Each place I visit carries its own unique atmosphere that I've learned to appreciate however, few can compare to the tranquil yet exhilarating experience of Yosemite Falls, California as I would soon find out.
A *short* 10 hour drive led me to meet up with Ray and Cerina in Coarsegold, California, where Ray was going to make the rest of the drive to Yosemite Valley since he had an SUV with snow chains. It snowed 3 consecutive days prior and snow chains were a must, per park requirements.
The hazardous road conditions made our voyage longer than expected and the sweeping turns of Yosemite began to take their toll on Cerina. The metal snow chains made a distinctly violent trashing sound as they crashed into the pavement below us, reminding us of their presence by rumbling exponentially louder if Ray tried to accelerate by even just the smallest amounts.
"It was quite the drive as I was feeling nauseous from motion sickness but I was so anxious and excited to get there."
– Cerina
After about 2 hours of crawling through winding, slush covered roads, we reached the western side of Tunnel View and stopped to stretch our legs. Meet Ray and Cerina :)
We had an interesting view of the tunnel from here so we decided to see what kind of shots we could get
We all took in the interesting details of the aged tunnel as we drove through. The stained textures, warm glowing lights and dynamic acoustics were all adding to an already interesting drive. Pulling into a parking area at the end of the tunnel, we were immediately started by the view!
The morning fog rolls through the valley as Yosemite falls calmly roars in the background
Collectively, this was our first time in Yosemite and we had no idea one of the most recognizable photos ops in the park was just on the other side of tunnel!
The sub optimal temperatures and treacherous drive meant we shared the view with only the most dedicated. There were a few photographers huddled along the edge of the view point, some with just as much snow gear to keep warm as they had camera gear to create with.
“We neared the end of the tunnel, there it was. The absolute most beautiful view I’ve ever seen, so majestic!”
Cerina navigates a snowy rock edge as Ray composes his shot with Yosemite Falls spilling into the valley in the background
We decided to head into the valley and as we did the faint but familiar sound of a waterfall was buried beneath the aura, the presence that was Yosemite itself.
Snow covered trees line the vacant Wawona Road of Yosemite Valley
I've seen countless pictures of Yosemite fall but still yet to see it for myself. Now, not only was I about to see it in person, I was about to create a photo to remember the experience forever. I rub my wet, shivering hands together one last time, steady my camera and let Yosemite do the rest.
The sound of rushing water consumes the air as it thunderously crashes into the jagged boulders, morphing into delicate clouds of light mist
A selfie was in order. However, my cold and wet hands made it difficult for my iPhone to recognize my finger's touch so I helplessly try to selfie and oblivious to me, I do! Here's a candid selfie of a frustrated me.
An Optical Overdose, an inexplicable experience, Yosemite is a world of it's own, in a world of it's own!
Extras
Check out this short video recap of our trip by Ray! The "black thing" is my camera inside of a protective rain cover, btw.
Some of the photos from this trip are for sale! Check them out in my store!
Check out some of the gear I use!