Yosemite and More

Fall in the Sierra's

2026-10-14T16:19:39.454-07:00

Went over Senora Pass (Highway 108) to the June Lake Loop the other day. While some areas

were well past prime there was still some good color and other interesting

photo opportunities.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Bodie Interiors, Part 2

2026-08-09T13:55:07.042-07:00

Here's some more from my Bodie Interior Photo Session.

Once again no particular order.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Bodie Interiors Part 1

2026-08-07T10:20:43.016-07:00

My birthday present to myself was to lead a workshop allowing us to

photograph the interiors of buildings normally off limits.

I took a lot of photographs, not all gems,😄. But here are some, well more than some, I liked.

Also I changed most of them to Sepia tone for a more old-timey feel.

You might note this is part one. These are in no particular order.

Go, See, Enjoy (I did), Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

At the McCloud River.

2026-07-23T14:20:44.799-07:00

Took a trip to Northern California, where I was born and raised. spent a

little time on the McCloud River mostly near Upper Falls and Lakin Dam.

Lower and Middle Falls just had too many people.

In late spring and summer the vegetation along the river takes over,

Especially the Indian Rhubarb. Which if you're careful you can eat part of.

The Number of wild flowers still in bloom surprised me.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Hotel; Mission Del Oro, Santa Nella

2026-07-04T14:50:02.398-07:00

Been playing a lot with Black and White lately,

even when it's probably not the best option.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Farm Equipment

2026-07-03T15:16:34.735-07:00

Here are some photos I took of farm equipment parked by the

side of the road near the small town of El Nido on Highway 59.

I turned them to sepia tone since they're all old.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

My Yard

2026-06-08T13:52:22.682-07:00

I have lots of flowers blooming in my yard right now.

Thought it might be interesting to post them both in color and black & white.

Actually this isn't all the flowers but a whole lot anyway.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave

Dinosaurs

2026-05-14T13:13:16.940-07:00

When I went to the Chaffee Zoo I was surprised to see a

Dinosaur Exhibit. These where life-size semi animatronic with sound effects

dinosaurs were lurking in the bushes.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Butterflies at the Chaffee Zoo

2026-05-14T11:39:19.345-07:00

I heard about the Butterfly Exhibit at the Chaffee Zoo and since I hadn't been

there for a while I decided to go. -note to self, bring water and go

early in the day-.

The exhibit will end in June and won't be back. So go now

if you want to see them.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph,

Dave

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

2026-05-14T11:26:16.148-07:00

Went to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo a few days ago.

Here's a few of my photos from the main zoo. Butterfly exhibit

and the Dinosaur area to follow.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Cat Haven

2026-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Outside of Fresno, CA near Dunlap is the

Project Survival, Cat Haven https://cathaven.com/.

It is not you typical zoo but a bunch of enclosures among the

Sierra Foothills. Unfortunately for photographers the cats have to

be in enclosures. Having to shoot through wire mesh can be a problem

that you will notice on many of the following photographs.

Also it was a warm day in the middle of the afternoon

so most of the cats were taking a siesta.

Go, See, Enjoy. Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

2026-05-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

On my way up and back to Northern California I stopped at the

Wildlife Refuge, wasn't expecting much but still came away with

a few photos I like and one bucket list bird.

Except for one photo, no geese or ducks this time.

This is actually the first bird I saw. Hadn't even gotten my camera out

and it waited for me.

A second before it flew away

While not that unusual, I was surprised to see them.

I see a lot of Red Winged Blackbirds but they usually fly

off before I can get a decent shot.

My only goose shot this time.

Saw a large bird fly behind some trees, hoping for an

eagle or hawk, Nope, Turkey Vulture

This is a first for me. I've seen pheasants many times

but they usually run into the underbrush before I can get a photo of them.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Close-up Yosemite

2026-02-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yosemite has gotten a lot of snow recently and they closed it

for a couple of days. I left (not early enough) and headed to Yosemite

on Saturday morning. When I got there a little before 9am the park was

already very, very busy.

While I took a lot of photos I decided this post would concentrate on some

of the smaller things and stay away from landscapes and iconic images.

By the way I had to leave early for a commitment, on the way out at about

1 pm the entrance line on Highway 140 was 2 miles long and getting longer.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph'

Dave

Wildlife Refuges

2026-01-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

Visited the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the Merced Wildlife Refuge

on VERY different days. One very sunny, the other fog bound.

The Sacramento NWR, was a clear day with a lot of visitors that limited the

birds near the auto route. The fog and few visitors actually allowed for more

opportunities at the Merced NWR.

Case in point

First the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Blue Morph Ross Geese

White Faced Ibis, Hunting and Hiding

Small Bufflehead Duck, these swim fast and don't like

cars, people, or cameras. This is taken through the reeds and heavily cropped.

I thought this hawk was going to take off but instead it just

fluffed it's feathers and settled back down.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge seemed to have a wider and more easily

photographable subjects.

Thought this was an interesting juxtaposition.

Each section of the refuge is flooded to to certain depth depending on

what species they want to accommodate.

I find it interesting that in the wild the male always seems to be the

one who has to look pretty.

This Killdeer seemed to be happy to have it's picture taken, most weren't.

The American Avocet has different plumage depending on the season.

There always seems to be some Northern Shovelers at the MNWR

A Non-native species introduced for game hunting.

Larger than native doves.

One of the many other species found at the refuge.

It looks like a very good year for Fiddlenecks

This Great Egret looked as cold as I felt in the fog.

I was surprised to learn that American Coots migrate, since they seem to

be very happy running, swimming and not flying.

Hygiene is important to birds too.

This was definitely the biggest surprise, but checking several sources this

seems to be a juvenile Bald Eagle. And a very patient one.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Yosemite in January

2026-01-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Some of the MANY photos I took in early January.

Any day in Yosemite is pretty good, but having snow on the ground

adds a different level.

Hoarfrost has always intrigued me so there are several of that and none

of the iconic features of Yosemite. You can look back on previous posts for those.

You'll notice (or not) on some I separated hoarfrost, it's one word.

I almost didn't post this one, I tried sky replacement and not thrilled with the

results, but I like the rest of the image.

This is probably my favorite image of the day.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

North State Mountains

2026-01-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

Spent a little time in Northern California.

Here are a few of the photos I took of the various mountain from different

directions when possible.

You can really only get a photo of the Eddies from this side unless you

want to go into the wilderness.

Could someone please tell me why what's obviously not a butte

is named Black Butte? Notice the winter difference between

the northwest side and south.

Each side of Mt. Shasta has a unique view. You can choose your favorite.

And on the way home a hazy Mt .Lassen

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Wildlife Refuges

2025-11-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

A while ago I went to the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge and

the Merced Wildlife Refuge, here's a mixture of both.

Unfortunately many of the wading birds preferred the stubble

instead of nice reflective water.

Mom and Dad taking a break.

I really liked the late evening background. I tried to identify this

specific one but there are just so many of them.

I think he was trying to hide from me.

Two for One.

I've taken a lot of photo of Great Egrets but seldom get a decent photo

of them in flight.

I think this is a Red Tailed hawk, but not sure.

This Bald Eagle was very accommodating, I stuck around hoping

to get it's takeoff but it seemed very comfortable right there.

When I first saw this huge flock of birds in the distance I thought

they were probably Snowy or Ross geese. Nope they were

actually seagulls. Another car went by and spooked them.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Highway 108, Bodie, Mono Lake

2025-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Took a trip to the east side of the Sierras with some friends,

took Highway 108 for the views and Aspens, visited Bodie, and ended

up at Mono Lake.

If you like aspens look at my previous post of Great Basin National Park

If you've followed me at all you know I love Bodie, sooo.....

And last but not least

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph,

Dave

Yellowstone National Park

2025-10-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Just a few 😁 photos from my trip to Yellowstone. Actually less than

5%, could have been more if I hadn't had TWO bouts of food poisoning.

These are pretty much in date order. You won't see a lot of pools and geysers

but more of what interested me and that felt what you wouldn't see

everywhere else. Sorry no Old Faithful.

When I first got there after a 8 hour drive I decided I still had time to

visit the park. I was lucky going in, a small group of cars were parked along

the same side of the road.

Stopping I saw a small herd of

female elk, very soon this bull decided to join them.

Coming the other way toward the park exit there was a backup of about 3 miles.

Then the bull decide we were too close, happily everyone, including me, a quickly

backed away.

This bison just didn't seem to care much about anything, including the folks

on the boardwalk a few feet away. (black and white)

This one did seem to care and as soon as it turned it's head my way, I left.
Keep in mind I was using a 400mm lens and this is cropped.

Even with quite a bit of traffic very few took the road following the Firehole River

to this set of falls.

The next morning I got up at 6am and headed out soon after hoping to

beat the crowds. Fortunately and Unfortunately when you have cold

mornings, 26°, you get mist on the rivers and thermal

features completely covered in fog.

If you're looking for photos of Aspens go to my post for

Great Basin National Park, cuz Yellowstone had very few.

Some of the results of the hot springs and geysers

Much of the color you see isn't because of mineral but the algae that thrive

in the hostile environment of Yellowstone volcanic nature.

It seemed every geyser I went to I was just a bit too late and they wouldn't spout

for quite a while yet.

When I got to the parking lot of Norris Geyser Basin I was the only vehicle. Unfortunately

this was definitely a case of too much water and cold weather as I couldn't really

see many of the geysers on the first part of the trail.

Here's a small part of the geyser basin, the next photo is a panorama of this same area.

As I left the parking lot was full and cars where circling looking for a parking spot.

The Mammoth Springs area in North Yellowstone

was spectacular.

How about a rainbow to end this post.

Want to see more of Yellowstone, well just....

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave

Great Basin National Park

2025-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Great Basin National Park is located in the eastern part of Nevada, but the

Great Basin ranges from the Easter Sierra to Utah's Wasatch Mountains. It has

valleys, several mountain ranges and very few rivers. Much of it high desert.

The Park ranges from 6,825 feet to 13,065 feet. That ranges gives you a

variety of scenery and photographic opportunities.

When I first got to the visitors center I asked if there were any Aspens in bloom

since none were visible from the center. The ranger said it was the best year in

many years. He was right, I timed it just right. One of the problems was the

road was very narrow and limited where you could stop.

One of the main attractions in the park are the Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest

living things on earth.

This is where you start....

Then you climb....

Turn a corner....

Just keep going, notice the elevation sign.

I got there at the peak of color, usually you will see areas that are past peak or

not yet at peak. I didn't see much of that though this one tree caught my eye.

Aspens often grow is odd shapes.

These are some of the straightest I've ever seen.

You have to hike up to the Bristlecones, but it's well worth the trek.

I am glad I brought water.

Even if part of a Bristlecone dies, another portion continues on.

Hard to find a tree with more character.

Don't forget to look around, it is mountain country after all.

One last look on the way out.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave

Nevada Northern Railway

2025-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

I took a vacation and my first visit was the Nevada Northern Railway.

One of the main attractions of the Railway are the three steam engines.

Unfortunately for me they were all out of service and in parts in the shop.

The Nevada Northern came to being after the Kennecot Copper mine in

nearby Ruth shut down. The rolling stock (railroad engines, etc) yard and equipment

were donated and the Nevada Northern Railway came to fruition.

Almost everything at the Railway are original to the mine and it's operation.

Diesel engines aren't a big draw for me but they did have one show stopper.

The original mine at Ruth was reopened and named the Robertson Mine.

When I visited it many years ago, before the reopening, the pile of excavated rock

was about up to the second tier you see now. I found the various colors intriguing

Being a male dominated business I'm guessing this sign is fairly new.

I changed a lot of the photos to Sepia and Black and White to

give more of an old timey feeling.

The speed of the machinery was determined by the size of the spindle driven by

a leather belt attached to a main shaft that ran throughout the building.

As I mentioned all the steam engines were being repaired. Here are the boiler

tubes for Engine #40.

Not only a working railroad but it also provided passenger service for a time.

Still to come, Great Basin National Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Yosemite and Mono Lake

2025-09-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a quick trip to Yosemite and then decided to go on

over Tioga Pass to Mono Lake.

It turned out to be a very interesting day weather wise, from warm and sunny,

to puffy clouds, then rain and a slushy drive on the way home.

Mostly I'll share some of the animals I saw in Yosemite, mostly.

This female Mallard swam very close, hoping I'm sure for a quick meal.

There were a lot of Acorn Woodpeckers, this one kept coming to the same branch, but

would fly away if I got too close.

I seemed to spend quite a bit of time chasing very elusive butterflies

Then on to Mono Lake and some puffy clouds

As with most outings sometime you just need to look behind you.

It's hard to see the Alkali Flies, they're usually just a mass of black.

For California Gulls the Alkali Flies are a major food source.

Foreboding of things to come. It started to sprinkle just as I left Mono Lake.

On the way up from Mono Basin I saw what was ahead of me. There wasn't

actual snow on the road but a heavy layer of slush. Luckily I wasn't the first

car through.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave

Lassen Volcanic National Park

2025-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

While taking a short vacation up north I visited

Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The big draw there are the thermo features especially Bumpass Hell. The park does

not disappoint, for many reasons, not just mud pots.

Lassen is part of the Ring of Fire, volcanos from Eastern coast of Asia to the West Coast

of the Americas.

It's always a good idea to not just focus on the big stuff.

What made this tree bend this way? Many trees showed which way was the

prominent wind direction, but not to this extreme.

I've seen plenty of Lupine and when I started this walk I swore I wouldn't take

another photo of them, this is just one of many areas covered in Lupine.

Areas of the park are just the remnants of former volcanos and pyrotechnic activity

There have been a couple of fires in the park in recent years. Large areas show

the result of those devastating fires.

One area right next to the road has mud pots and the lovely aroma of sulfur.

Lassen Peak from the south.

A couple more of the many flowers I saw in the park.

And here comes Bumpass Hell.

The colorful ground isn't because of minerals, it's because of the algae

that thrives in the otherwise inhospitable environment.

At this point I think I'll stop posting, I took a lot of photographs, including numerous

lakes, some ducks., more flowers, devastation, and......

Manzanita Lake.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave

Grand Island Mansion

2025-08-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

After visiting the very old town of Locke we went further north

into the delta to the Grand Island Mansion.

Talk about two different worlds. While Locke ( my previous post) was build

in the 1909 and was really showing it's age. The Grand Island Mansion

built in 1917 was on a whole other spectrum.

If you want an opulent, and extravagant wedding or business retreat this is the place for you.

24,00 square feet, 58 rooms, (most with their own theme), tennis court, helipad and

so much more.

This is their 'front lawn'

Lot's of outdoor statues

Close up of the arm on the chair above.

Lots of indoor statues

Are you allowed to sit on this.

Nothing opulent here.

The mirrored ballroom with a handsome photographer.

It even has a disco ball.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave

Locke California

2025-08-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Locke is a very small town in the Sacramento River Delta. It had a

very diverse population but is best know as a Chinese Settlement.

It is still a viable community today.

The buildings are old and to be honest it doesn't look like they've done

much to them since the early 1900's. It was a very interesting place to visit.

Lots of flowers and esoteric stuff.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph,

Dave