"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." ... from John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir.

We stayed in Yosemite Valley for four days during the last days of April. After too many years of below average rainfall, the Sierra snow pack was now full of water from heavy winter and spring snow. And the snow and rain continues to fall.

We enjoyed sunshine and blue skies on the first two days, then had rain and fog in the valley and left during a snowstorm. Most of the photographic story from this trip is water. Rock and light are always integral to photography in Yosemite. Regardless of the weather, time spent in Yosemite is a thrill. The scenery is world class.

The dogwood was starting to bloom. The falls and rivers were bursting with water. Yosemite, Bridalveil, Illouette, Vernal, Horsetail and many other small temporary falls were as full as we could remember.

El Capitan is considered one of the largest monoliths in the world. It attracts rock climbers from all over the world. It nearly vertical face of 3,000' presents a formidable challenge to even the most experienced climbers. There were six groups climbing the face during our visit. Seeing and visiting with the climbers was a special treat.