Last weekend of October I had an opportunity to visit my favourite place – Yosemite National Park. I am fortunate enough to live “only” 4.5 hours away from it. That is considered close proximity in California. I take advantage of that and try to go there multiple times a year. Because of that, quite often I get to hear “Yosemite again?? What’s there to see so many times!”
The thing is, I feel at home there.
In the words of Lord Byron –
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more.
For me, it’s not just a collection of parking spaces for the attractions in the park. Yosemite needs to be explored.
A sunny day is stunning there, but storm clouds make it even more of a dramatic place.
Clouds skimming over El Capitan
Bridalveil Falls
Tall, ancient granite formations with cascading waterfalls surround you while you walk in the wide meadows and through groves of trees.
Water droplets catch the sunlight and gleam on grass and leaves.
The Merced river flows through it all, sometimes raucous and sometimes whispering.
Season and weather change often, and Yosemite changes with them.
While I love to hike the mountains and walk the meadows, sometimes I like to just sit at our favourite places in the park with my husband. He reads while I paint.
That is my Yosemite and I love it. It has been there long before us and it will continue to be there long after.
I was going through the photos I took there in October, always good for my spirit. I hope they bring joy to you as well.
Take care,
-Soma
I am also linking up on Life Thru The Lens, Through My Lens, Seasons, Our World Tuesday, Wednesday Around The World, Photo Friday, and Friday Photo Journal along with with other linky parties on my Events And Links page.
33 thoughts on “Yosemite And I”
Kelleyn December 8, 2016 at 05:35
Lovely photos! I have been there many times, but I don’t think I have ever been in the fall! Have a great week!
Ruth Daly December 3, 2016 at 17:20
Wow, these are just stunning pictures. What a beautiful place to explore. #photofriday
Carol December 2, 2016 at 17:47
It is absolutely beautiful and your images are gorgeous!
Stephanie December 2, 2016 at 13:16
Wow – what a stunning and beautiful place!
Ruth December 2, 2016 at 10:45
I can’t get enough of your gorgeous photos! I have been to Yosemite once but it was and amazing experience. I cannot wait to go back and enjoy more of the park. I live in Los Angeles, so, the drive is not that bad. #PhotoFriday
Alycia November 26, 2016 at 11:17
Those are just stunning!! I am glad you go there more than once – I benefit!! What a beautiful place and amazing photos!!!!
Nancy Fuller November 25, 2016 at 21:19
Beautiful images of the best of Yosemite! It is such a special place….the only problem is….too many people know about it. Fall looks like a great time – not so crowded. My husband who is a CA native has always said, there is no greater concentration of natural beauty anywhere in the world than the five miles that make up the Yosemite Valley. Thank you so much for sharing.
bettyl - NZ November 23, 2016 at 17:26
I’d go with you every week if it were possible! I can imagine there is always something wonderful to find in the park. I’ve never been there, but your photos prove that it’s as gorgeous as I’ve heard!
AmyScrapSpot November 23, 2016 at 07:03
These pictures are so beautiful! You have a great eye! -WOW-
ladyfi November 22, 2016 at 21:15
Wow – stunning photos of this amazing place!
Photo Cache November 22, 2016 at 13:56
Just so beautiful. I love Yosemite in the fall.
Susanne November 22, 2016 at 12:38
Lovely pictures! I only know Yosemite since Apple started naming the OS X after mountains there (yes, seriously!!) and for some reason after that I come across Yosemite pictures all over the place, and it looks stunning!!
Villrose November 22, 2016 at 12:31
Beautiful with the golden Fall palette…
jesh StG November 21, 2016 at 19:33
Wow, priceless images from one of my favorite places on earth. Thank you so much for sharing Yosemite with ALL SEASONS! Love especially the 2nd and 3rd one – that flutter of mist -beautiful – as well as a dark moody El Capitain – one of the most difficult mountains to climb!
Did you go to one of the art classes provided by the art center? Here is where I learned my watercolors (and it’s free!)
You did a great job with your color drawing! May I give you a suggestion? You will bring your painting to the next level if you add a darker/brighter color to the bottom – it will tie all the parts together. You’ve got talent, and hope you’ll continue:):) Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Su-sieee! Mac November 21, 2016 at 19:04
Thanks for sharing your photos. You surely captured the beauty of Yosemite. I haven’t been there in 20 years. What am I waiting for? :-) You’ve encouraged my wanderlust.
The View from the Top of the Ladder
Karen in Tucson November 19, 2016 at 17:51
Thank you for posting the pictures. It’s been several years since I walked the trails and rode my bike through the park. Great memories.
Carla November 19, 2016 at 07:45
So so beautiful and calming
Cheryl November 19, 2016 at 05:05
Beautiful pictures. I have had the chance to go to Yosemite once about 8 years ago and would love the opportunity to go back.
Dixie November 18, 2016 at 13:45
Who could possibly grow tired of such a place. It’s majestic, inspiring and wonderful…absolutely sublime!
Thanks for these lovely photos. I love your painting too.
Wendy @ September Violets November 18, 2016 at 05:50
You have captured a real beauty in your photos of your favourite park. The rock face is stunning! I feel the same way about Algonquin Park, and I’m sure people around me get tired of me talking about ;) There’s just such a sense of feeling “right” in those woods. I like that you can spend time just enjoying the surroundings without hiking all day long. You have a very patient husband ;)
Pamela November 18, 2016 at 02:57
Beautiful pictures! How nice at you can visit often!
Kim Sharman November 18, 2016 at 01:20
Oh Soma, I feel I have just picked up the most glorious coffee table book filled with the most captivatingly beautiful photos! Oh my goodness what your talented eye picks up through the lens is amazing. Viewing Yosemite through your eyes calms my soul and beckons me to linger a little longer. What a joyous landscape. Those ancient granite formations and cascading waterfalls….wow oh wow!! Your stunning photos have this day, brought me much joy…..thank you! But…..”she paints beautiful pictures” as well. I can in my mind’s eye just picture you painting your beautiful painting with your husband sitting, reading beside you; such a lovely and calm image. It has been the upmost delight to tarry a while in awe-inspiring Yosemite through your camera lens, lovely Soma!
Jeneta Masson November 18, 2016 at 00:55
Breathtaking! And may I just say – I love your watermark!
JanineMarie November 17, 2016 at 18:39
Oh, Soma, these are stunning. My father grew up not far from Yosemite, and I have wonderful memories of visiting there. Last time I was in California, we also took a trip to Hetch Hetchy at the northern end. I know that’s a controversial area, but it is special to me because my grandfather built a lodge overlooking the reservoir there in the 1930s. (I never knew him, but the lodge is a connection to him for me.) It does have a beauty all its own despite the fact that a valley was flooded to create it. I do wonder if you’ve ever been there. I know the area was threatened by the wild fires a few years ago, and I wonder what it looks like today.
Patty November 17, 2016 at 17:46
Stunning!
Astrid November 17, 2016 at 17:43
Stunning place to be. Nature is so refreshing for the soul. Beautiful photos, fog makes it magic. Love your painting too.
Lynne Stucke November 17, 2016 at 16:26
Your photos are stunning!! Makes me want to visit there with you; bet you would be an awesome guide! (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)
Mary November 17, 2016 at 13:20
Wow! You have captured Yosemite through the trained eyes of a photographer. It has always been beautiful to me, but it is ever so stunning in your photos. The autumn colors are a perfect shock of color against the grays.
rosa November 17, 2016 at 13:10
Wow, such a fabulous place and your photos are dazzling.Thanks!
krislovesfabric November 17, 2016 at 13:06
Wow…yes, thank you for the photos. I believe you have shown me what “sun dappled” looks like! Maybe someday we will get a chance to see it in person. Your painting is beautiful, I just absolutely adore the tree on the far left!!!
Jo November 17, 2016 at 09:58
Wow, beautiful photos Soma, it looks a wonderful place! I love your painting too, such talents you have !!
Carol S. November 17, 2016 at 08:43
Beautiful photos and painting…amazing!
Janine @ Rainbow Hare November 17, 2016 at 08:15
These are stunning photos. It looks like an awe inspiring landscape :)