QUIET

I experienced a couple firsts past couple days. But before I get started, you have to drive along the Highway 395 on the Eastern side of the Sierras in California. It is by far the most incredible experience I can ever recommend. Give it a read here. And then go drive it. I have only traveled from Highway 108 south to Highway 120, but definitely plan on beginning in Carson City and enjoy a week’s worth of solitude, peace, and quiet towards Lone Pine. I made my second stop in a month to Bodie, a historical state park that remains in a state of decay. The light was pretty bad (3pm light), and was debating on stopping or heading off to explore a first visit to Yosemite, but glad I didn’t. Nothing can compare to wandering around Bodie with my film camera, and yes, this time, I brought the digital as well, so as I wait to drop off the chrome, I took a peek at my digital images. It’s very calming to explore this ghost town, even with all the tourists. It’s very quiet and one is always left alone with his thoughts and curiosity. It’s great meditation. But then so is that drive along Hwy 395. Yosemite, don’t even get me started. It is by far the most fascinating Park in California. Yet I think a little bitterly on it for a couple reasons. First when I was interviewing at Bee, they were getting ready to do a project on the John Muir Trail, which runs from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney and is 211 miles long. I still would’ve killed to do that trek. Or probably that trek would’ve killed me, but totally worth it. Secondly, the speed limit varies from 35mph to 45mph. Most tourists drive 30mph in the dark and ride their brakes, which is almost as bad as brights shining in your eyes, just with the brake lights, you’re literally seeing red. And it sucks. There is a reason for turn-outs along the Hwy 120 to the Hwy 41. Use them, especially when you have someone like me who knows how to put their car in 3rd gear and coast the downgrades. Oh yeah, a little ironicy. I love how people come to take photos of Yosemite with their little point and shoots, and I hope for memories sake, because there are dozens of professional photographers who know the terrain, know the light, and spend hundreds of hours planning and photographing Yosemite with their 4x5s and 8x10s. They know what they’re doing, and their photos are most likely a thousand times better than yours, so if you want a nice photo of Yosemite, buy it from a professional. Photographers need the money and the appreciation for what they dedicate their lives to.
A few images from Bodie.