Birthday Trip, Part Deux

I have just a few more pictures to share from that great day. I am kind of disappointed that I didn't get more (and better) shots but, I had some technical difficulties with cold batteries. (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

Here's another Merced River pic that is just so serene. It hadn't snowed in about 10 days but being in the shadow of massive cliffs has kept the snowpack looking pure and white. In fact, there was "hoar frost" everywhere that occurs when moisture in the air condenses on the existing snow and freezes into large flakey crystals that reflect light in interesting ways.

Here's a view from the courtyard of the Ahwannee Hotel. Despite the pricey luxury, a visitor can't help but feel so tiny in such a huge setting. The cliffs lead up to Glacier Point.

From the Wawona Tunnel View, I zoomed into Cloud's Rest and Half Dome, which dominate the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. On the left is a small taste of El Capitan, which I couldn't squeeze into the picture with my wide angle lens.

This zoom shot is the most balanced out of all the rainbow shots I took of Lower Yosemite Falls. This is somewhat of an abstract shot and it won't appeal to everyone. It seems that I have almost exhausted all of the best shots in this particular spot. Maybe I'll come back during the spring runoff to capture the amazing intensity.

Here's another capture inside the "Mural Room". I really like the shimmering effect of the copper fireplace. The mural has some pleasing colors and even the gray wall serves a purpose, reflecting the natural light coming through the big picture windows.