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 impressive 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”. And, 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

The Sierra Nevada extends more than 250 miles southward from the Cascade Range of northern California and Oregon to the Mojave Desert. It can be as wide as eighty miles around the Lake Tahoe area to almost fifty miles wide within the southern part. It is applauded for it’s magnificent profile and spectacular landscapes, making it one of the most beautiful physical features of California, if not in the entire United States.

EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA 3

Sadly, it is common conversation that the human race as done more in 150 years to alter the mountain scenery because of mining and logging, followed by tourism, than the actions of ice and water over the millennia. With this insight taken into account, the beauty gods were obviously smiling, because the drive-by experience I had within this part of the Eastern Sierra Nevada definitely left me in awe, rather than in disappointment.  

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

magnificientIt was a full day trip to descend into the valley and travel the length of the thirty-one mile Scenic Byway into King’s Canyon National Park, from the entrance to Kanawyer Loop where the road ends, and back. Of course multiple stops were made to photograph as much of the beauty as possible. I remember being dwarfed by the multiple towering peaks and ridges as the path descended deeper into the valley. Then there were 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 magnificent tree being the General Grant as shown below, which measured by trunk volume is the second largest tree in the world.

THE GENERAL GRANT TREE 3

Living on the Edge 2

 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 to say the least, truly glorious!

King’s Canyon Sunset 3

Lake Tahoe

Delicately nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada mountains, this timeless masterpiece embodies the epitome of natural allure. On my first experience there, I was quickly taken in by the splendor and charm of this two-million-year-old freshwater sanctuary. Where the incredible clarity of it’s crystalline waters combined beautifully with the panoramic view of its surrounding snow capped peaks. Overwhelmed by it’s beauty and over all fantastic vibe, I instantly became enamored, knowing this wasn’t going to be my last visit.

LAKE TAHOE 3

LAKE TAHOE 6

As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe entices explorers with its vast expanse and unspoiled splendor. Hitting bottom at depths of 1,645 feet, which make is the second deepest lake in the United States, as it covers an impressive 193 square miles. It is a unique destination that captivates all who venture there. And honestly, I am still captivated by the beautiful sunset I was fortunate enough to experience below. 

LAKE TAHOE SUNSET 4

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

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. As we found explored the lower forest backroads looking for the best angles to photograph this snow covered beast, I am confident my loyal companion, Hallie, indeed felt the magic with every paw print she made with her ongoing zoomies in the snow. I can still see her joyous smile!

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 National Park 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 the notoriety he gave this park, thus came the encouragement to choose this breathtaking location as the first stop of my California photographic adventure.

Cascade Falls 1

Trees Along the Ridgeline