My first time in Yosemite......

[xtm]

and I got stuck in traffic INSIDE the park

I will never, ever go there again on a long weekend. The traffic was NOT moving at all. I had plenty of time to turn off the engine, setup the tripod, take photos, and eat. I think I spent a total of 2 hrs taking pictures and about 10 hrs sitting in the car. I even planned to go to Mono Lake, but nope.. not gonna happen. lol

To top it off, I got lost coming back. I missed the 41 turn to Fresno and I ended up taking 140 to 99 to the 5. Amazing how one missed exit turned a 4 hr trip to a 7 hour trip!!

I managed to get a few shots...
the scene looked serene and peaceful but in reality there were plenty of people walking around and I had to fight to get a spot

I'll definitely go back, but not during a 3-day weekend, lol :lol:

 

[IPT]

nice images. That place is a madhouse in the summer months. Better to stay up in the medows, much less people. Mono lake too is a sweet spot.

Sort of takes something out of it to got a NP and have to deal with traffic and people, no? These places were made to get away and find solitude. As much as I hate the bus system of Denali I love it too. Most people stay on the buses so it's pretty easy to get solitude.

Nice images anyway even if the experience lacked in other ways.

 

[BlueCorn]

:lol: - That is, generally speaking, the busiest day of the entire year in the park. I'd rather stick forks in my eyes than go that weekend.

You came away with some nice shots. You actually got very lucky, our patch of cooler than normal weather gave you some good skies. Quite often, this time of the year they're blank and blue.

Cheers

 

[xtm]

Thanks guys.. Doug, I did not see your reply until I came back to LA :lol:

I have to say that the Ansel Adams Gallery was very inspiring.

 

[d0ughb0y]

nice pics. what camera/lens did you use?

 

[Tremont]

I just view the valley as a sacrificial lamb. Keep the tourists, crowds and photographers to one spot in the Sierra's so that the rest are empty for those who seek solitude and unique views that haven't been photographed 20 million times in every different possible type of weather. There are many places in the Sierra's on par or even more spectacular than Yosemite Valley...especially on the East side where you are a lucky to even run into a single other person the whole time.

 

[BlueCorn]

I just view the valley as a sacrificial lamb. Keep the tourists, crowds and photographers to one spot in the Sierra's so that the rest are empty for those who seek solitude and unique views that haven't been photographed 20 million times in every different possible type of weather. There are many places in the Sierra's on par or even more spectacular than Yosemite Valley...especially on the East side where you are a lucky to even run into a single other person the whole time.

85% of Yosemite is classified as wilderness. Thankfully, the average tourist never gets more than a few hundred yards from the car. I spend 40-45 days a year in the park, I just keep to the backcountry during peak tourist season.

 

[Tremont]

Of course, I do still spend a lot of time in the valley. I've become a huge wuss and need power outlets to recharge all of my batteries when I camp and I can't get to the Eastern Sierra unless it is summertime...There are also still unique views to be had, even in the valley, as long as you are willing to hoof it a bit.

 

[Tremont]

85% of Yosemite is classified as wilderness. Thankfully, the average tourist never gets more than a few hundred yards from the car. I spend 40-45 days a year in the park, I just keep to the backcountry during peak tourist season.

I was a huge backpacker years ago before I got into photography. I did many backpacks through Yosemite High Country, like around Mount Hoffman and the lakes above Hetch Hetchy - the stuff I saw south of Yosemite, like the Minarets, Rae Lakes, East side of Kings Canyon National Park pretty much put Yosemite to shame, but I don't know if I'd be willing to carry all of my gear to those places now

 

[BlueCorn]

I hear ya. My backpacking kit is considerably leaner than my standard bag.

 

[Rhizo]

The view is incredible!

 

[xtm]

nice pics. what camera/lens did you use?

D700 and 16-35 f/4