California

Avila Beach

Burney Falls

Burney Falls is found within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, in an area of the North California Shasta Cascade region. The water for this spectacular 129-foot waterfall, which rarely gets higher than 42 degrees, is provided from merging underground and above ground springs. It has an almost constant flow rate of 100 million gallons per day year round.

BURNEY FALLS 3

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Burney Falls to be “The Eight Wonder of the World”. After my amazing experience there, with my senses still peaking as I remember the cold water mist blowing firmly on to my face, I definitely concur with his statement!

BURNEY FALLS CLOSEUP 5

Eastern Sierra Nevada

EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA 3

EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA 5

King’s Canyon National Park

King’s Canyon National Park is in the southern part, and along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. It is a rugged glacier-carved valley more than a mile deep. It is surrounded by multiple 14,000-foot peaks, swift-flowing rivers, and complimented by some of the world’s largest giant Sequoia trees.

FIRESTORM

SPLIT TREE AND MOON 2

Silhouetted Shrubs Collage 2

SILHOUETTED SHRUBS COLLAGE 4

It was a full day trip to descend into the valley and travel the length of the 31 mile Scenic Byway, from the entrance of the park to Kanawyers Loop where the road ends, and back. Of course multiple stops were made to take in as much of the beauty as possible. A few references would be the multiple towering peaks that dwarfed everything as the path descended deeper into the valley, the raging rivers that demanded to be left alone, or the giant sequoia trees that you have to see to believe to appreciate how massive they really are. One being the General Grant, which measured by trunk volume is the second largest tree in the world.

THE GENERAL GRANT TREE 3

LIFE ON THE EDGE

 The grand finale of the day was when I ascended from King’s Canyon and was blessed with a mesmerizing sunset that engulfed the distant mountain range. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Overall, this entire experience was very rewarding, and truly glorious!

KING’S CANYON SUNSET 2

Lake Tahoe

Delicately nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada mountains, this timeless masterpiece embodies the epitome of natural allure. Enjoy the splendor of the charm of this two-million-year-old freshwater sanctuary, where the shimmering clarity of its crystalline waters meld harmoniously with the panoramic majesty of its surrounding snow capped peaks.

LAKE TAHOE 3

LAKE TAHOE 6

As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe beckons explorers with its vast expanse and unspoiled splendor. Plummeting to depths of 1,645 feet, which make is the second deepest lake in the United States, as it spans across a mesmerizing 193 square miles. It is a treasured destination that captivates all who venture to its tranquil shores. A unique and beautiful sunset is just one of the perks!

ROMANCE IN TAHOE

Morro Rock

This State Historic Landmark, formed millions of years ago, is volcanic plug that rises with significance as part of the coastal chain known as the ‘Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County.’ With its majestic presence overlooking Morro Bay, residents affectionately refer to the town as ‘3 Stacks, 1 Rock,’ a nod to the iconic smoke stacks that once graced the old neighboring power plant. Imposing and awe-inspiring, this massive natural formation  is on California’s Central Coast, standing 578 feet tall and commanding attention as it emerges from the Pacific Ocean.

A SLICE OF MORRO ROCK AND TWO FINGERS

Morro Rock is one location in particular that stands out for me because of how much of a pleasant surprise it was. From time to time, I make an effort to visit a local diners, shops, and motel front desks during my travels. I would inquire about any special landmarks unique to their area. Maybe even those that aren’t as well known. This one particular time it was suggested I visit Morro Bay on the Pacific Coast Highway. It was a little out of the way, but when the clerk said I would know I was there when I saw a large rock on the beach…   well, that decided that.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is potentially an active stratovolcano located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It is the largest mountain in the Cascade Chain, which runs from southwestern British Columbia to Northern California. It rises to an elevation of 14,179 feet above it’s surroundings, and even has seven named glaciers on it. On a clear winter day, the same as I indeed experienced, the mountain can be seen from the floor of the Central Valley 140 miles to the south.

MOUNT SHASTA 2

Mount Shasta has a mystical appeal and was known as a sacred place and the center of our universe to Native Americans. Today that energy still resides in the hearts of many for it is known as the root chakra of the world, promoting it as a place for healing properties and spiritual connections. With this as a mindset, I am confident my dog, Hallie, felt the magic with every paw print she made with her ongoing zoomies in the snow… that we found upon traveling the lower forest backroads looking for the best angles to photograph the snow covered beast I had in front of me!

Pacific Grove and 17-Mile Drive

CRASHING WAVES IN PACIFIC GROVE

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, the very birthplace of the national park movement, is where you can explore the magnificent ancient sequoia groves, majestic granite domes that dwarf even the iconic Empire State Building, and thunderous waterfalls that dot the landscape. Yosemite Valley itself stretches across nearly eight miles from east to west, with a  pristine wilderness as you venture into the Southeast, where the Sierra National Forest awaits, or delve into the Northwest, where the majestic Stanislaus National Forest beckons.

Bridalveil Fall 4

Upper Yosemite Falls 2

Yosemite has long been a place of inspiration for artists, climbers, and nature lovers, and remains one of California’s most popular places to visit. Beginning in the 1920’s, Ansel Adams’ stunning black & white photographs of Yosemite drew attention to the park’s breathtaking landscapes. I have always been inspired by his iconic imagery, and thus came the encouragement to choose this breathtaking location as the first stop of my California photographic adventure.

Cascade Falls 1