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The vista from Glacier Point of Half Dome is a classic shot and one that is perhaps over done however the sheer size of scene is so mind boggling and the light changes so dramatically it always makes for a perfect shot to the end of the day. When the last light of the day is catching the top of Half Dome and the peaks of the High Sierra in the distance everything just lights up. Even the deep chasm below takes on beautiful blues and purples from the reflected light above.

During this sunset the obvious vistas were taken and a park ranger was providing a discussion session with the many tourist lined up against the walls of the path. I was forced to try and find another location down below the rocks. I was working my way down off the trial when by chance I found a location just below a large tree. If I knelt down a bit it I was able to use a gap in the surrounding trees to gain a somewhat uniquely framed vista of the special scene before us.

Half Dome glowed brightly with the sunset and the last remnants of the thunderstorms earlier in the day added a special bit to the scene. The tall pine trees caught the last bit of light slipping over the ridge behind us. Off in the distance, just to the left of Half Dome and behind Clouds Rest looked especially nice. I sat for a while with the wife and the pooch and just tired to relax and take in the whole scene. But after a few minutes I had to jump back up as the scene had changed. At the end of the day we were extremely tired but with a special contentment brought on by the scenes of the day. I never regret going to Yosemite. Even if it's for a day and means getting up at 3AM and not getting to bed till 4AM the next day.

© Darvin Atkeson
LiquidMoonlight Studios