Yosemite National Park

Copyright May Rogers 2011.
All rights reserved.
Photos shot using Sony DSLR

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Four-hour drive from San Jose to east central California, passing by wine countries and pistascio nut groves before the majestic nature of Yosemite Valley reveals itself before your very eyes. Visiting in November, I expected colorful fall foliage and seasons transition but instead I was greeted by breathtaking snow flurries and welcoming scent of pine trees.

Tunnel View provides the amazing view of Yosemite Valley including all the big names - El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Falls. Right here is a visitor's favorite photo spot.

Half Dome is the most distinctive monument on Yosemite, can be seen from all points of the valley. Since Glacier Point is closed on snowy days, the best view is from Tunnel View.

Bridalveil Falls and Cathedral Rocks.

Bridalveil Falls is year-round waterfall flowing freely with occasional crashing blow more powerful as you approach it. The hike to the falls takes 10-15 minutes passing by a small flowing stream. El Capitan (below) is a massive granite monolith that stands 3,593 feet considered to be the El Dorado of rock climbers all over the world.

Mariposa Grove protects many giant sequoias and fir trees.

The noble giant sequoia with its massive trunk rising skyward, it can live for over two thousand years with trunks that can reach over 25 feet thick.

me in Yosemite

The gorgeous Awahnee Hotel opened in 1927.

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