Looking Up--Sky Watch

The view from my camp chair.

Mergansers--Watery Wednesday

Walking up to Mirror Lake I spotted this male common merganser in
Tenaya Creek.

Then I spied his mate. She is much harder to pick out in the raging water. I wasn't prepared, I'd never seen them in Yosemite before and they swim and dive quickly in the churning water. It is amazing that they can swim against the current. They must be incredibly strong.

Unfortunately, the view was blocked by the trees but I think it is interesting how she is swimming with her head in the water. We watched for a while before they flew off.

You can find more watery sites at Watery Wednesday, hosted for us by 2sweetnsaxy.

Yosemite—My World

Everyone has seen the icons of Yosemite, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan.  There is more to this place.  In early spring the dogwood blooms under the towering pines and cedars.

At Bridal Veil Falls, turn your back to that beauty and look to the east shoulder of El Capitan.  There you will see Horse Tail Fall only during spring run off.

At the same place, look to your left to see what is actually the tallest fall in Yosemite.  Since Ribbon Fall only flows in spring it doesn’t get that honor officially.

It’s ok to be inspired by Yosemite Falls but don’t overlook the majestic cliffs to the right.

Pull your eyes from Half Dome and appreciate the other domes above the Valley.

Don’t forget the meadows.  This view to the west was one I especially appreciated.  Usually there is so much air pollution  coming into the valley from the San Joaquin that the sky and granite are washed with a gray haze.

Don’t be like me, always rushing around to see the next view, get the next picture.  Emulate this woman and her dog, just enjoy being in the place, in the moment.  Enjoy the grandeur and the peace of Yosemite.

Find more views of our wonderful world at My World Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

There's a Bear!

A sharp eyed fellow passenger on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle spotted this guy near Happy Isles. It was evening so the shutter speed was a bit slow even at ISO of 400. The bear was minding his own business and we continued on to our campsite. We did, I must admit, leave the footpath where the photographer is standing and put a little more distance between us and the bear.

See more critters at Camera Critters.

Half Dome--Weekend Reflections

What's this, an impressionist's painting of Half Dome?

It's backwards!
No, it is Half Dome reflected in Mirror Lake.
We had a wonderful time in Yosemite this week and all of my shots are of incredibly blue skies and raging water. It was Yosemite at its absolute best, I wish you could have been with us.

See more reflections at Weekedend Reflections, hosted for us by James at Newtown Area Photo.

To Little Time in My World

I seem to have too little time or too many projects.  With summer coming I have been trying to get the new parts of the garden on autopilot with new drip emitters.  Do you remember what it looked like last year?  Click here for a reminder.  I used divisions from plants elsewhere in the garden for much of the new plantings.  It will take a while to fill out. 

I’ve also got the guest room half painted and soft cornices made for our bedroom.  That leaves three more rooms waiting for window treatments.  Seeing what the rest of you accomplish has spurred me to action.

It’s almost time to open the cabin for the summer and the Roadtrek thinks we need to do some more camping, it’s feeling neglected, and I’m having trouble finding time for exercise, that’s not good.

I just don’t seem to find time for it all.  Maybe I should give up sleeping.

Shadows on the Dunes

Sand dunes make a great pallet for shadows.

The dune plants cast a shadow if the sun is out.

Tracks in the sand are defined by their shadow.  People passed by here.

But who came by here?  A snake, perhaps, in pursuit of a rabbit?

Here we can see who is making a track, crossing the shadow of ripples in the sand as well as those of other creatures living in this hostel environment.

You can see more shadows at Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted for us by Tracy in Brisbane.