Yosemite National Park

 These photos of Yosemite were taken in April of 2005, with a Minolta XGM camera. I still own that camera, but since I purchased my digital Nikon, and film is not as popular, it has been put in storage. When the film was developed, I had the images digitized as well, and I am glad of making that decision.

Yosemite is a phenomenal place to visit and enjoy nature, the waterfalls, and rock formations show you the power of nature and how God acts on it to shape it and make a place for us to see and be amazed.

Bridal veil fall is the first one you encounter as you drive into the Yosemite Valley. The sound of the water falling can be heard from the parking area, and as you get closer to it, a mist falls on you. The mist gets heavier and almost feels like rain. The more times you return to Yosemite, the more you learn. As the waters decrease and the falls become but a trickle, the rocks that lay in the path of the roaring falls during the spring, are dry and exposed. These rocks are soft to the touch, no rough spots, they are so smooth that it is difficult to climb those monoliths to reach the edge of the cliff where the remnants of the falls have formed a pool. As you continue to either hike or drive deeper into the valley, you come to the meadow area where you can stop and take some great photos of the river, the meadow, waterfalls, El Capitan, and some of the wildlife that inhabits the park.

Horsetail Fall

From this vantage point, you can see both Bridal Veil Falls behind you, and Horsetail Fall to the front. Both waterfalls are impressive and it is unbelievable how much water runs through them.


As you continue deeper into the valley, close to the museum, you can hear the roar of the Upper and Lower Yosemite falls. The other impressive view is of Half Dome. The native Americans who inhabited the area said that Half Dome is the face on an Indian woman who is crying and her tears form the dark markings on the rock.

There is a lot to see and learn at Yosemite. A single visit will only show you a small moment in time at this phenomenal location. There are many ways to reach the park, and many options t spend sometime up there.

This is bear country and precautions must be taken to keep them away from your camp, if you decide that camping is the way to go. If you want more information go to their website and get all the information and history of the park. I am just sharing what God gave me the chance to capture on film, and now in digital format.

Upper and Lower Yosemite Fall

Lower Yosemite Falls

Edgewood County Park

Woodlands along the Sylvan Trail

Picture if you will, a man sitting in his living room, sunset light coming through the windows and casting a sunny glow, laptop at hand, a cup of warm herbal tea, and listening to his 70's Gold Cd's while writing all about the park.  Like the song by Boston says Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve is "more than a feeling", is a location that is not to be missed in springtime.


Sticky Monkey Flower

The wild flower display is phenomenal, and it will bring you closer to God. The views are phenomenal from the high ridge, or along the trial as you steadily climb to an altitude of 800 feet.


Sylvan trail as viewed from the Ridge loop trail

You can see views of the San Francisco Bay towards the east, Skyline Ridge and the Crystal Spring Reservoir to the West. As you get closer to the peak and look towards the bay, the clouds cast their shadows along the ridge and rolling hills. It is a sight you do not want to miss and capture forever. There are four access trail heads to reach this beautiful preserve. The main entrance is on Edgewood Road and Old Stage Coach Road. The sign cannot be missed.

The woods portion of the Sylvan trail

The Sylvan trail and loop is the longest of the trail, it is 2.5 miles and it encompasses all areas of the park. It merges with other trials which are clearly marked and easy to follow.



Hikers, runners, and equestrians share the 6 trails available, signs indicate which ones are not for our equestrian companions. Due to the nature of this park, dogs are not allowed, and I would not bring them either.


Poison Oak

The trails along the woodlands have a great quantity of poison oak growth. This is a good opportunity to teach children the many looks of poison oak where it can take the form of vine like to actual tree limbs. It also grows within the berry bushes and can camouflage itself. The one thought I had while there was why not bring goats and let them eat the poison oak.


The weather in spring can change from cool and warm in the woodland area to hot along the grassland trails. The day of my visit was somewhat muggy due to some recent rain and a hot day within a couple of days. Layers as always are recommended, and long pants as well.






Along the trails you will encounter many wildflowers and lizards resting along the sides or trying to "block" your way.







The lizards must be used to humans as they are not easily scared and will stare at you for a few moments. The colors of them can vary from black to browns and they will "pose" for you.

There are butterflies which will fly along as you hike the trails and keep you company. They are not as easy to photograph, as they will not settle on a flower within your reach. God was on my side that day as I did get the chance to photograph a small one. There are deer in the grasslands and they are not shy, but will keep their distance from you.


View towards the bay

The park brochure says that there are deer, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and skunks in the park.  The posted signs are for rattlesnakes, so when you walk make noise and carry a walking stick, or keep a sharp ear just in case. Remember these animals and reptiles live within a nature preserve and should be given their space.

Wild flowers on the ridge top

I took so many photos along the trails, it is difficult to select which ones to post. The thing to remember is to make sure you have a backup battery for your camera, bring water and snacks so you can sit and enjoy the view from the ridge.



Serpentine rocks interspersed between the wildflowers



 High Ridge view

There is an Oak tree which did not have any leaves and it looked like those in scary movies at the top. There is a bench where a light lunch can be enjoyed or to rest for a bit. When you are up there time seems to stop and the thing to do is enjoy the sound of the birds, the leaves as they rustle in the wind, and the peace of it all.






This is one place you can go and have some one on one time with God, a place to see nature, photograph it, capture memories and visit a great place right in San Francisco's back yard.














The park is located on:
 10 Old Stage Coach Road, Redwood City, CA

Fort Funston

There are many locations in San Francisco to visit, hike, or enjoy a walk with your dog(s). Many require your pets to be on a leash at all times but, Fort Funston is a place where leashes are carried around the dog owner's shoulders. There are many trails to follow, and fantastic views of the city along the ocean.

 On a clear day you can see the Marin Headlands, the top of the Golden Gate Bridge and a deep blue ocean.
There are areas which are cordoned off to protect either the fauna or flora, and the flowers grow all over the place. Perfect place for a macro lens, if your dog will allow you the time.



There are two main trial to go down to the beach. One is about a quarter mile from the parking lot going north. You will pass the arches that lead to the old batteries and the main dog watering hole. A water fountain with several dog bowls which are used to give your companion a drink of fresh water. Keep on going on the paved road and the entry will be on your left.

View of the Sunset district of San Francisco and the Great Highway.

 The trial is a mixture of sand and small rocks, some concrete outcrops are visible as the once existing structure has collapsed due to erosion and time. This way is easier to ascend.



 The second one is southwest of the parking lot, beyond the hand-glider setup area. This way has been worked into a set of stairs and sandy trail, and some of the steps are high and can make it look like it a steep decent. You will get a good workout on the climb back. When the conditions are perfect, there are many hand-gliders to photograph as they take off, or from the beach.

View of beach access trail from half way up the hill

The photography opportunities are available everywhere. Flocks of pelicans fly overhead hugging the sandstone walls. The size of the flocks can vary from 12 to just 4.

 There are also many other interesting items to photograph and if you like patterns, rock formations, wooden posts, and reflections can all be found there.


Patterns and shadows help give this photo life

The beach is made up of black and beige sand. The dogs have a great time running on the beach and into the surf. Many of the dog owners will be throwing tennis balls into the surf and the dogs that will retrieve them. There are plenty of photo opportunities at the beach and art at the outflow pipes. If you have never seen a dog with a smile, then you must go to Fort Funston. There are many dogs whose smiles go from ear to ear.

Fort Funston is located south of the San Francisco Zoo, and almost across the famous Olympic Club.

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park, is on Highway 1, north of Jenner. It is approximately 90 miles from San Francisco, about a 2 1/2 ride.

The park has many areas to visit and investigate, from the beach to the pygmy forest. There are campgrounds in the park which will allow you to enjoy it at your leisure. The day I visited was a warm spring day, late in the afternoon and the winds were picking up.

The photos were taken at Gerstle Cove with its sandstone formations.

The wind, rain, and surf have created some phenomenal honeycomb sculptures on the sandstone, forming pits, ridges, and what look like ribs. Since my visit was a brief one, half an hour, it is worth going back and spend a few days camping and hiking.

For more information on the park and activities go to the California State Park-Salt Point State Park.

Bedwell Bayfront Park

Located in Menlo Park, Ca. , a former landfill site, has a lot to offer to families, hikers and photographers.

In spring, nature brings out it's bounty of colors in both wild flowers, butterflies, and the green grasses.

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, surrounds the park and it's wildlife for us to enjoy. Many different species of waterfowl can be observed from the hiking trails, as are rabbits, and ground squirrels. If you are bringing your dogs with you, please keep them on a leash at all times.

There are a few stone structures located in the park for sitting and enjoying the sounds of the birds in the trees, marshes, and flying overhead.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

If you spend a few hours there, you will see Great Egrets, Red Tail Hawks, Canadian Geese, many other birds, as well as Monarch, Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, and tons of snails.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and by the gate there is a sign indicating what time the gate will be locked. It is a popular place for hikers who enjoy the trails with a friend. The quiet times are early morning to enjoy the wildlife without many disturbances.

Great White Egret

How to get there:

From US 101 in San Mateo County, exit Marsh Road. Drive east, and where the road
bends sharply right at the junction with Bayfront Expressway, continue straight
into the park. You can park along the road a short distance from the trail head, or continue to one of two parking lots.