Thursday, February 10, 2011

Uncooperative Skies

We booked a winter stay in Yosemite in advance several months ago, hoping we would get some fresh snow and great winter scenes.  It seems that folks in the rest of the country have been hogging all the interesting weather this year and Yosemite had just some patchy snow remaining and no new snow in the forecast. 
 With clear skies in the forecast I thought I could at least get a picture of the golden light from the setting sun lighting up Horsetail falls.  This effect, like a  firefall, can only be seen in February or early March and if the setting sun is not obscured by clouds.
 What's this?  Clouds building in the west.
That's the life of the photographer, my camera and I will just have to return, seeking the perfect conditions for those great shots.  Any time spent in Yosemite is magic, the photos are just a bonus.

See more skies from around the world at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us each week by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia.

24 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Ah, the weather can surely thwart our photography efforts, can't it? But you still got some terrific, dramatic captures, Martha! And, besides, it gives you an excuse to go back soon! Amazing that a place that usually has lots and lots of snow in the winter, is not having that much this year when all the places that rarely get snow have been inundated! Mother Nature on a rampage! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sylvia

Tania said...

Oh, I love this place! And your photo is wonderful, think nr 1 is my favorite, with the great mountain. Wish I could go there some day..:-)
Have a happy weekend!

Andy said...

Great photos. Well done.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Great captures.

EG CameraGirl said...

I think it's pretty cool that you "HAVE" to return. :)

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You should be proud of any of those photos. But of course, you "have" to go back. It is your journalistic duty as a blogger.

Carolyn Ford said...

Mother Nature knows how to bring out the beauty of Yosemite with or without snow! Look at that magnificent sun burst...whoa! That's special!

Barb said...

Bob and I are surprised by how "dry" it seems in Yosemite from your photos. I love the sunburst shot!

Unknown said...

A grand excuse for a return trip!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Photo Cache said...

i must go back before all the snow melts in the sierra. terrific capture.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Truly Lovely!

Anonymous said...

The second picture is breathtaking.

Please have you all a good Friday.

daily athens

Light and Voices said...

The last image looks like a dinosaur invasion. Neato!
Joyce M

Katney said...

You have made the magical out of the disappointment.

Gaelyn said...

All these shots are amazing. Didn't know they still did the firefall.

Stewart M said...

Hi - I spent a very short time in Yosemite a few years ago - summer, no water, but still splendid.

Seem to feel haunted by the ghost of Mr. Adams and anyting I took felt doomed to be second rate!

Did you feel the same thing?

I need to go back as well!

Stewart M

Anonymous said...

Fina bilder, fine pictures.

Lasse said...

Lovely pictures ! and blog as well!

syel said...

those are great captures! they're all perfect but i most especially the one with the sun stars! lovely!

fredamans said...

Very beautiful and dramatic skies!

http://fredamans.blogspot.com/2011/02/sky-watch-friday_10.html

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Martha,
Those skies look spectacular to me! I love the second one with the sun's rays surrounding it.

Thanks for your comment on my water blurred SkyWatch photo.

Jeannette StG said...

We're almost going every summer to Yosemite (for me to paint), but only have been through Y. twice in the winter. A very different atmosphere! Buts still stunningly beautiful!

eileeninmd said...

Just beautiful! Yosemite is a great place in any conditions.

forgetmenot said...

Beautiful skies!!!! Yosemite looks like a fabulous place to visit. I'll be back to visit--love your photos. Mickie