El Cap in Spring

Renewal of Spring and El Cap’s Radiance:

Crowds flock to Yosemite for a reason.  This place, and The Valley in particular, are truly unique and utterly spectacular.  I have been visiting since I was a small boy, and over the years identified many places with views of iconic landmarks away from the busy hordes of people.  On this day, I was determined to add El Capitan to my list of these.  I had an idea there was a trail in this general area.  After getting close and solving the standard parking issue, the hunt was on.  As soon as I started down the trail, it felt like the conditions were right.  This is a spot I will likely make a regular stop whenever I am in the park.

The mountain is so prominent in this image.  The light bright on the nose and clouds in the sky draw your eye right to the center.  While the road at the base of El Cap is nearly always busy, this was captured from a location further back, away from the crowds.  I was here for several hours waiting as the sky constantly changed.  Maybe a couple people came through, but otherwise just me.  I love quietly existing in solitary spots like this while in The Valley.  It was a special afternoon!