composed of three images stitched together to better demonstrate the wonderful vista. To view, click on "original" at the bottom of the enlargement and use the scroll bar to move to the sides and top/bottom.
1 On route 41 near Oakhurst, CA. First time I recall seeing these plants.
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3 Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, CA. Nice location some 2 1/2 miles from south entrance to Yosemite.
4 Parking lot at the giant sequoia forest gives first impression of size when comparing tree trunk to parked cars.
5 Ready for the 1 hour 15 minute tour.
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7 This old giant has been down for well over 100 years. These trees are very hardy, even after falling, as the wood does not deteriorate and seems impervious to insects and other varmits.
8 Most of the old giants have burn scars. The trees live to be 2000 or more years old, and fire is not a big threat to their survival.
9 The "Clothes Pin" trees.
10 Bright green moss is in evidence throughout the forest.
11 This tree fell in 1927!
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13 Riding and listening. The trailer is not designed for comfort, hard, really hard, metal seats for a bone jarring ride on occasion.
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16 "Old Grizzly" is park attraction, leans almost same degree as Tower of Piza.
17 The famous "tunnel tree."
18 First view of Bridal Vail Falls after entering the Yosemite Valley through the mile long tunnel.
19 El Capitan and Half Dome dominate the views in Yosemite Valley. El Capitan on left, and Half Dome can be see in the far distance in the center of the image. Close ups of Half Dome later.
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23 Grandeur of El Capitan.
24 The Merced River flowing rapidly on June 7, 2006.
25 First view of Upper Yosemite Falls. The falls sounded like a never ending pass of a freight train.
26 My personal favorite shot of Upper Yosemite Falls.
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31 El Capitan through the sunroof.
32 If you want to scale El Capitan, bring the right equipment and physical condition.
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34 View of El Capitan from across a quiet portion of the Merced River.
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36 First view of Half Dome from closer range.
37 Telephoto view of previous shot.
38 Valley view from Glacier Point.
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48 Upper end of Yosemite Valley with view of Upper Yosemite Falls and the famous Ahwahnee Hotel location just to right of the falls.
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51 That little dot of a clearing dead center, from some 3000 ft above is a small parkinglot.
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54 My first choice of Half Dome views shows more of the face.
55 Telephoto view of the previous shot.
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57 Panoramic view of the Half Dome area is three shots, stitched together with software. To see full size, click "original" and use scroll bars.
