“The true ownership of the wilderness belongs in the highest degree to those who love it most.” – John Muir
Still waters in Yosemite. On a clear and beautiful day. Even after you have visited so many times, there are always fresh new places to learn more about. The farther and wider spread you go, the deeper the wilderness captivates the heart.
Here I am at a random location along the Merced River in Yosemite. The surface of the river is fully felt whether it’s rushing, or calm yet moving with purpose. Not only as a natural occurrence but as life-giving waters. To see, hear and feel the river as it runs by, it also runs through at resonance. Its enduring force of renewal and replenishment. To see, feel, and hear its soothing roar.
Castle Rock stands in prominence across from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. High above the Kaweah River, it is a visual formation that stands out and comes into view for miles. Aesthetically, it presents a character and vertical profile that attracts climbers and explorers from all walks of life.
Where the wind blows through you and not just above you or around you. At elevation where the spirit of the Sierra has its best meaning. Where it’s not just about the place, but about being. Here is Hamilton Pass along the Great Western Divide. I’ve been over this pass twice surrounded by Mt Stewart, Black and Red Kaweah, Eagle Scout Peak, and Angels Wings.
“The blessings of one mountain day, whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever.” – John Muir
“Another glorious Sierra day in which one seems to be dissolved and absorbed and sent pulsing onward we know not where. Life seems neither long nor short, and we take no more heed to save time or make haste than do the trees and stars. This is true freedom, a good practical sort of immortality.” – My First Summer in the Sierra (1911) chapter 2. John Muir.
On the descent from Vetter Mountain. Angry storm clouds can sometimes give quite the light show. Lightning that doesn’t strike still gives a loud and thunderous ripping sound when it is discharged to its atmosphere. The closer you are, the higher the heart-rate picks up. Accompanied by a distinct sulfur-like odor without any regard to the scent of my own fear. A fair price to pay for witnessing such places as this.
Off-trail direction and course. Limited visibility on each path over a long distance. Intercepting a trail here and there. Fog density varies, but that adds to the mystery of where you are and where you’re going. Where the atmosphere is still and thin, there is a quality about the area very unique compared to seasons more familiar. With a still quiet, soaked forest floor, a fresh wet scent, and a stinging cold biting at the nose.
A small yet popular slice of Yosemite wilderness. Below Clouds Rest with Little Yosemite Valley, Cascade Cliffs, Bunnel Point, and Liberty Cap in the foreground. A well-trodden place by people who have overnight permits to explore and experience Yosemite. The bottom-most part of this photograph is Little Yosemite Valley with the Merced River which runs through it. The route to Half Dome runs through here. Probably one of the most photographed areas of Yosemite.
Even under grey skies, the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River gives a most beautiful view of the natural order. After decay, forceful winds, raging storms, and harsh exposure, every element comes to settle in a most restful way. Where there are peace and perfect solitude, or where there are uncertainty and restoration. Where the heart grows full by closely listening to what such a place would say.
To accompany Sentinel Dome about a mile away, Sentinel Rock prominently stands out for Yosemite visitors. A popular climbing spot with multiple routes. With its long history of stature, it is a feature and subject to many photographs over many years. It stands nearly vertical as a watchful presence. A fitting name for the rock-cliff formation along the Southern Rim of Yosemite.
This photo captures the onset of a storm front coming in at about 8,000 feet or so. Below are the Western Sierra foothills. The jet stream from the Pacific Ocean brings storm clouds onto the Western face of the Sierra with some reach farther inland. With less obstruction to explain why there is much more growth, vegetation, and forest life on the Western slopes. As compared to the Eastern side which is more exposed and barren at higher elevations. The Eastern Sierra largely produces its own weather from temperature inversion and high-pressure build-up.
There was one time necessary to squat upright inside my tent with an insulated pad under the balls of my feet. Touching nothing, hands out, without anything conductive nearby (carbon fiber poles). With a surreal atmosphere, overhead lightning and ground strikes passing by one after another. Compared to that, rather encounter a curious brown bear, or cross a rough river any day.
The initial growth conditions of this forest group were just right to support the early development of these conifers. Sequoias are conifers because their cones bear seeds which in turn can generate new growth. For these living beings to continue their growth over such a large period of time really says quite a lot about where they were and what lies beneath them.
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