Yosemite National Park

January 2, 2016

Pongo and I spent Saturday afternoon in Yosemite Valley.  It was a cold, wet, overcast day.  The park was extremely crowded.  Still, it was a worthwhile trip in many regards.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, CA

The roads into the valley--even 120--were clear.  I suppose that at least partially explains the large crowd.  The fact that it's a holiday weekend is the other part of it, I'm sure.  Poor planning on my part to go on this particular weekend.  No planning, actually.  I was going to take Pongo camping at Pinnacles but thought we might give it a go at Yosemite instead.

El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, CA

Clouds filled the sky for most of the day, but the sun cracked through here and there.  The crisp, cold air felt refreshing with only a slight bite to it.  If I had been alone I'd have stayed and camped out overnight.  It was too wet for Pongo, though.  With all the melting snow in the campgrounds he'd have had to stay in the car all evening.  We'd have slept in the car, but still it didn't seem like a good situation for him so we only stayed until nightfall.

Yosemite National Park, CA

Upper Yosemite Fall, Yosemite National Park, CA

The overcast skies paid off here and there.  I was able to take my best shots of Yosemite Falls yesterday.  The upper falls usually get washed out out in the bright light, but the muted light kept that from happening.  The water wasn't flowing high, but at least it was flowing.

Yosemite National Park, CA

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA

There are all pretty standard shots of the valley, at least for me.  It's not a large place and I tend to hit the same places.  I like these spots.

Yosemite National Park, CA

Soundtrack:

• Flatbed -- Like a Rocket
• Blondie -- Parallel Lines
• Neil Young -- After the Gold Rush / Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere