Olmsted Point Sunset

OLMSTED POINT, Yosemite National Park

Friday, September 9, 2011; 7:20 p.m.

The weather report called for thunderstorms and blustery conditions.

After checking Doppler Radar for the Yosemite high country, I set out for Tuolumne Meadow via the Old Tioga Road. The objective was two-fold: 1) to capture a colorful sunset and 2) to hunt down and photograph a lightning storm.

The situation was promising as I approached Crane Flat just above and outside Yosemite Valley at about 4 p.m. Steady rain gave way to several sharp reports of thunder followed by a flash of light in the distance.

Alas, it was short-lived. By the time I reached Tuolumne Meadow the rain had stopped and a dull, gray overcast enveloped the whole sky. Nothing much to do but wait and see if conditions improved.

I pulled into the Tuolumne Village Store parking lot to watch the sky.

Then, as I began the ride home with nothing exceptional in the camera the sky began to tease. Small pockets of light opened up here and there.

Finally arriving at Olmsted Point the sunset began to look very promising.

Alas and alack, it just didn't quite pan out. There was just too much cloud cover at the western horizon to illuminate Half Dome. However, some rich golden orange light did graze the high clouds in the distance, allowing for this pleasant rendition.