Yosemite | High Sierra

This summer I finally set out to California to do some backpacking in Yosemite National Park. This trip has been a long time coming and was delayed for a year due to unforeseen calamity. But, in July 2018, we finally made it happen. Me and my good friend Christopher made plans to spend 3 days hiking the Glen Aulin Trail in Yosemite’s high country. The Glen Aulin is part of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs all the way from Mexico to Canada. We would only hike about 10 miles of the trail, but it was a good 10 miles:-)

I guess it was a bit of luck that we chose a trail in the high country instead of something more popular, like Half Dome in the valley, because the Ferguson Forest Fire started the day before we arrived and had already made the valley too smoky for hiking. We did deal with some smoky views and the scent of “campfire” on our hike, but it was nothing like the valley, where you couldn’t even see El Capitan a couple hundred feet in front of you!

We flew into Reno and took advantage of being within just a few miles of fascinating Mono Lake with it’s tufas, and stopped for some exploring. Soon after leaving Mono Lake, we were already at the East entrance of Yosemite where the ranger warned us of the fast expanding forest fire. We pickup up our back-country permit and checked into the Tuolumne Campground (backpackers camp). I was surprised at how many folks were in the backpackers camp considering the fire, but I guess they were just like us and after much planning and excitement, didn’t want to give up on hiking this incredible country! We headed off to the Tuolumne Lodge, or I guess I should call it a tent, and had an amazing dinner with some other hikers. We swapped stories and had an awesome meal! After dinner we stopped off at Tuolumne Meadows to take in the amazing sunset! We were now well prepared for our hike to start the next morning:)

The morning was cool and mostly clear, still smelled like campfire, and we hit the trail. Early on we came to Soda Springs. We didn’t spend much time, but it was an interesting and worth while side trip. From there, the next 5 miles or so was very diverse and never boring! Forest, water falls, baron rock face…

When we finally arrived at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, I was surprised at how, I don’t know, I guess I would say “developed” it was. There were some tents setup for the high sierra campers, a pit toilet, and most surprising, a small make-shift store that sold some necessities, ramen noodles, and even candy bars. I couldn’t resist and had to pick up a snickers. We were looking for something a little more rustic and of course, hadn’t paid the big $$ to stay at the camp, so we setup camp in a tree covered spot on the other side of the creek for our first night. As evening light started to get interesting, I walked around and found some of the local wildlife to photograph. For sunset, we had the best seat in the house on the high cliff a short walk from camp. This is exactly why you haul yourself across the country, load up 40 lbs of gear and hike your way to the middle of nowhere!

Photo by Christopher Uhler

I woke up the next morning before the sun came up to hike up the mountain for some more amazing photo ops. The cold, early morning hike was invigorating and the views made it all worth it! By the time I had gotten back to camp, Christopher had woken up and was getting ready for the day. The plan was to leave our gear and have a lighter day-hike down the trail and find some of the amazing water falls in this fast moving river. We moved our camp just about a 1/2 mile down trail to a secluded spot along the creek and then started our day trip.

With a lighter load, we both took our considerable camera gear and took our time on the trail to capture the scenery. There was plenty to keep our photographic attention!

After we returned to camp, it was time for a quick dip in the Tuolumne River and a hearty bag of dehydrated food. Eventually, I felt refreshed and energized enough to climb the mountain that overlooks the “Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne” and take in another incredible sunset. Moments like this, alone in nature, are what give me the peace and calm I need to reflect and feel in tune with my creator. This is what what rejuvenates my soul!

It was time for us to head out of the back-country the next day and the plan was to hit the Valley. Once we got back to civilization, it was apparent that the Ferguson Fire had continued to spread and was having a real effect on air quality in the park. We considered our options and still decided we were going to take our chances and at least visit the valley. On our way down, we stopped at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Smoke was faintly filling the forest and made for an eerie atmosphere. It’s was truly incredible to be among the giants!

The smoke got so thick as we entered the valley that you couldn’t see any of the iconic views. No Half Dome, no El Capitan, couldn’t even see Yosemite Falls until you were right on top of it. I felt especially bad for Christopher, who is experiencing the Great Yosemite Valley for the first time. There was still something very special about walking around the valley, especially with nobody around in the middle of summer. We had reservations for two nights at the Half Dome Village, but would cut it short and leave in the morning.

Yes, there was some disappointment, considering how much I looked forward to this trip and the vision I had in my mind of this pristine natural setting. But, I think we made the best of our situation and accept Yosemite for what it was in July of 2018. When I look back now, I realize that we experienced this incredible park in a unique and wholly natural way, and I have no regrets!

Cleveland and the RNC

The Republican National Convention was held in Cleveland this year and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get downtown and photograph the experience.  It started for me the Sunday night before the big event was do to start.  I knew Cleveland would be all lit up and this would be a fantastic chance to capture some night images of the city looking her best.  

My plan was to set off from my kayak from Wendy Park and head over to the North Coast Harbor and capture all the views in between.  This should give me a unique perspective that I haven't seen before.  I was thrown a curve ball from the start...it was very difficult getting into the city due to all the road closures, which I expected, but I did not anticipate highway 2 also being closed.  I eventually made it to Whisky Island via Tremont and Ohio City just after sunset.  I was hoping to be on the water before dark to get some dusk shots, but oh well, my primary purpose is the after dark stuff.  Things went pretty good at first, the water was calm and the paddling was easy.  I was able to capture a few pictures, but realized quickly that I had mistakenly packed the wrong lens!  I had meant to bring the Olympus 12-40 f2.8 and Panasonic 25 f1.7, well, I had the 12-40, but accidentally threw the slow Pany 12-60,  so getting a sharp photo at night, while floating in a kayak was going to be very difficult!  

I did manage to get a couple photos, but over all, things didn’t work out well. I also had a run-in with the coast guard as they were not comfortable with how close I was to the restricted water zone.  I didn’t argue with them and decided it was a good time to head to shore anyway.  On the way out of town, I stopped by one of the new Cleveland script signs in Tremont and took some pictures, probably the best of the night.

The next morning I headed back to the city for a full day.  To make travel easy, I parked down in the Flats East Bank and used my bike to get around.  I immediately found a rally of bikers and other Trump supporters at Settlers Park.  These folks spoke a lot about guns, religion and their disdain for Clinton and for some reason, John McCain.  There were plenty of colorful characters and a picturesque backdrop of the Cuyahoga to photograph at this location.

From here I headed up the hill to Public Square and the Mall were Anti-Trump protesters were preparing to march.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The next day I went straight to Public Square where it was almost festival like with food trucks, dancers in the lawn, and kids playing in the fountain.

There were certainly protesters, but I didn’t witness any altercations and for the most part a very peaceful vibe.  

Next, I headed over to 4th street where it was packed with media, delegates, and vendors.

This is the area right outside the gate were many of the delegates come in and out of and it’s also an area saturated with law enforcement.  I saw state troopers from at least 6 or 7 different states, Cleveland and Akron Bike Patrol, mounted police,  and Secret Service.  There presence was all over, but never forceful, unless there was a reason, and very friendly in my interactions. At one point, I found myself surrounded by Cleveland Bike Patrol as they were posing for some post card worthy photos, themselves.

I am very proud of Cleveland for showing the world how a large political event can be held with no major situations.  The people who gathered and law enforcement were exceptional.  People’s voices were heard and nobody got hurt.  

Nice job CLE!

Here are a few more photos from the week.

The Snowy Owl

I’ve been chasing snowy owls for years, trying to get “The Shot.”  I’ve made dozens of trips, driving hundreds of miles the last 15 years, scoping out, the cold and windy Lake Erie coast.  I’ve gotten a few blurry pics of white dots that you’ll just have to trust me are Snowy Owls from the great North Country.  It should’ve happened last year.  The 2013-14 winter saw a huge Snowy Owl irruption, the biggest in half a century.  I did manage to get a passable photo of a flying Snowy off the Cleveland coast, but nothing I was really proud of.  Then finally this December, after hearing that some Snowy’s were seen back at Presque Isle State Park in PA, I made the short 2 hour drive.

Success!  After a two hour drive and 1.5 mile hike, I was ecstatic to find two owls in close proximity posing for me and about a dozen other photographers and birders!  I packed my Nikon D750 and Tamron 150-600mm, and am glad I did.  Even with the birds being relatively close, I still wanted to keep as much distance as possible, and 600mm was necessary.  I set my camera to manual and kept my aperture at f/8, and adjusted my shutter from about 1/2000 - 1/640 depending on activity.  I wish I had taken a monopod so that I could've dropped the ISO for some of the grounded photos and also shoot some video.  I don’t like to use a tripod for wildlife, because I feel a bit too restricted with movements.

This doesn’t seem to be another large irruption year, like ‘13-14, but still a better than typical opportunity to see these amazing owls.  Keep your eye on the North coast, brake walls, and large fields for these mysterious northern visitors!

The Last Silk Mill

The old Lonaconing Silk Mill, also know as the Klotz Throwing Co. of Lonaconing, Maryland is the last intact silk mill in the United States.  Built in 1905 and closed in 1957, the mill has been left virtually untouched since its closing. According to the Mill's owner, Herb Crawford, management closed the doors when the employees went on strike in 1957.  The mill had seen a increasing production decline since it's opening in 1907 and was down to under 100 workers in the 1950's from a high of 359 in it's early days.

Herb Crawford is single-handedly trying to save this historic mill from decay and deterioration. Mr. Crawford has discovered that photographers will pay for the privilege to photograph this incredible time-capsule of a factory and he uses the proceeds to repair the leaky roof and install security measures to keep out vandals.

Everything has been left as it was in that last day in 1957 and there is plenty of photographic opportunity!  Many personal belongings and antique artifacts are still where the workers left them.  If you have a photography group that can get to Northern Maryland, then I encourage you to give Herb a call and schedule a visit.  I guarantee you will not regret it!

Contact Herb Crawford at 301-268-116.

Lonaconing Silk Mill Gallery

This is the last standing silk mill in the USA. Built in 1905 and closed in 1957, the mill has been left virtually untouched since its closing.