Author | Lightnews

Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Aug 18

Besides an abundance of quail families, we are also seeing a plethora of jackrabbits in the early morning hours. They were a bit apprehensive and skittish at first, but they are getting accustomed to being watched and photographed. They eat the grass, we take their picture. Seems like a fair trade.

Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Aug 12

A lot of quail families showing up in the backyard now. Great to see they are thriving despite the heat. Interesting to watch how the chicks mimic the parents in almost everything they do. (Not like their human counterparts.)

California quail (male) sitting on a fence post keeping watch over his brood of chicks and their mother),

Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Jul 1

Paid a visit to sacred territory on Sunday. If you aren’t familiar with this location, my heart aches for your loss.

Go Blue ! 🏈

Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Jun 26

When the Ford Assembly Plant in Mahwah, NJ opened in 1955 it was the largest auto production plant in the US. It closed in 1980 amid a global energy crisis that hit the US auto industry hard. There’s nothing left in Mahwah now, except memories.

Time is fleeting. Nothing lasts forever. Even us…

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Jun 25

The rains came yesterday and broke the heat wave. The Daylilies are loving the return to somewhat normal temperatures again. (The people and animals are too !)

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Jun 24

I visited an old friend this past weekend - Suraci Pond in Ramsey, New Jersey. Such a quiet, serene little gem tucked away from the chaos of this world. So many happy memories of ice skating in the winter and skimming stones in the summer. Doing Jersey proud. It’s good to see old friends again… 👀 ❤️

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Jun 8

I’ve been to Zion National Park many times, and the grandeur of it all never ceases to amaze me. I don’t think it’s just me. I think most people feel a sense of solitude and smallness in the universe when compared to the majestic rocks. We need some of those calm moments now because of events in LA.

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 18

Politically speaking (in the US since January 20th), this sign is a massive understatement. The self-imposed and self-inflicted impediments to our freedoms and democracy will not last. “We the people” will not give in or give up. We will go around any obstacle in order to go forward, not backward. 🇺🇸

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 15

In a nod to “throwback Thursday” here’s a blast from the past:

Hard to believe, but 39 years ago I was at the World Expo 1986 in Vancouver, BC. One of the happy memories was seeing “Expo Ernie”, a mechanized robot who seemed to pop up everywhere. This was considered “high tech” back then. Wow… 😉

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 11

Today’s view from the Badger Pass snow cam shows little to no snow at the ski area (at the base elevation of 7,200 feet).

The view provides interested hikers with the relative snow conditions at that altitude (variations of course for shade and possible snowcat grooming). Get ready for hiking ! 🥾⛰️

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 9

Here’s an update of the awesome Yosemite snow plow crews making significant progress in the most scenic workplace in the world !

In these photos they are clearing the avalanche zones around Olmsted Point.

No mention as of yet for the opening of The Tioga Road, but it looks like it will be soon !

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 9

Sometimes a nondescript photo can bring forth a myriad of memories.

Molokini Crater (off the island of Maui, Hawaii) is an excellent spot for diving (scuba or snorkeling). The water is warm and pristine, and the fish are colorful and numerous.

But how does one photograph future “memories” ? 🤔📷🤿

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 7

Before I fell in love with glaciology, I was deeply attracted to the study of volcanism.

I actually think about volcanic eruptions every time I drive down this portion of the Glacier Point Rd. Somehow it reminds me of a molten lava flow like those in Hawaii or Iceland.

I know, I need a life. 😔 🌋

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · May 4

Devil’s Postpile National Monument is a small out of the way gem in the Eastern Sierras. While most go there to view the rare polygonal basalt lava columns, please don’t overlook the other stellar sight in the park - Rainbow Falls ! At 101 ft, it boggles the senses and soothes the soul. Such a joy !

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 30

Great news ! The awesome Yosemite snowplow crews are busy clearing the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads ! Opening days for each have not yet been announced, but if the weather holds, they should be soon. Time to start planning those High Country outings you always dreamed of !!!!

Thank you crews !!!!

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 21

When I was young we had “duck and cover” drills in school even though we didn’t know what nuclear war was. But we also had Disneyland to go to on the weekends. For children today, Disneyland has been replaced by Dystopialand. Where up is down; wrong is right; chaos and cruelty are everywhere. Sad. 😢

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 21

One of the glorious joys of wilderness treks is going to sleep under a canopy of stars and waking up to half a foot of pristine snow ! The thrill never gets old. The beauty never fails to overwhelm.

Yosemite has many glorious secrets to share with all who are willing to open their eyes and hearts.

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 15

It is mid-April. For years I used to get real antsy about now wondering when The Tioga Road would open for the season. Yosemite Valley is beautiful for sure, but my heart belongs to the High Country. The Cathedral Peak & Lakes area is like bear central (and too crowded) but pretty to photograph. ⛰️📷

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 13

I saw this Mt. Lyell glacial comparison photo on the internet the other day and I was mortified. The twin lobes are almost gone (MacLure is suffering too).

I found a few of my older pictures of the glaciers (as seen from the Kuna Crest), and they virtually disappeared in my lifetime. How sad ! 😢😢😢

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 9

I once created a photo essay book for a friend centered around the Sierras in both light and shadow. The color photo was the cover of that book. The B&W version was an afterthought (a fun with filters exercise).

Of all the mountains I have seen in my travels, the Sierras are still my favorite ! ⛰️❤️

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 8

There have been some really bizarre (okay, senseless and stupid) events undertaken in Yosemite over the years (things like the Glacier Point Firefall) but was there really a need to allow 31 people to huddle together on the tip of Lost Arrow Spire ? I will never understand this publicity stunt. 🤬

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 8

Sadly, Mirror Lake also has another name - Mirror Meadow. That’s because it is not always full of water. When the snows of the High Country melt, the flows thru Tenaya Canyon diminish and the lake dries up. Meadow succession takes over. It’s still a beautiful sight to behold, but I miss the lake. 😢

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 8

Mirror Lake, in Yosemite, is aptly named. Sadly, it is seasonal in nature, but when it is present, the reflections it provides are stunning. Yes, it sits at the base of Half Dome, but there is more to this ephemeral body of water than just that majestic peak. Mount Watkins dominates the lake ! 👀📷

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 7

It’s hard to surpass Debbie on any of their songs, but HE DID IT with this song ! He was light years ahead of others of his era. Sad to hear this news today. 😢

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Aspen Valley @aspenvalley.bsky.social · Apr 7

There are so many marvelous wonders in Yosemite. There is the vertical grandeur. The glorious play of light and shadow. The panoramic immensity from many lofty peaks. But there is also the serene beauty of the inverted Yosemite. One where reflective images rival the actual vertical ones !! 👀⛰️❤️

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