Frosty Morning in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, renowned for its grandeur, transforms into a winter wonderland on frost-kissed mornings. Venturing into the meadows as the sun delicately paints the landscape, I found myself immersed in a world where frost transforms every blade of grass and pine needle into a crystalline masterpiece.

As dawn breaks, the meadows of Yosemite come alive with a delicate layer of frost, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The air is crisp, and the quietude is only interrupted by the soft crunch of frost beneath my boots. The world seems to hold its breath in anticipation of the sun's warm touch.

The frosty meadows offer a unique canvas for photographers. The play of light and shadow is accentuated, creating a contrast that adds depth to every photograph. The meandering streams, partially frozen, add a touch of tranquility to the scene, while the distant granite peaks stand as silent sentinels against the cold morning sky.

I thought this would be the perfect collection of images to share as we move into the final month of the year and the weather turns colder. Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy!

A Walk to Vernal Falls

Yosemite National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offers visitors an array of picturesque trails. One such trail leads to the spectacular Vernal Falls. The journey begins at the Happy Isles trailhead. The Mist Trail, the path leading to Vernal Falls, is approximately 1.5 miles long (2.4 km) and is known for its stunning views. As you ascend, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and the soothing sound of the Merced River. We were there in the early fall, when the first few hints of yellow foliage started to appear along the trail, particularly at the higher altitudes.

High Country Beauty

Yosemite National Park's Tioga Road, winding through high mountain passes, is a treasure trove for photographers seeking serene and reflective landscapes. Along this picturesque route, you'll discover a series of pristine alpine lakes that beg to be captured through the lens.

Tenaya Lake, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding granite peaks, is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Its accessibility, nestled right along Tioga Road, makes it a prime location for capturing the park's stunning vistas. Tioga Lake, nestled amidst the rugged terrain, offers a more secluded setting. Its still waters mirror the grandeur of the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Ellery Lake, with its dramatic shores and high-altitude charm, provides another opportunity for capturing the unique beauty of Yosemite's alpine lakes.

Photographing these lakes along Tioga Road is a journey into Yosemite's serene side. Whether you're capturing the play of light on the water's surface, the reflections of surrounding peaks, or the subtle details of lakeside vegetation, these moments provide a chance to celebrate the unadulterated beauty of the high country.

Sunset Views on CA-180

At Kings Canyon National Park, the evening sunsets offer a stunning display of nature's artistry. One of the best places to witness this breathtaking sight is from the comfort of your car along the park's scenic drive, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts a warm, golden glow across the landscape, turning everything a rich shade of orange.

The scenic drive takes you through a variety of viewpoints and vistas, each offering a unique perspective on the park's beauty. As the sun sets above the mountains, the entire landscape comes alive in the soft, fading light of the setting sun. I enjoyed several viewpoints as we made our way through the valley, chasing the last rays of light as they hid behind the mountains.

A Seasonal Shift

As summer transitions to fall, Kings Canyon National Park undergoes a visible change. Green landscapes turn into warm autumn shades, offering a different view of the park. The ferns at the feet of the tall sequoias take on a golden hue, framing the green giants above them. Hiking along the park's trails provides a chance to enjoy the sound of leaves underfoot.

As temperatures cool down, local wildlife, like mule deer, squirrels, and the occasional black bear, adapt to the season. Fall is an excellent time for photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture the park's evolving scenery. Whether it's the lakes' reflections or waterfalls framed by changing leaves, Kings Canyon National Park in the fall presents a unique opportunity to witness nature's transformation.

Chasing Cascades at Kings Canyon

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California lies Kings Canyon National Park, home to a captivating array of waterfalls. These natural wonders, much like the ancient sequoias in neighboring Sequoia National Park, possess a unique charm and grace. We visited the Roaring River Falls, with its small pool hiding among the cliffs of the valley, and Grizzly Falls, which tumbles more delicately over rocky precipices covering a greater height. I unfortunately did not manage any good photos of the Mist Falls because, as the name suggests, my lens was completely sprayed by them and the trail did not afford a large enough distance for a dry picture!

Capturing the Contrast

Is mid-afternoon light my favorite to shoot in? No, it's not. But I can still appreciate a beautiful landscape even in high-contrast lighting. Kings Canyon National Park offers breathtaking valley views that captivate the senses, even in the less-than-ideal lighting conditions. As the sun casts long shadows and creates dramatic contrasts, the vastness of the park's valleys unfolds before my lens.

Despite the challenges posed by the mid-afternoon sun, the beauty of Kings Canyon's valleys remains undeniable. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature, and a photographer's ability to find beauty in every corner. So, as I gazed upon the valley views, I appreciated the unique charm that arises from the interplay of light, shadow, and the remarkable landscapes of the park.

Animals in the Woods

Of course, there is even more to the National Parks than just incredible landscapes - there are also its many inhabitants. On my visit to Sequoia National Park, I photographed quite a few animals we saw along the way: chipmunks, squirrels, mule deer, and even a white-headed woodpecker. The early morning light also makes for great wildlife photography, casting a soft glow on the subjects. See if you can tell which photos were taken earlier in the day and which were taken under harsher afternoon light.

Art in the Forest

Now, now, this is a special one! Join me and step into the world of captivating contrasts as we explore the majestic Sequoia National Park through my lens. In these photographs, I sought to highlight the striking contrast between light and dark, big and small, and the many textures of the forest. The towering sequoia trees, with their lofty branches and intricate textures, serve as the perfect subjects for this exploration. I truly believe some of these images belong on a canvas on the wall - so please sit back, relax, and enjoy this walk through the woods. I think these really are stunning images.

The Legendary General Sherman

The General Sherman Tree Trail in Sequoia National Park is an easy loop walk through the towering sequoias, culminating in an awe-inspiring encounter with the world's largest living tree, the General Sherman. Standing at over 275 feet (84 meters) tall, with a diameter of more than 36 feet (11 meters) at its base, this ancient giant is a true marvel of nature. General Sherman is believed to be around 2,200 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on the planet, standing as a testament to the endurance and resilience of the sequoia species. For a bit of scale, the very last image in this blog post features my (tall!) husband completely dwarfed by this extraordinary giant.

In the Presence of Giants

This weekend I am switching gears to the second national park I am featuring in my blog: the incredible Sequoia National Park. These giants are some of the largest living organisms on Earth, and are extremely long lived, with some estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Their bark is thick, spongy, and fire-resistant, which helps protect them from wildfires that are common in the area. They also have other unique adaptations, such as shallow roots that spread wide to anchor themselves in the soil.

I had the privilege of witnessing the park's majestic beauty at the crack of dawn and it was a sight to behold! The rising sun cast a golden glow over the towering sequoia trees and cast an incredible glow deep into the forest. This national park surprised me in that I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, and I think it’s thoroughly underrated! I hope to be able to prove that over my next series of blog posts that will feature this incredible trees.

An Oasis Full of Birds

Fortynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, which I featured in my last blog post, is a rare and special place where desert wildlife unexpectedly thrives. One of the highlights of the oasis is the diverse range of bird species that call it home. Some of the most common include the Cactus Wren, which is known for its distinctive cactus-like nest, and the Black-throated Sparrow, which is often heard before it is seen due to its melodious song. I was also incredibly lucky to spot a kestrel amongst the fronds of the Californian fan palms, but didn’t get a good enough shot!

Paradise in the Desert

The Fortynine Palms Oasis is a natural oasis in the Mojave Desert, located in the lesser-known northern part of Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. The oasis is named after the forty-nine Washingtonia filifera palm trees that are found there. These palm trees thrive in the desert environment and can grow up to 75 feet tall. The oasis has been used by various Native American tribes, such as the Serrano and Chemehuevi, for thousands of years as a source of water, shelter, and food. In the early 1900s, gold miners established a camp at the oasis and built a few structures that can still be seen today. Today, it is a protected area of the park and its water levels are carefully managed in order to conserve this incredible habitat.

Stars, Geology, and Joshua Trees

Last year I had the fantastic opportunity to visit a number of National Parks throughout the US, and this year I will be sharing images from all my visits here on my blog! We have loved them all so far and hope to one day make it to all 63 of them. I’ll be sharing images of the parks we have visited in order, so let’s start in sunny California, where it all began…

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique rock formations, minimal light pollution,and unique desert environment. At night, it also provides a stunning canvas for astrophotography. We were lucky enough to get almost completely clear skies, so I was able to capture some incredible images of the Milky Way arching - and spinning! - over Heart Rock, Arch Rock, and the park’s emblematic joshua trees.

Balboa Park's Urban Wildlife

In San Diego, you don’t need to go too far to encounter wildlife. In fact, Balboa Park - a popular tourist spot featuring an assortment of local museums, gardens, and eateries - is an excellent place to spot some urban dwellers such as black phoebes, squirrels, and Eastern bluebirds. Here are some of my favourite images from an afternoon spent walking around the park and appreciating the urban wildlife that lives in this beautiful corner of Southern California.

Memories of Sunnier Summer Days

Brrr! It sure has been cold outside these days! (For those of you who are not in the US, much of the country has been facing some serious ice storms this week). Although I do love the cold - and especially the snow -, I thought it might be a good idea to share some images of a warmer summer day at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. So, huddle up in your warmest layers and join me as I share some images of the incredible marine life of California, including sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and even an osprey.

Florida's Silver Springs

The final state park we visited on our travels through Florida was the Silver Springs State Park, which is by far the largest of the three. This is a popular manatee rest stop in the winter months, but what brought us here in the summer was the chance of spotting its resident monkeys. The park is home to non-native rhesus macaques which were introduced in the 1930s with the goal of boosting the springs as a unique tourist attraction. The original plan was to limit them to one small island in the park, but the park owner at the time didn’t know they are very competent swimmers. Now, they have multiplied to far greater numbers and are spread throughout the whole park. We didn’t get to see the macaques in the end - they must have been hiding that day -, but hopefully the native wildlife I did photograph will make up for it!

Turquoise Spring Waters

Continuing along our travels through Florida, we paid a short visit to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. This state park is home to several springs, including Peacock, Ginnie, and Little River Springs, which flow into the Suwannee River. It is a popular spot for underwater cave diving, with over 14,000 feet of cave passages open to visitors. Although we stayed entirely above the water during our visit, we did have the rare opportunity of taking photos from the skies for an even more unusual view of this location: the skies! The drone flight did not disappoint, showing just how stunning the clear turquoise waters of the spring are from all angles.

The Perfect Place for a Swim

Madison Blue Spring State Park is a hidden gem located in the north of Florida. The park is home to a beautiful blue spring that flows into the Withlacoochee River. In the summer months, it is the perfect place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the spring, where it is easy to spot schools of fish swimming around the underwater cave system. In the winter, the spring also attracts manatees, due to its much warmer temperatures than surrounding rivers. Here are some of the photos I took at the park during our early morning visit to the summer.

Views from the Observation Tower

Time for my last “swampy” blog post in a little while! The Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area in Valdosta is a 7,000 acre area which serves as a refuge for local wildlife. It includes both wetlands (swamp) habitats and forest habitats, which you can view from designated boardwalks and hiking trails. We made a short stop here to climb up the observation tower for an aerial view of the surrounding land. Here are some of my favourite images from high above the bald cypress trees.