It doesn't hurt to look back. As photographers we tend to be focused, locked into what's in front of us. We navigate the landscape moving forward, searching for a composition. No real surprise given our evolution and the placement of our eyes.

But, like I said, it doesn't hurt to look back.

Yosemite National Park, California

I'm extremely fortunate to share this image with you all via Explore! I appreciate your continued feedback and encouragement!

Wishing everyone good health!

Tags:   landscape autumn fallcolor trees river reflection water reflection Yosemite Yosemite Valley Yosemite National Park Michael Carl Photography

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Yosemite National Park in the Valley below.

Tags:   landscape fallcolor oak tree gold grass Yosemite Valley Yosemite National Park sunstar Michael Carl Photography California

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A morning hike looking to photograph the fall color in Yosemite National Park is "as good" as fresh brewed, dark-roast coffee (and I love coffee). Take this mirror-like reflection along the Merced River as just one example.

Pictured here - the Three Brothers, or the Ahwahnechee name which is a bit tougher to pronounce: "Kom-po-pai-zes", and translates as "mountains with heads like frogs when ready to leap."

I'm extremely fortunate to share this image with you all via Explore. Thanks to each of you for the feedback and the continued encouragement! Cheers!

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Next to Yosemite Valley, this region from Tenaya Lake to Tuolumne Meadows perfectly showcases the result of glaciation within Yosemite National Park. All the textures, shapes, and colors of granite rock are on full display along this stretch of Tioga Road in the Yosemite high country.

The prominent granite dome rising above the northwest side of Tenaya Lake is Polly Dome. This dome is almost 2 miles and has withstood extensive glaciation and exfoliation. Conifer trees take root in some of the deeper pockets created by exfoliation.

Spotlit by the late afternoon sun, just to the right of Polly Dome, is Pywiack Dome. "Py-we-ack" in the native language means "glistening rocks." The Ahwahnechee applied it to both the Tenaya Creek and Tenaya Lake, due to the abundance of glacial polish in the upper Tenaya basin.

And in the upper right of the photo is Medlicott Dome. It is located on the southeast side of Tioga Road, between Mariolumne Dome and Dozier Dome, near Pywiack Dome.

Towering in the background under threatening clouds resides Mount Conness. Mount Conness is the highest peak in Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120).

A big thanks to the flickr community for your continued support and the opportunity to share my passion via Explore!

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Dorothy Lake sits at almost 10,000 ft. along the northern boundary of Yosemite National Park (Forsyth Peak in the background). We made an extended stay here after hiking a short section of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you manage to make the trip here, definitely pack your fishing gear. Dorothy and the surrounding creeks hold healthy, wild rainbow trout.

Tags:   landscape sunset clouds reflection Dorothy Lake Forsyth Peak PCT Pacific Crest Trail Yosemite Yosemite National Park Sierra Nevada Michael Carl Photography High Sierra

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