
We traveled to Yosemite recently — a couple days in April that were mild on the Monterey Peninsula, downright hot in inland California, and still quite chilly in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Chilly enough to have snowfall and closed roads. After fishing out our cold weather gear that we never used in Monterey, we packed it all up and headed inland – past the heat of the San Joaquin Valley where oranges were ripening on the trees – up the winding roads to the otherworldly paradise of the Yosemite Valley. We didn’t have any strict curriculum planned for the girls. We let the surroundings teach us. And the instructional plaques that are placed throughout the park.
Ansel Adams (home educated from the 8th grade) spent much of his life in this valley. I haven’t studied his work or technique, but I love how the grandeur of the granite is expressed through a black and white lens. (Not that they would compare, but these are my images, lest anyone think they’re staring at Adams’ work.)


And one in color. The valleys were so peaceful and beautiful. I think that’s Yosemite Falls in the background.

The tunnel view and meadow shots are best, Ansel.