Click on photos to enlarge!
My husband and I took a trip to Yosemite National Park a few weeks ago.
We took a wonderful drive from Yosemite Valley to the northwest corner of the national park to visit the Hetch Hetchy Valley.
The Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure and worth visiting any season.
In the spring, two of North America's tallest waterfalls plummet spectacularly over thousand-foot granite cliffs.
The dramatic domes surrounding these waterfalls add to the grandeur that John Muir compared to the more well-known Yosemite Valley.
In 1870, Muir called Hetch Hetchy Valley "a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite."
We walked across the O'Shaughnessy Dam and then through the tunnel to hike along endless trails from this side of the reservoir, which is 8 miles long.
The water extends back and behind "Kolana Rock," on the right, for most of those 8 miles.
We didn't hike a great distance, but far enough to really get a sense of the beauty here.
You have to keep an eye open for these guys this time of year!
They are waking up from their long winter's nap...
We didn't see any.
My brother has a friend who back-packed in this area and finally left because of the bears being such a nuisance.
Preservationists, led by John Muir, wanted the valley to remain untouched.
Today, the 117-billion-gallon reservoir supplies pristine drinking water to 2.4 million Bay Area
(San Francisco) residents and industrial users.
It also supplies hydro-electric power generated by two plants downstream.
Hetch Hetchy is the largest single body of water within the national park.
-downstream hydro-electric plants-
The view from the top of the O'Shaughnessy Dam is incredible from both sides.
I think we should have used a little "fill-flash" here to avoid faces in the shadows...but, we didn't.
This photo means that I was "officially" here!
and...Jerry too!
There is an amazing picture everywhere you turn up here!
We were greeted with this amazing light on Yosemite Valley when we returned from our day-trip to Hetch Hetchy.
From left to right: El Capitan, Half Dome way in the back, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Falls.
16 comments:
OMG! You covered a lot scenic spots in your trip!
I understand how the big rush of water could provide hydroelectric power!
That's one place I haven't been. Always wanted to. Maybe will camp there someday.
What an incredible trip, Carolyn! And your photos are terrific! I've been to Yosemite, but not to that particular part of the park! Wonderful and informative post for the day! What a beautiful part your world! Have a great week!
Sylvia
wow, beautiful pictures! Were you relieved or disappointed that you didn't see bears? Your shots are amazing! Retirement seems nice, you have so many great pictures of trips!
Looked through your photos,really enjoyed the flowers and Antelope Valley.I'd like to visit there sometime.
We had the same photograph of the Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View as in your last photo. But our weather was much more stormy. We stayed only two days and did not even heard of Hetch Hetchy.
What a great hike in such a gorgeous place!
Brilliant captures.
Have a great week.
You now I love this place and mountain..it`s one of the most beatiful place! And you photos is wonderful!
Yosemite is an awesome place and your photos are beautiful. I would love to see the bears just not up close.
Gorgeous park. Another beautiful place I hope to visit one day!
You captured the scenic aspects of the park quite well. I like the "I was there" pictures too.
Thanks for taking us to such a beautiful and majestic place. I must admit that I had not heard of Hetch Hetchy, but I would definitely like to visit it now.
sounds like a great hike! and a beautiful day. you guys certainly saw a lot while you were there. Love the pictures! Last time i was there i was alone and went over the dam by Tioga Pass (there are some hidden 'trails'). I passed two fisherman who gave me a hard time about hiking alone and then told me they had seen where i went and that there was a bear den right above me! AHHH!
What a beautiful park! Your photos are all beautiful. Thanks for sharing
What a beautiful sequence of shots and very interesting narrative too. The shots of the water rushing out from the dam are amazing.
I am very glad that I see you in your picture of "I was here". But I was surprised to know that there might be wile bears roaming in the valley at this time of year!!
Post a Comment