Fortunately, Yosemite isn't just a single valley, and there's always someplace new to explore, even if it's a place you've literally walked nearby and around many times.
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As before, sometimes the morning sun struggles to pierce smoke from fires far away, at least in the lowlands.
Yosemite's granite may seem to be the same everywhere, but every expanse of flat, polished granite is different, as are the views from it, even if they are not of entirely unfamiliar places.
The same is true for domes--each has its own character, and characteristic views: familiar landmarks from a fresh perspective.
In spring the smallest creek is often a raging torrent, but at the end of summer thirsty hikers greet small pools of water with the same enthusiasm as the dozen or so fish swimming in them--all patiently awaiting winter storms to renew the parched creek.
Heavy rains and snow may yet come, but thunderstorms provide immediate relief, hopefully quenching distant fires--while not igniting new ones.
Dry waterfalls and stagnant pools are all that remains of a hibernating creek.
Even surrounded by drought, lush gardens can still be found.
Glistening rain-soaked granite highlights an enchanted land visited by very few.
The water now falling from the sky may have descended the canyon long ago, polishing the same granite whose sheen it now renews.
Even first-time visitors are welcome to stay for the night.
After a stormy night, summer's sun warms fall's cool morning.
A granite ramp, unique yet like so many, leads up and away.
The slowest ascent can still seem all to fast.
Some visit for minutes or hours; others have stood guard for centuries.
At the top, fresh views of frequented lands.
As new memories form, reminders of past visits revealed.
Once inaccessible granite provides an easy descent.
A waterfall laid bare hints of former glory.
The aspens foreshadow fall's return.
A seasonal path leads from once forbidden to now familiar.
The water's roar of early summer now long gone, replaced by a calm quiet.
Below the valley, once cold, then warm, soon cool again.
Threatening storms cast sinister light on familiar sights.
One last look, perhaps...
Good-bye!
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