Category: California

Hiking Upper Yosemite Fall Trail

Posted in California, hikes, Landscapes, Nikon, PhotographyTagged 10 Comments

Copyright © Deborah Zajac. All Rights Reserved

                                                                                                                                         Dogwood blossoms gracing the Merced River

For my birthday this year the only thing I wanted was to hike up Upper Yosemite Fall Trail to the base of the Upper Yosemite Fall to see if there was a rainbow up there, and with luck I’d see some Dogwoods that I had heard were blooming in the valley.  I asked Heman if he could go with me. Lucky me, he freed up his calendar enabling us to spend the day together hiking.

We left home just after 6AM with a coffee stop in Gilroy, and a lunch stop in Mariposa. Then we drove straight into Yosemite Valley. We started our hike just before noon, and went to Lower Yosemite Falls first. I thought the trail head to the Upper falls was near there, but turned out I was wrong it’s a lot closer to the Lodge. So we hiked over to the trail head extending our hike.

The weather was gorgeous, but for hiking it was on the warm side at 75º. We were shedding layers soon after we started the ascent up Upper Yosemite Fall Trail.

Neither one of us had ever hiked this particular trail before, nor did I have any idea what to expect. I thought we’d be up and down in about 4 hours.

After hiking this trail I read it described as the “the mother of all Stairmaster workouts.” That is a very accurate description! This trail is very, very rugged. 90% of the way up it’s very rocky. For my friends who have hiked Mission Peak this hike is like the last 300ft of the trail to the Pole. That rocky and steep all the way up. There is a nice flat part of the trail at a ridge line once you make it up to the base of Upper Yosemite Fall, but it’s too short. You’re climbing and picking your way though the rocks again all too soon.

                                                                                                                                Wanting a photo of the rugged trail I stopped to take this shot as these two passed me heading down.

There were 4 streams running down the mountain and trail that we traversed. There was no way to keep your shoes from being wet. If you didn’t have waterproof shoes you had wet feet. Fear of slippery rocks kept the pace slow too.

Below the base of Upper Yosemite Fall at a look out spot aptly called “Oh, my gosh! Point” one gets a great view of all 3 falls; Upper, Middle, and Lower cascading down the mountain, and when I got there I saw a double rainbow! I lost my sunglasses to the mountain here. My Hobie’s came unhooked from my shoulder harness and went flying over the cliff face. I’ll miss those glasses, but it was the only mishap of the whole day so I won’t complain… too much. From here we hiked up to view the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. You get a little wet here. It felt nice and cool on this warm afternoon.

                                                                                                                                         Oh my gosh! Point with the double rainbow.

                                                                                                                                        This is a little higher than Oh my gosh! Point. Right at the base of the falls.

                                                                                                                                       View of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley from Upper Yosemite Trail 5,413ft elevation

We continued to climb higher than the base of Upper Yosemite Fall for another hour. After we reached the hour more mark we took stock of our situation. To make it all the way to the top of the mountain it would have taken another hour of climbing and from here the terrain gets rougher. I was nearly out of water, and we were beginning to get hungry. I had brought along a little treat for us both, 2 mini chocolate cupcakes that I purchased at the coffee shop in the morning, but they were really mini, and were totally empty of good calories. It was after 3PM; we’d been climbing for more than 3 hours by then, and we knew the trip down would be slow since the terrain was so rough and rugged. We decided to head down.

Half Dome, Upper Yosemite Fall, and the top of the rainbow. The highest point I went.

I didn’t think I’d need my poles. Was I ever wrong… I really could have used them to help pull myself up the huge rocks, and coming down they would have helped ease the pressure on my knees. One does a lot heavy landing coming down from this trail as so many of the rocks are big so the steps down are hard in the sense that you’re landing hard on your feet.

Biggest surprise of the hike. How crowded this trail was! For a Thurs. in early May the park was very busy. This trail is Single track all the way so passing and being passed was tight. I was stunned that this trail was so popular.

I’m counting this hike as a “strengthening hike” for my training to Cloud’s Rest. I definitely worked harder than I thought I would.

The views of the valley, and falls are spectacular! It’s worth the effort. Take plenty of water, snacks, and your trekking poles.

This was a birthday I won’t soon forget.

Hiking Stats

Hike elevation at start 3,772 ft

Hike elevation at End 5,413 ft

Total elevation climbed 2,119 ft

Average Speed 2.4 mph

Total Miles hiked 6.63m

Total time: 5h40m

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 17-35mm & Nikkor 70-300mmVR| Induro C213 tripod

Copyright © Deborah Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

A Mother’s Day Hike

Posted in California, hikes, Landscapes, Nature, Nikon, PhotographyTagged 3 Comments

Stepping up my game last week I added a longer trail to my training routine. I hiked up the PG&E trail in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Reserve in Santa Clara County.

This trail is called the PG&E trail because huge power-towers run up the canyon that the trail follows.   The last time I hiked up this trail was back in the 1990’s it was mid summer and hot. I was also very out of shape. I didn’t make it up 1 mile.  I hoped My Mother’s Day hike would be the opposite of that hike. My goal was to try to make it up to Vista Point at the top of the PG&E trail; a 4 mile hike. The day was perfect for hiking. It was overcast, and cool, with a breeze.

I made it to the first ridge after some steep climbing. The view up here is nice. The clouds were above the mountains and the breeze blew out the fog. I could see Hoover Tower at Stanford University, and in the far distance I could make out San Francisco’s skyline.

There were wildflowers lining the trail. I saw Wild Radish; Parsley, Thistle was everywhere, ivy, wild berries; Poison Oak; buttercups; bindweed; Monkey flower; and under the canopy there was wild Iris! It was the first time I’ve seen it anywhere this year.

Climbing higher Blue Dicks, and Clover were abundant.  This week was the week for a variety of wildflowers along this trail.  I’ve made it a lot farther than the last time I hiked here. Here I can see Vista Point. There’s no stopping me now the goal is in sight. There are the power-towers that the trail is named for. The last one is my goal.

I made it! 4 miles to this point in 2 hours. Here’s the view looking down the canyon, and out to the valley below. I was feeling really good.

Rather than turn around and head down the way I’d come up I followed the ridge on Upper Meadow trail where I saw more wildflowers then I turned down Upper Wildcat Canyon Trail then caught the Farm Bypass Trail then Canyon trail where I saw these sweet Globe Lilies.

…and a little further down I was following Permanente Creek, and had to stop to photograph this little spill over fall.

Finally I connected to the PG&E trail again and headed down to the parking lot. My legs were tired, but I felt great. Baby Girl treated me to lunch for Mother’s Day after this hike.  It’s not often I can say the day was perfect, but this Mother’s Day was.

Total hike 9.3 miles

Total elevation gain 1800 ft.

Total time 4 hours

Nikon D300s, Nikkor 17-35mm lens, Induro C213 tripod

All photographs are Copyright © Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved

Feeling Blue

Posted in Bridges, California, Night Photography, Nikon, Photography, TravelTagged , 5 Comments

Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac.  All Rights Reserved.

Sundial Bridge, Redding,California

The first time I photographed this bridge at night was in 2009, but I only had my monopod with me at the time so, the image wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be. I’ve wanted to get up here to do another Night image since then. I love this period of Twilight and am so happy to have had another opportunity to photograph this bridge in this special time of day.

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 17-35mm @ 17mm| f8| 4.0 sec.| ISO 200| Manual Mode| Tripod|Remote Release Cable

For the Historians:

The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California. Opened July 4, 2004, the bridge links the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park and serves as a new downtown entrance for Redding’s extensive Sacramento River Trail system.

The bridge celebrates human creativity and ingenuity, important themes of the 300 acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The steel, glass, and granite span evokes a sense of weightlessness and the translucent, non-skid decking provides for spectacular viewing at night. The bridge is also environmentally sensitive to its river setting. The tall pylon and cable stays allow the bridge to avoid the nearby salmon-spawning habitat there are no supports in the water while encouraging public appreciation for the river. Plazas are situated at both ends of the bridge for public use; the north-side plaza stretches to the water allowing patrons to sit at the river’s edge.

In addition to being a functional work of art, the Sundial Bridge is a technical marvel as well. The cable-stayed structure has an inclined, 217 foot pylon constructed of 580 tons of steel. The deck is made up of 200 tons of glass and granite and is supported by more than 4,300 feet of cable. The structure is stabilized by a steel truss, and rests on a foundation of more than 115 tons of steel and 1,900 cubic yards of concrete. The McConnell Foundation, a private, independent foundation established in Redding in 1964, funded the majority of the bridge’s $23 million cost.

World renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, his first free-standing bridge in the United States. Calatrava has built bridges, airports, rail terminals, stadiums, and other structures around the world. His notable designs include the new PATH transportation terminal at the World Trade Center site in New York City and several projects at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including the main stadium where opening and closing ceremonies were held.

~Turtle Bay Exploration Park

More to come…

A morning hike in Uvas Canyon

Posted in California, Flowers, hikes, Landscapes, Nature, Nikon, PhotographyTagged , , 2 Comments

Myself and the Cheeky Monkey hiked in Uvas Canyon County Park this morning. To stretch out my legs, and continue training for a hike up to Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite this summer.

We picked the Alec Canyon Trail with a side trip up to Triple Falls.  The trail is steep in places, and there were a few fallen trees blocking the trail as we climbed higher. We had to crouch so low to get under one tree our backpacks got caught. I’ll feel that tomorrow in my quads I’m sure!

We saw a Common Star Lily about a mile up the trail. I don’t think it’s very common. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen this wildflower!

Other wildflowers we spotted along the trail were; Wild lilac, Monkey Flower, Thistle, I think I spotted some Trillium, Miner’s lettuce, and Leafystem Coreopsis that a Variable Checkerspot was warming up on. I used my Canon 500 D close up filter to try and get a good shot of him. I really do need to spend some more time playing with this. It’s neat, but does require some practice. The Depth of Field is very shallow as you can see on the butterfly, but I did manage a good close up the Leafystem Coreopsis.

Up at Triple Falls I worked a couple of areas, and nearly ended up in the creek when I slid down the embankment while on my way down to the photograph closer to the creek. The soil was loser than I thought it was.Thankfully it was a soft landing.

There wasn’t much color down where I was so I pulled myself back up the embankment after taking several shots of a little fall and pool. I moved over to photograph Triple Falls. It doesn’t look that big at first, but then you get to the observation fence and Whoa! It’s pretty high. It must fall 35 feet at least, but I liked the base the best today and the way it cascaded down a huge boulder.

After we left Triple Falls we headed back up to the end of Alec Canyon Trail. There were groves of Redwood trees, and the sound of the water cascading down the mountain, and chirping bird were lovely.  I tried to mimic one bird. I can do a Finch fairly well. We hiked up past the end of the trail deep into the canopy and found ourselves right on the creek, and to our delight there were lots of beautiful moss covered rocks and little spill overs to photograph. We worked this area for quite a while. I chose to use my B+W 3 stop Neutral Density filter today because it wasn’t too bright under the canopy, and I knew with that light it would be enough to slow down the shutter speed to get the look I was going for.

It was the first time I’d been to these sections of the park. I am looking forward to returning to them again in the future.

The hike details:

Total miles 3.54

Elevation gain: 900 ft

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 17-35mm & Nikkor 80-200mm| Canon 500D close up filter| B+W 3 Stop ND filter| Handheld and Tripod

All Photos are Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac.  All Rights Reserved.

Spring Miracles

Posted in California, Nature, Nikon, Nikon D90, Photography, WildlifeTagged 5 Comments

Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac.  All Rights Reserved.

Yesterday while on the way to Amador County in North Eastern California to visit a Daffodil Farm I was looking out the window enjoying the bucolic countryside that we were driving through. Horses and cows were grazing in pastures of tall green grass, country dwellers were felling dead trees and chopping wood, others were tilling the ground, and wildflowers were everywhere. Spring was definitely in the air!

Out in a pasture I spied what I thought were a ram and ewe about to procreate. We made a U-turn and parked so we could check it out. What was happening? The strangest behavior I’ve ever witnessed in the animal kingdom.

A Ewe was lying down in the grass, and an Alpaca had come over and sniffed her then went around behind her and mounted her. The Ram was nudging the Ewe with his head, and continually pawing at her and trying to get to do something…get up perhaps. The Ram also tried head nudging the Alpaca. The Alpaca totally ignored this. After several minutes the Alpaca got up went around to sniff the Ewe, and the Ram, then mounted her again. The Ram wasn’t happy. From the position of the Ewe I don’t think anything actually happened with the Alpaca. I think the Alpaca was to high- instead of where he needed to be, but he tried!

I was fascinated and could have watched for hours. Why would the Alpaca try to procreate with the Ewe? I confess in rural and animal husbandry experience and education I have next to none.  My friend, and I left after watching for about 20 minutes, but we planned to stop by to see how they all were doing on the way down the mountain.

The Daffodil Farm was closed. They had decided that morning to close it for the year because the daffodils were looking quite haggard. From what I saw out front they were right.  I got a few shots of a few Daffodils then we decided to go do a Photo-walk in the cute little town called Volcano we had passed on the way up to the Daffodil Farm. We even had nice lunch in Whiskey Flat Saloon. We made an impromptu stop at a park called Indian Grinding Stone State Park, and later driving down the highway spotted a Tom Turkey courting a hen. We stopped to photograph him showing off his fine plumage.

My Turkey sandwich. On the menu it was Turkey, Avocado, Bacon, & Swiss. After seeing the size of the burgers that came out of the kitchen I asked about the sandwich. It was more like a club sandwich with 3 slices of bread.

I had them hold the bacon, Swiss cheese, and 2 slices of bread. I forgot to tell them no mayo so I didn’t eat the lettuce or slice of bread it came with. The Cole Slaw was fresh, crisp, not too saucy, or sweet. I liked it. The portions are huge I suggest going here hungry!

Tom Turkey showing off his plumage. Isn’t he handsome!

Fast forward 3 hours:

We returned to the little turn out to check on the Ram. Ewe and Alpaca, but didn’t spy the Ewe or Ram straight away though we saw the Alpaca lying in the same spot the Ewe was earlier. Then I spied the Ram on the far side of the pasture and not far away was the Ewe lying in the tall grass.

I said to my friend Dali, “The road that skirts the pasture is public let’s drive down there and get a better shot at the Ram.” By the time we got over to a spot we liked then got our gear set up and shooting the Ewe had stood up, and the Ram had come over. While I was shooting my friend said, “What is that sac hanging out the Ewe’s backside? Oh I think she’s having a baby!”

What we discovered was she had just moments before delivered a Kid, and she, and the Ram were in the process of cleaning it. We were so excited, and waited with anticipation for the Kid to make its first attempts at standing and nursing.

While waiting and watching I was also looking around the pasture at the other Ewes, and the Alpaca. I noticed that several Ewes were mothers and they each had 2 kids. I said to Dali, “I think she’s going to deliver one more because all the other Ewes have 2 kids. “  Thinking back on my experience with cats and kittens I thought she would clean this first kid up, make sure it could stand then she would deliver the second kid.

About 20 minutes later the Kid stood, and it’s bleating grew stronger and louder. It was thrilling! The Ewe was such a good mom she licked and sniffed her new Kid and was quite tender. The Ram had moved away and eating in the pasture. About 10 minutes later the Ewe moved away from the Kid and lay down in the grass and of course the new little one followed her on shaky and wobbly legs then plopped down beside her. I saw her breathing got faster and heavier and I said, ‘”She’s in labor!”  I did my best to keep my voice down I didn’t want to disturb them at all, but they knew we were there.

Then she had a contraction and she lifted her head, but didn’t make a sound, she bent her head, then reared her head closed her eyes as her belly contracted time and again.

It didn’t take long. In about 3 minutes I thought she’d given birth to her second Kid.

The Ram approached, sniffed the Ewes face, then went to where I thought the Kid was and sniffed confirming my belief that the Kid had indeed been born.

The Ewe stood then began to clean the newly born Kid. The first-born kept trying to nurse and get Mom’s attention which distracted her from getting the 2nd kid cleaned up, but about 30 minutes later the 2nd kid stood and tried to find the tit to nurse.

This video was shot with Nikon D90| Nikkor 70-300mmVR- Hand-held

The total time for both births was about 1 hour 10 minutes. I took this short video shortly after the second Kid was able to stand.

https://circadianreflections.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/spring-miracles-3/

This was the most amazing, and wonderful experience to witness.  This morning I woke up, and am still saying, “WOW!”

I lack the words to describe how I feel beyond the simple word “Wow!”  I run to song and poetry for times like this. A poet who writes words that resonate in my soul is Mary Oliver. This poem of hers expresses how I felt yesterday.

Morning in a New Land

In trees still dripping night some nameless birds

Woke, shook out their arrowy wings, and sang,

Slowly, like finches sifting through a dream.

The pink sun fell, like glass, into the fields.

Two chestnuts and a dapple gray,

Their shoulders wet with light, their dark hair streaming,

Climbed the hill. The last mist fell away,

And under the trees, beyond times’ brittle drift,

I stood like Adam in his lonely garden

On that first morning, shaken out of sleep,

Rubbing his eyes, listening, parting the leaves,

Like tissue on some vast, incredible gift.

~Mary Oliver-New and Selected Poems Volume One

 

Hiking- Training for Cloud’s Rest

Posted in California, hikes, Landscapes, Nikon, WildlifeTagged , 1 Comment

It was a tough hike up the Peak Trail this morning. I fought leg fatigue the whole way, and was nauseous 3/4 of the way up. I set goals to reach along the way so I would make it a little farther after each rest. I told myself make it to the pond, then the open field, then just to the spot with the view of the red barn, and when I made it to the “Sub Peak” at the top where the bathrooms, and picnic tables are I stopped climbing. The last 300 feet of a killer steep grade to reach the Pole I left for another day.

The leg fatigue has me rethinking my training strategy. I’m going to climb shorter steep mountains/hills working up to doing reps of those. I believe by doing reps I’ll build my endurance and stamina. Hopefully I won’t suffer from the leg fatigue I’m feeling today. My legs still feel weak, and tired hours after finishing the hike.

When I stopped to rest my legs and settle my  queasy stomach I did take some photos. This view is near the top. The View is Northwest. We had overcast skies with afternoon showers in the forecast. I did get sprinkled on while waiting for my hiking companions.
I saw a variety of wildflowers today. Lupine, California Poppies, buttercups, Phlox, a few Blue Dicks, Chamomile; Fiddlenecks; Miner’s lettuce, Spring Vetch, Clover, and some Foxtail Barley grass. A great hike for wildflower viewing and photographing!

Just about 100 ft to the “Sub Peak”, and picnic tables there were a lot of cows here grazing today. That’s the Peak on the right.

While waiting for my friends to come down from the peak I did have plenty to keep me amused. The ground squirrels were very industrious digging new holes. They’re so cute!

…and a cow walked up the hillside to taste the grass near these rocks covered in beautiful orange Lichen.

I’m already planning my first training hike. If it doesn’t rain on Saturday I’ll be hiking and beginning the new plan. Cloud’s Rest or Bust!

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 18-200mmVR| Induro CF Tripod| B+W Circular Polarizer w/81A warming

All photographs are Copyright © Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.