Yosemite Valley, Winter Waterfall on the Merced River Valley Floor
I'm a photographer, and I've come to Yosemite Valley to capture its raw, untamed beauty. It was winter, and the air was crisp and still, with the recent snow and rain still hanging in the air. The stillness was unbroken, save for the occasional howl of a coyote in the distance.
But I wasn't one to be intimidated by the wild. I was determined to overcome any obstacle that lay in my way, be it the cold air, the heavy snow, or the untamed nature of the valley. I packed my gear, ready for the journey ahead, and set off into the unknown.
The night was long and cold, but I was fueled by the thrill of adventure. I pushed on, my camera at the ready, capturing every moment, every scene. The moonlight lit my way, casting a soft glow on the freshly fallen snow, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty around me.
As the morning sun began to rise, I was faced with another challenge - the weight of the snow. Every step was a struggle, but I refused to give up. I knew that the reward at the end would be worth it, and so I pushed on.
And then, suddenly, I saw it. A scene that took my breath away - a panoramic view of the valley, blanketed in white, with the sun just beginning to rise behind the mountains. I quickly set up my camera, my fingers numb with cold, and captured the moment.
In that moment, I felt a sense of spiritual connection to the land and the creatures that called it home. The stillness and quiet was broken only by the howl of the lone coyote, and I felt a sense of peace and belonging.
I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the power and majesty of nature, and for my own unwavering spirit. This journey was not just about capturing a moment in time, but about discovering a part of myself that I never knew existed. And for that, I will always be grateful.
“But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life...as if into this one mountain mansion Nature had gathered her choicest treasures.” — John Muir
You have to visit Yosemite once in your lifetime, and if you're really lucky (and can afford it), stay at the Ahwanee Hotel.
About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and tilted to form its unique slopes, which increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in the formation of deep, narrow canyons. About one million years ago glaciers formed at higher elevations which eventually melted and moved downslope, cutting and sculpting the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas.
European American settlers first entered Yosemite Valley itself in 1851. There are earlier instances of other travelers entering the Valley but James D. Savage is credited with discovering the area that became Yosemite National Park. Despite Savage and other white men claiming their discovery of Yosemite, the region and Valley itself has been inhabited for nearly 4,000 years, although humans may have visited the area as long as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Yosemite was critical to the development of the national park idea. Galen Clark and others lobbied to protect Yosemite Valley from development, ultimately leading to President Abraham Lincoln signing the Yosemite Grant of 1864 which declared Yosemite as federally preserved land. It was not until 1890 when John Muir led a successful movement which had Congress establish Yosemite Valley and its surrounding areas as a National Park. This helped pave the way for the National Park System.
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Find more great images of wildlife and landscapes on my website at richardmilesphotos.com