Cecret Lake, Albion Basin

One day, I will be able to get the picture I really want in this place, but for now, I will need to settle for this one. This is a place that is just thronged with visitors when the wildflowers are in bloom. It's close enough to home that you can literally stop off here on your way home from work to check and see if the sky is right or the evening light is perfect. So far, I have never been here when the conditions are just right, but I still come away invigorated. The trail to this spot leads through meadows of wildflowers that usually catch my eye and prevent me from making it to the this point. I have seen some amazing wildlife in these meadows. I have never been here when I did not see at least one moose. That perfect scene with a moose in the wildflower filled meadow with the Devil's Castle in the background under the setting sun has so far eluded me, but there is always another day, another opportunity to enjoy the beauty this place hold in store.

El Capitan - Yosemite National Park

Honey! Stop the car! I just saw the most incredible view. We were on a one way road in Yosemite and I happened to look behind us. We had to drive halfway around the valley floor and come back to this spot to get this picture. As I set up the tripod and got everything ready, I could hear cars pulling up, doors slamming and whispered comments. After I got this picture, a bunch of other photographers scrambled to take my place. It was only after I got back to the hotel and got a chance to really look at what I had taken that I realized this was the iconic Ansel Adams photo spot. He took several photos here with snow on the rocks and mist in the valley. I feel a little sheepish now including this view. I feel a little like I stole it from the Master and portrayed it as my own. I can't help but wonder what it must have been like the first time someone with a camera came upon this spot. I find myself wishing I could return evening after evening in all kinds of weather and season just to see the varying stages of beauty. Can't do that and hold down a job. Maybe I need to consider quitting my job? Hmmm....