Yosemite & eastern Sierras

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Chris B
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Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Chris B »

Monday was another spectacular day, with clear skies and virtually no wind. So I flew over Yosemite with two friends and landed at Bridgeport for lunch. A most excellent day was had by all! :D

For higher-resolution annotated versions of these pics (with a few extras), check here: link

One unexpected event was two women with children in strollers on the runway at Bridgeport. link :shock:
After we landed, they immediately got back on the runway - just in time for the next airplane! When I implored them to choose a different area for walks: "We didn't know this was a runway."
Hopefully they don't vote... :roll:

Chris
Half Dome - 1 of 3.JPG
Iconic Half Dome, with Illilouette Fall in the background, and Glacier Point on the far right.
Half Dome - 2 of 3.JPG
Directly overhead Half Dome.
Half Dome - 3 of 3.JPG
Unusual perspective of Half Dome. Note that parts of the rear actually have an extensive overhang. The common non-technical ascent route (assisted by semi-permanent cables during summertime) is clearly visible in the center.
Upper & lower Yosemite Falls.JPG
Upper and lower Yosemite Falls. Curry Village is in the lower-right.
Descending over Tioga Pass.JPG
Descending over Tioga Pass towards Mono Lake.
Mono Lake - looking West.JPG
Mono Lake, looking West. Tioga Pass is on the far left.
Last edited by Chris B on Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Chris B
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Chris B »

Mono Lake Tufas.JPG
Tufas (limestone towers) on the Mono Lake shoreline.
Bridgeport Rwy 34.JPG
Bridgeport runway 34, elevation 6500'.
Taxiing at Bridgeport.JPG
Taxiing to transient parking, with Bridgeport in the foreground and Yosemite National Park in the background.
Bridgeport ramp.JPG
On the ramp at Bridgeport.
Climbing out of Bridgeport.JPG
Climbing out of Bridgeport.

Twin Lakes (8,500') is in the foreground, with Matterhorn Peak (12,300') on the far left. The ridge on the left marks the NE boundary of Yosemite National Park.
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kjmeyers1
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by kjmeyers1 »

Those are some amazing views...Wish I was out there too.
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Keith M
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Keith M »

Fantastic pics. How did you get such sharp resolution through the canopy?

Thanks, Keith
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Chris B
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Chris B »

Keith M wrote:How did you get such sharp resolution through the canopy?
Most of the pics were taken through the passenger-side opening. The others benefit from a recently cleaned & waxed canopy (inside & out), plus my friend's high-quality camera (long focal length, etc.).

Chris
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Gnomad »

Awesome pics and flight! Haven't looked at the charts...are there any flight restrictions over Yosemite...SFRA or 2000' AGL minimum or anything like that? Would love to check it out from the air one day!
Eric


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Chris B
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Re: Yosemite & eastern Sierras

Post by Chris B »

Thanks! I never get tired of this view.
Gnomad wrote:are there any flight restrictions over Yosemite...SFRA or 2000' AGL minimum or anything like that?
Standard National Park "request" for 2000' clearance (any direction) from the surface, including peaks, and a specific note about not descending below a rim.

AFAIK, this is not legally binding, but IMO makes a lot of sense (both in consideration of people on the ground, and safety). I also bring the prop back to ~2300 RPM to stay as quiet as possible.

Chris
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