May Ascent
By John P. DeGrazio
Mt. Conness and Tenaya Peak by John P. DeGrazio
Even the guides get to have fun sometimes. These are some photos from a recent ascent of Half Dome. Thank you to my friend, Maria who brought me this Barong t-shirt from Indonesia.
Fun on the Summit
More Fun on the Summit
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Leaping Water
By John P. DeGrazio
Leaping Water by John P. DeGrazio
Chilnualna is thought to mean “leaping water” and it is comprised of several cascades that measure 690 feet. That number is deceiving and may mislead you to underestimate the size and impressiveness of the falls. They are, in a word, spectacular. So few people even know they exist as they are tucked away in the southern part of Yosemite near the town of Wawona. Thousands of cars speed through this section of road upon entering the park, oblivious to the beauty they are surely bypassing. Of course, everyone knows about the Mariposa grove of wawonas, or big trees; but only the savvy Yosemite traveler will visit these leaping falls. The hike is somewhere between 8 and 9 miles round trip (depending how willing you are to walk along the rocky edges) and will lead you along Chilnualna creek to an immediate reward of several cascades within the first half mile of hiking. There are at least a dozen to count and one could spend hours gazing at the dancing water and listening to its song. The trail is somewhat challenging as you gain about 2000 feet on the day, but it is worthwhile because you will share it with very few others. Wawona Dome is an impressive rock, and I was captivated by a singular tree growing on one of the ridges.
Tree on Wawona Dome
Once you reach the falls themselves, you will be blown away by their awesomeness. Yes, I did use that overused description but felt it to be quite appropriate to emphasize how breathtaking the falls really are.
At the Water's Edge
There are plenty of viewing spots in the section of cascades and cataracts but beware, there are no railings. Use caution if you really want to get that up close shot of the cascades as they twist through the canyon.
Rainbow Canyon by John P. DeGrazio
Sugar Pine and Chilnualna Falls by John P. DeGrazio
Join the professionals of Y*explore Yosemite Adventures for the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops from May 18-21, 2012 in both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys.
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Josh Discusses Composition
Sonora native Joshua Cripps just returned from New Zealand and will be leading 2 workshops during the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops May 18-21.
THE ART OF DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY IN YOSEMITE VALLEY
with Joshua Cripps
This program will provide an introduction to the art of digital nature photography and will focus on the photographer’s active role in the creation of beautiful nature images. It will emphasize taking the camera off of ‘Auto’ mode and using the more controllable manual modes. Topics covered will include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, white balance, composition, and the artist’s role in photography.
RAINBOWS AND REFLECTIONS YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS PHOTOGRAHY SESSION
May is the perfect month to explore the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Copious amount of water, combined with the usually fantastic weather, create a stunning visual palette to photograph upon. We will concentrate of creating beautiful and lasting images of The Valleys iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall. You will be taken to prime and unusual locations to photograph these subjects. We will look to photograph our subjects as stand alone entities and also endeavor to combine other interesting visual elements in the scene to create photographs that are both interesting and artistic. Learn about what combinations of shutter speed and aperture work best for the subject at any given time. Also learn about filtration and other unusual creative decisions that you can make to help make your images be more unique and creative.
Check out Josh’s New Zealand Adventure. If you are in Santa Cruz and Big Sur May 5-6, you may want to join one of his workshops there.
Join the professionals of Y*explore Yosemite Adventures for the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops from May 18-21, 2012 in both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys.
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James McGrew at Olmsted Point
James McGrew grew up in Yosemite, and he returns several times each year to lead specialty interpretive programs in the park every spring and summer. On May 18-21, James will once again lead the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops in both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys. During these dates, we offer specially priced nature walks and photo workshops with our richly talented team of professionals. The event commences with James’ Naturalist walk in Yosemite Valley on Friday May 18 at 10:30 am. All will be treated to a free evening slide presentation by James at the Ahwahnee Hotel that evening at 7:30 pm which will further discuss the relationship between art and the shaping of the national parks. Won’t you please join us this month to meet James our group of expert naturalists and professional photographers? Call us today at (800) 886-8009 to make your reservation as class sizes are limited.
Join the professionals of Y*explore Yosemite Adventures for the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops from May 18-21, 2012 in both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys.
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The Upper Fall
By John P. DeGrazio
Upper Yosemite Fall by John P. DeGrazio
Yosemite Falls are comprised of three actual waterfalls; the upper fall, the middle cascades, and the lower fall. They stand at a combined height of 2,425 feet. Some will argue that it is the 5th tallest waterfall in the world while other rankings have it rounding out the top 20. Regardless, it is a majestic sight, and now is the perfect time to go see it and all of Yosemite Valleys wondrous waterfalls and cascades. On a recent trip, my daughter counted twelve waterfalls throughout the valley and Merced River corridor. For an added bonus, the dogwoods are also blooming along the Merced. What will you explore today?
Mist of the Upper Fall by John P. DeGrazio
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Yosemite’s Hidden Treasure
By John P. DeGrazio
Smith Peak by John P. DeGrazio
Last week I had the pleasure of hiking to Smith Peak with my friends Joel and Cole. Neither of the two had been to Hetch Hetchy, and we briefly discussed the controversial dam and John Muir’s strong opposition to its construction. The day started rather well as we found an outcropping to explore high above the Hetch Hetchy Valley where we could see the infamous dam and remarkable waterfalls. Wapama was shouting at us from several miles away and Tueeulala was equally impressive with its flow.
Upon our arrival at the trailhead, we were pleased to see a lack of snow on the trail. About a mile into the hike, we encountered some marshy conditions from all the melted snow but felt fortunate because we decided to leave the snowshoes in the car. It certainly turned out to be the right decision. Getting to Smith Meadow was a lot easier than we anticipated. There were several fallen trees on the trail but no real snow accumulations which was surprising because we had received a few storms recently. Fallen trees were a hazard though as we physically moved twenty-one trees from the trail over the course of our hike. There were some we couldn’t move, but we were proud stewards no less.
Tree Bridges by John P. DeGrazio
Out of Smith Meadow, we became bogged down in a land of fallen timber. The trail was lost and we decided to climb a ledge that led to the southern ridge of the peak. We missed the trail by about fifty yards and paid the price by navigating through heavy waist high brush. We also encountered our first real snow and the next hour was slow going. Once we gained the peak, we noticed the correct trail which would make for a simpler return trip. We enjoyed an extended lunch at the summit full of jump shots, gummy bears, sweet tart jelly beans, and Joel’s cream soda. The view from the top was exquisite and we were in no rush to leave.
A Good Perch by John P. DeGrazio
We were perched on a vista that uncovered the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, the Northern Border of Yosemite, Mt. Conness, Mt. Hoffman, and the Clark Range.
Yosemite High Country From Smith Peak by John P. DeGrazio
It was a view I will not soon forget and a spectacular way to celebrate John Muir’s birthday one day early. We descended in time to visit the dam just before the gate closed. Walking along the dam, we stared out at the reservoir and all couldn’t help but think about how differently the landscape had looked in Muir’s time.
Dam Hetch Hetchy by John P. DeGrazio
Photographing with a camera phone was once frowned upon as a lazy way out of making an image. With advancing technology, these phones are becoming more integral in everyday “outdoor” life. I am currently using the HTC Droid Incredible 2 phone with an 8 megapixel camera, and will share the world of Yosemite through my phone.
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Three photographers will be awarded a full itinerary of educational workshops during the weekend of May 18-21 and will be provided the opportunity to work with highly respected mentors in Yosemite’s Twin Valleys. While learning about the natural history of each distinct valley and understanding how the art of photography helped shape our national parks, these workshop participants will also be provided an outlet for their own interpretation of this magical place during peak waterfall season.
Three easy steps to apply for this scholarship:
1. Like Y*explore Yosemite Adventures on Facebook.
2. Add a nature photograph to our wall.
3. Email tours@yexplore.com with your photo (please no hi res images) and a paragraph (no more than 250 words) on why you are deserving of this scholarship.
*Both the photograph and short essay will receive equal weight as criteria for this contest. All winners will be announced by April 28. This contest is open to anyone. Students will receive strongest consideration, however.
Updated 4.17.12
Here are some early entries. Some time remains before the winners are chosen. All are encouraged to submit.
Below is the press release for the 4 day event from May 18-21:
YOSEMITE, CA – February 16, 2012 – John Muir referred to Hetch Hetchy as a “wonderfully exact counterpart” to Yosemite Valley, and The Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops on May 18-21 (www.yosemitetwinvalleys.com) will offer unique opportunities for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to compare and contrast natural and geological features of both Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy landscapes through their own interpretive expressions. Activities will include photography field sessions along with birding walks and other nature hikes throughout the “Twin Valleys” of Yosemite National Park.
James McGrew returns as the leader of the annual four day event, and he will be joined by several local Yosemite professional photography guides and naturalists. James and David Lukas will each lead an interpretive hike to launch the proceedings on May 18th that will serve as an introduction to the landscape and its rich history. A two day combined photography and naturalist workshop conducted by McGrew will begin on the 19th and will span both valleys. Alternately, several options of morning and evening light photo field sessions will be available on all four days from a faculty of well known Yosemite photographers. Central to all programs will be a focus on the spectacular waterfalls during their peak season. National Geographic photographer, Phil Schermeister will be directing his acclaimed Abstracts in Nature class from Yosemite Valley. Robb Hirsch will share elements of composition with aspiring photographers in Hetch Hetchy while Walter Flint, a Yosemite veteran of three decades, will guide daily photo sessions focusing on ‘Rainbows and Reflections’. David Lukas will lend his expert knowledge of birds and Sierra ecology with all who wish to discover the natural world of Yosemite.
A portion of the proceeds for these workshops will benefit both the Mariposa County Arts Council and the Central Sierra Arts Council of Tuolumne County.
Join the professionals of Y*explore Yosemite Adventures for the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops from May 18-21, 2012 in both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys.
The Nutcracker
By John P. DeGrazio
Looking East on top of the Manure Pile by John P. DeGrazio
Yosemite is well known for its breathtaking scenery marked by sky scraping waterfalls that leap from shear granite cliffs and lush meadows radiating with an abundance of wildflowers. Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike flock to this veritable paradise each year. For a good part of the past decade, I have enjoyed sharing these experiences from the trails of Yosemite with people from all over the world. Another segment of the landscape can only be seen by trained eyes and enhanced by use of a spotting scope or pair of binoculars. If you look closely on just about any granite slab or rock face in the park, you may be able to spot colorful little specks moving up and down at a methodical pace. These specks are people, of course, and they climb just about every rock they can find from El Capitan to Half Dome with everything in between. I am often asked about the rock climbers and why they do it. My standard answer is because the rocks are there. After all the oohs, ahhs, and comments of “that’s insane”, they inevitably turn to me and ask if I am a climber. While I don’t think I’ve quite earned the moniker of rock climber just yet, I do reply by saying I’ve done some things. Here are some photos from Team RedBro’s last adventure on the Nutcracker route of the Manure Pile.
Gabe Mange with the 3 RedBros by John P. DeGrazio
Sentinel Rock and Falls by John P. DeGrazio
RedBros 4 Life by Gabriel Mange
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This is Clara. We spent the day hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point with her family on a visit from the UK. Clara climbed up on this rock and didn’t even notice I was taking a photo of her while she was sharing a fun moment with her family.
The Joy of Yosemite with Family
Yosemite is known to bring out the best in people. It is our goal at Y*explore Yosemite Adventures to help our guests discover those ‘magical’ moments in the the most sublime settings. In this feature, we will try to share images of that moment through the expressions on each face. It is my goal to share only images captured during these times of discovery without any staging to capture the true joy experienced by the individual.
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Snowshoeing the Grove
By John P. DeGrazio
Clearing Storm in Mariposa Grove by John P. DeGrazio
I heard a story yesterday about a man who was moved to tears on his first visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. It was a touching story and just one of many inspirational anecdotes shared by several members of the Yosemite community at a gateway partners meeting. Yosemite has such a profound effect on just about all who enter. I visited in 2003 and have called this region my home since 2005.
The Bachelor and Three Graces in Fresh Snow by John P. DeGrazio
Bachelor and Three Graces- Vertical View by John P. DeGrazio
Galen Clark homesteaded an area what is now called Wawona (Big Trees) after he was given six months to live. He finally left the earth more than 50 years later. Clark was impressed with Yosemite Valley, but the Mariposa Grove was his true love. When he was named the Yosemite Grant’s first guardian, he decided to oversee the grove and left the valley in the charge of his sub guardian Peter Longhurst. Galen built a cabin in the grove and hikers can visit a replica of this dwelling in the upper grove which now serves as a museum.
I had the pleasure to lead a group into the grove after a recent snowstorm that allowed us to snowshoe along the road into the den of big trees. We were able to take some photographs of snow covered conifers before the afternoon sun melted it away and cleared the road for hikers who were not as well equipped as we. The added burden of carrying out our extra gear was validated by our ability to experience the upper grove in a solitude that would have been greatly appreciated by Galen himself.
Replica of Galen's Cabin by John P. DeGrazio
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