Hello Everyone! Welcome to this month’s Wandering Camera. Winter is full of birthdays at our home. Mine was in early January. I like to spend it quietly hiking with my camera, and eating my favourite meal cooked by my husband. This year he got me a pair of snowshoes, and, serendipitously, there was a huge snow storm just a few days before my birthday. Naturally, I had to spend it at Yosemite.
I wanted to snowshoe on my birthday. However, a change of weather in turn changed our plans. We ended up going to the Badger Pass snowshoe trail the day after. It was a crisp, cold and sunny day in the snow with a lot of smiling faces. We seem to be always the last ones to get off the trail.
One of these days I will learn to leave the mountain trails before darkness falls.
The next day, we were at the park before sunrise. The temperature that morning was -11C.
As we were wandering about, we noticed that all the trees in a meadow had turned white with Hoarfrost. It forms at very cold temperatures. We promptly put our snowshoes on, and went off walking in the knee-deep snow to the grove of trees to see them up close.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the pictures –
The low winter sun was shining behind the tree branches, reflecting lights from a myriad frosty diamonds. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
I wish I had brought some soap water and straw, could have tried making ice bubbles. Something to look forward to next time!
The last morning there I wanted to spend in a little more time in the snow before heading out. “A little more” ended up being close to two hours. As my husband said, it was hard enough to keep me away from snow before. Now with the snowshoes, I was unstoppable. One last look and a last photo, then it was time for the drive home.
The Birthday Surprise
The weather forecast for my birthday was cloudy skies, but no rain. Then, all of a sudden in the afternoon, it started to rain and then snow began to fall. I was out of the car faster than a lightning bolt, beelining for the trees.
There was a not a single grown-up in the vicinity, only children playing. I felt very happy to be part of that group.
When we left the trees, the storm clouds started to break on the north side. If we were there, we would have seen the most amazing post-storm pink and red sky. However, with the time it would have taken us to get there, we would likely have missed the light completely. So we decided to drive into the clouds instead.
I could not have been happier. Blue hour in winter is my most favourite time for photography. That day, Mother Nature added storm clouds and mist, and this birthday girl was over the moon.
After setting up the camera, I watched the clouds and the mist flowing and playing in the meadow and the mountains behind until complete darkness surrounded us. My surprise birthday present from Mother Nature.
Once we got back to the hotel, my husband gave me the other set of birthday gifts. Then he busied himself with cooking while I played with my newly-acquired inks and pens.
The Dragon and the little boy
This is a painting I started with the fountain pen inks I got for my birthday. A story for another day.
March marks the end of outdoor time for me due to severe pollen allergies that cause chest constriction. Until October, fresh air is basically off limits except for a very limited time early in the morning when the air is completely still.
Spending a birthday in cold winter rain and snow and walking in -11C temperatures is probably not most people’s cup of tea, but it was a flask-full of tea for me! You will have to excuse me for being head over heels in love with the subtle and quiet beauty of winter and all that is considered dark and gloomy weather.
I look forward to seeing your photos and reading about them.
Wandering Camera starts on the last Thursday of every month. Photos, art and creative-themed posts, including other linky parties are all welcome.
You can continue to link up multiple posts.
Please add a link back to this website.
Have fun!!
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
51 thoughts on “Wandering Camera – Yosemite Birthday Surprise”
Tammie April 12, 2022 at 05:52
I am so happy for you, getting out in winter wonderland and taking it all to heart.
I adore frost in all it’s many expressions. Simply magical.
Your photos are lovely and full of your memories and fun there.
Lovely day to you.
P.S. I am a winter baby too.
Kathy April 11, 2022 at 15:26
Hi thank you for visiting my blog today, what a lovely post here with stunning photography. back in 2017 I wanted to visit Yellowstone so bad, my neighbor said she would drive me-which was very special as she was not a healthy person. your post here reminding me of my trip with her, we had such a good time, she passed sadly last year.
I have always been into fiber arts and now in my mid 70’s wanted to attempt painting. a book I picked up talked about watercolor inks so I was excited about learning more. I got my inks in the mail today-and yep no hazard warnings on them at all. I want to learn a little calligraphy so I have a couple dip pens now but so far have just been enjoying writing my slow mail letters with them-I really enjoy that.
I have you in my reading list now Kathy
Nikki - Notes of Life April 11, 2022 at 07:21
Wonderful photos! Our winter has been quite mild here in Wales, with just a little frost and a dusting of snow on the odd day, plenty of rain though.
Can’t beat fountain pens and ink for presents! :)
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs April 10, 2022 at 11:02
Stunning snowy photos! I love how snow makes everything so pretty and peaceful. I really like your painting of the dragon and the little boy, you are very talented!
Thanks so much for sharing with #MMBC. Have a lovely week ahead. :)
RachelSwirl April 9, 2022 at 13:18
Wow, such snowy shots – These make me miss skiing! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Amy Johnson April 9, 2022 at 05:43
Amy
Amy Johnson April 10, 2022 at 04:48
That is so weird. I commented how beautiful it is to see the snow in Yosemite. I had never seen snow pictures of Yosemite before. And I also said “Happy Birthday!”
Sarah MumofThree Wood April 8, 2022 at 22:57
The snow is absolutely stunning! We never see snow like that in the UK. In fact, we haven’t seen snow at all this year winter where I live, apart from a very brief storm in November.
Sorry to hear you can’t go outdoors again until October now, but glad you had such a wonderful birthday.
Michelle April 8, 2022 at 15:36
Such gorgeous photos! I’m glad you got to enjoy your birthday snowshoes. Looks like you had an awesome time.
Michelle
Sam April 7, 2022 at 09:52
Lovely photos and happy birthday to you x #mysundaysnapshot
Debbie April 7, 2022 at 07:22
happy birthday soma…excellent narrative, i could have read through this 1000 times. spending your birthday in nature is indeed a present, you interpret it’s beauty so well and your images are gorgeous!!
soap, water and a straw…definitely something to look forward to next time. the dragon and the little boy is beautifully done and the blue hour a favorite of mine as well!!
i’m sad to hear of your allergy, you connect with nature so well it is sad that you will miss these upcoming seasons!!
My Corner of the World April 7, 2022 at 04:29
Happy birthday! What a wonderful way to spend your special day. I love your snowy photos :)
Villroses hage April 7, 2022 at 03:37
Beautiful trees and landscape photos!
Andrée April 6, 2022 at 20:08
Hi Soma, what amazing photos. I used to love winters in Northern Ontario where the cold was not damp. I find it very challenging going outside when even the warmest clothes doesn’t keep me warm. On the other hand, for those photos, it would probably be worth going outside :-) I’m really happy that you had a great birthday. Take care and thanks for sharing these with us!
Andrée
Susan April 6, 2022 at 13:22
Happy belated birthday. What a wonderful way to celebrate it. The pictures are stunningly beautiful. Yosemite is on my bucket list of places I would love to visit.
Lydia C. Lee April 5, 2022 at 14:28
They’re fantastic shots with the fog and mist. i can see why you wanted to replicate them in art.
Jill April 5, 2022 at 12:57
Happy Belated birthday! this is my birthday month. Since spring is my favorite season…I[‘m happty that I was born in the spring.
Your photos are fabulous. I don’t like the cold weather that much…but I definitely can appresicate the beauty of it. I like to see the newly fallen snow where everythings looks so clean and bright. We live on a very busy street…so I like that when it snows it gets quiet and peacful. I’m pretty sure that might one of things that you enjoy about it to.. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting April 5, 2022 at 12:24
I really enjoy seeing your photos of Yosemite as my DH’s hometown is nearby and we drive through Yosemite most years on our way there. So fun to see it covered in snow!
Linda Calverley April 5, 2022 at 11:56
It looks magical in winter. I have been to Yosemite so it was really nice to see it in a different season.
Dee April 4, 2022 at 20:01
First of all, belated birthday wishes, Soma. How could it not have been a great birthday when you’re up in Yosemite! I can never get tired of that place and those granites. I’ve never been there in the thick of winter, tho. That, next.
(I was also in the Sierras for my birthday in August last year — in Kings Canyon. ;) )
Yosemite looks absolutely heavenly with all that snow and fog. ❤️
Hey, and superb pictures, yeah!
Looks like I made it just on time for Wandering Camera. (I usually miss it. ) I’ll link up today. :)
Thank you for hosting. :)
Connie Griffin April 4, 2022 at 17:51
Oh my I could just hear it in your words how happy you were to have such a fun birthday trip and some great new goodies to play with outside and inside :)
I love the tree shots, those little spikes of ice are so cool and you got some great pictures of them. My hubby is a photographer too and has wanted to try the frozen bubble thing himself. I am so glad that you had such a wonderful time for your special day!
Sorry to hear you suffer so bad, hubby and I also have allergies but not so bad we can’t go out.
So nice over the summer you can look at these pictures and remember the wonderful time you had!
Lisa | Handmade in Israel April 4, 2022 at 08:25
Beautiful photos! Belated happy birthday. You are very lucky to have a husband who cooks while you paint!
Judee April 4, 2022 at 07:37
Although I am anticipating spring and summer, I enjoyed your beautiful winter themes
Alycia Quiltygirl April 4, 2022 at 06:49
Those are gorgeous photos!!!!
That Blue Hour is stunning
And enjoy your new tools!!
Carol April 4, 2022 at 05:47
You take amazing photos. That first one is my favorite. #MMBC
Angie April 3, 2022 at 22:28
P.S. And thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Margy April 3, 2022 at 14:40
I loved the closeup of the hoarfrost. The ice crystals are so delicate. – Margy
Kim Carberry April 3, 2022 at 08:14
What beautiful photos. Snow makes everything look so pretty and what a fantastic way to spend your birthday x
Lavender Dreams April 2, 2022 at 11:17
These photos really are exceptional! I love your art and you received the perfect birthday gift. I know you’ll love the ink. Enjoy your weekend! (I was born is January too and my mother said it was an icy day when I was born)
Linda K April 2, 2022 at 09:08
You “almost” have me wanting to walk in the snow:) Beautiful captures and it truly looks magical. A very special birthday indeed and I’m happy for how it all presented itself. You’ve captured the blues and purple like tones beautifully on your journal page! And what really wonderful gifts from hubby as well.
Sad that you cannot be outdoors during what is my favorite time of year. Don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t be out doors then. I tend to hibernate in the cold months;).
Have a great weekend!
Gillena Cox April 2, 2022 at 05:57
What a wonderful share of activity photos and art
Belated Birthday Greetings.
Thanks for dropping by and linking up with Art For Fun Friday.
Muchlove
Eileen April 2, 2022 at 03:06
Happy Belated Birthday Soma! What a beautiful place to celebrate. The winter scenes are gorgeous and the hoar frost is magical. Snowshoeing sounds like fun.
Great sketch of the boy and the dragon. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Su-sieee! Mac April 1, 2022 at 22:14
Cheers, Soma! Thanks for sharing your birthday in Yosemite. Your excitement and joy of being in the snow has me wanting to be there, too. Maybe next year. :-)
Angie April 1, 2022 at 20:58
Soma – I am so happy for you that Winter delivered you such a wonderful birthday gift! I too enjoy snowshoeing and the spectacular photos that can be had even when the tones are all monochromatic. I am sorry to hear that your time outdoors has to be limited due to pollen allergies – it makes your time in and around Yosemite all that more special. Enjoy your weekend!
Peabea April 1, 2022 at 20:57
Did not know you had a link up. Thanks for visiting mine. I will add you to my list of links that I visit. Will have to come back and share a photography post since this Pictorial was more of crafting nature.
A ShutterBug Explores April 1, 2022 at 16:21
Very special birthday for you ~ snowstorm ~ sweet hubby who gave you such wonderful gifts ~ Awesome photography and love the little boy and dragon beginning artwork ~ Xo
Wishing you love and laughter in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Christine April 1, 2022 at 15:27
Happy Birthday Soma! Beautiful photos and painting!
NatureFootstep April 1, 2022 at 14:55
Hi Soma, I did not know you had a linkup. Seems to suit both my blogs :)
Dixie April 1, 2022 at 09:24
Wonderful post with magnificent photos, Soma.
Can’t think of a better way to spend a birthday.
Love your new inks.
Veronica Lee April 1, 2022 at 08:51
A lovely post with gorgeous, Soma.
What a wonderful way to spend your birthday.
Happy Belated Birthday!
Alison Hall April 1, 2022 at 04:36
A wonderful post with beautiful photos Soma. It looks like you had a magical birthday.
Belated birthday wishes.
Alison
P.S. I really appreciated your comment on my blog post. My husband is getting his MRI this morning, I’m a bundle of nerves waiting for his call to collect him.
riitta k March 31, 2022 at 23:58
It was lovely to read about your love of the winter and birthday trip to Yosemite. Fabulous photos. We had this year a real winter in Finland and a lot of snow. Frost on tree branches looks so beautiful. I am so sorry to hear about your restrictive pollen allergy, not nice at all.
Wishing you a great April.
Kathleen Noble March 31, 2022 at 22:47
Gorgeous photos, Soma – truly magical! Glad you had such a great birthday.
Kathleen
Karen March 31, 2022 at 17:17
your winter photos are just so pretty! I would hate to have to stay pretty much inside for 6 months of the year.
The Joyful Quilter March 31, 2022 at 14:28
Your husband sounds like a great gift giver, Soma. You really captured some gorgeous shots on your birthday trip, Soma!!
Bill March 31, 2022 at 14:21
I like how you photos show the mood and feeling of the elements. Hope you had a Happy Birthday
Joanne March 31, 2022 at 13:26
What beautiful photos! I just love when the light sparkles off the ice on the trees like that.
Mary March 31, 2022 at 12:43
I MIGHT be able to overcome the cold if I could enjoy the beauty of the scenery that you have posted here, Soma. The photos are just stunning and it looks like a picture perfect birthday gift for you. You didn’t mention what your favorite meal was! I’m sure K did a great job with it.
Carol S. March 31, 2022 at 08:37
This was an amazing way to spend your birthday…Happy Birthday a little late! I love the way you catch the beauty of all things in your photos.
Luisella March 31, 2022 at 01:36
Your shots are really neat and gorgeous. Lovely places.
Wishing you a great April!
Sue March 30, 2022 at 23:53
What beautiful photos Soma and a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Love the blue looking photo. The hoar frost is magical too, I can see why you like to go out and enjoy it. Happy belated birthday.