Description

After the relentless summer of 2024, autumn was a guest that was better late than never. Multiple record highs throughout the month of October in the west and southwest had everyone exhausted from the heat and the sun. Days before Halloween a front from the north blew down moisture and cool temps from Alaska. I awoke this morning hoping to see some snow on the mountains and there was a little on Cloud’s Rest but the rain was just as good. Eager to photograph the leaves that changed was quite an adventure, the rain came down hard and cold. I hiked down the Merced River to get to this angle and when I arrived my pants were soaked. Taking photos in the rain can be tricky, especially these lowlight, long exposure shots. Carrying a cloth to wipe the lens is very important.

Looking up above this Aspen grove and seeing climbers sheltered high on the face of El Capitan was officially the beginning of fall for me. The rain gave extra life to the monolith and the trees. Although a grey scene it still is beautiful with the Yosemite palette.