HYDRO HAPPINESS: There've been several signs of the drought over the summer of 2014, but perhaps none have been so widely shared, and oft-bemoaned, as the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Springtime is waterfall time, but summer's falling water typically makes a powerful showing, too, with things starting to lighten up come the autumn. But what have should have been the peak of the powerful show was not peak-like at all, due to drought conditions. Water flows lessened considerably, and Yosemite Falls went dry in mid-July. But an end-of-September rain brought a positive showing to Bridalveil Falls, which is seen in a photo shared on the national park's Facebook page. Nope, it isn't "crashing" or "thunderous" but it is water where water typically is, so fall fans are rejoicing.
FALL FANS... though can be buffs of both waterfalls and the season of autumn. So while waterfall aficionados look up, to the rock faces, for signs of moisture, fans of autumn are watching the trees that turn (there aren't too many of them around Yosemite, given its forest-pretty evergreenness). Autumn is not yet in full effect around the Sierra, but signs are everywhere. Want to see it yourself? Land in the valley and its environs some time in October or November. Want an early taste now of what the soft hue-gentle foliage looks like 'round the big Y? There's a video that will transport you there.
