Lake Yosemite at Sunset

I drove out to Lake Yosemite in Merced to photograph the Lunar Eclipse that morning. I also planned on photographing the moonrise that evening from the same location. I should have just stayed at the park all day! I went back around 3:30 and parked at the back side of the lake, at the Old Lake Road parking lot. I wanted to use the old tower as a focal point so I walked the dirt road until I got to the tower. I rarely see the lake that calm (water), so it was a nice treat.

I got a few photos, including the sunset. Only 15 minutes to go until I should see the moon. All of a sudden I say a maintenance truck in the parking lot and I heard voices asking about whose van is that. It was mine. I didn’t realize they locked the gate at 5pm, so I had to “run” back to the van before they locked me in for the night.

As I was “running” back, I’d stop and see if the moon was visible. It wasn’t. There was a low bank of clouds that obscured it. Only until I got half way home did I finally see it, but it was too late.

Going to try again next month, this time I’ll park the van outside the gate like some of the other fishermen!

Mike is a Central Valley California landscape and nature photographer whose subjects include scenes from Merced County, Yosemite, SeKi, and the eastern Sierra. He is currently living in Atwater, CA.

The text and photographs are © Copyright Mike Matenkosky (or others when indicated) and are not in the public domain and may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from Mike Matenkosky.

Posted

December 12, 2011

Central Valley California

Mike Matenkosky

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2 responses to “Lake Yosemite at Sunset”

Kathleen Stefani

May 25, 2012

Mike: I read that you are returning to Lake Yosemite in May to do more photos. Have you done that yet?
I work for the Merced office of Hinds Hospice and am planning a fund raising event at the Fish and Game Cove at Lake Yosemite for August 25, 2012. I would like to use a photo of the sunset on the Lake for the cover of our invitation.
I will be out of town beginning May 29, returning June 11, and will probably not be checking emails while away. My cell phone # is [removed phone number] 1if you want to call.

I’m interested in the possibility of using one of your photos for our invitation.
Kathleen Stefani, Fund Development Hinds Hospice, merced 383-3123

Reply
1. Mike Matenkosky
  
  May 25, 2012
  
  I went there early morning, before the park opened, but decided not to climb the fence to photograph the moon set/ sunrise.
  
  I’m going to e-mail you about your request.
  
  Reply

Lake Yosemite at Sunset

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2 responses to “Lake Yosemite at Sunset”

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