Thursday (09-October-2008) — California

Gone to See America October 2008 Road Trip. Eighth Annual Nikonian Photography Adventure Trip. Day 5: Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome early morning from Olmsted Point. After spending the night at a run down motel in Lee Vining we were given the OK to return to Yosemite Valley and rejoin the Nikonian group after the 2nd rock slide at Curry Village. We stopped at Olmsted point to view Half Dome from a different perspective. Olmsted point is on highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road). Half Dome is about 5 miles away, but over 30 miles on the highway.

 (David J Mathre)
(David J Mathre)

Monday (06-October-2008) — California

Gone to See America October 2008 Road Trip. Eighth Annual Nikonian Photography Adventure Trip. Day 2: Bodie State Historic Park.

On day 2, our van visited Bodie State Historical Park. Bodie is one of the best preserved old mining ghost towns in California. It is kept in a state of static decay, and is a favorite place for photographers (and has been the location for filming several movies). There were lots, and lots of photographers in addition to our Nikonian group. Prior to visiting Bodie State Park, we were told not to show Nikonian labels and make sure that we leave well before sunset because of problems between one of the State Park Rangers and the group in the Nikonian van the previous day .


Individual images in the slideshow can be viewed here.

Sunday (05-October-2008) — California

Gone to See America October 2008 Road Trip. Eighth Annual Nikonian Photography Adventure Trip. Day 1: Yosemite National Park.

Sunset Panorama of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View. There were many photographers (in addition to the Nikonian group) lined up at the Tunnel View parking lot to photograph sunset. Many left thinking nothing was going to happen, then all of a sudden sunlight came in from the west under the clouds  to light up both sides of the valley with this incredible orange color. I think that the mist down in the valley is smoke from campers cooking dinner.

 (David J Mathre)
Sunset Panorama of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View. Composite of 3 images taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 24 mm PC-E lens (ISO 800, f/16, 1/25 sec) (David J Mathre)