This week has been all about the Ansel Adams Exhibit for which I am serving as docent. I really didn’t know much about him prior to this . . . Oh, I was aware he was a famous photographer who specialized in black and white prints. but other than that I did not know much at all.
This week I’ve learned from my own research and from my superiors in the museum, but I’ve also learned from visitors who ask great questions (for which while I have to initially answer “I don’t know” but I will research that tonight and the next person who asks I will have an answer! And that’s exactly what I do. It is in that regard that I have learned the most.
There is an Adams Gallery here in the Yosemite Valley as well, just 2 buildings from the Museum. The board chair for that gallery is Adams grandson, Matthew. While I have not met him I have the folks at the Gallery and they are the most knowledgeable about the Adams photography and his prints. Talking with them has been truly information and I so appreciate their willingness to share information.
The exhibit we are displaying is a museum set that was sold on the condition that it be donated to a museum for display. We have prints in this collection that even folks at the Gallery have not seen. I wish I could share each and every print with you.
Had a fun moment on my lunch hour this past Tuesday. Was heading to the post office to mail some letters and there was Jay with his Ranger Rider hanging out in the Valley. Jay is an attention lover, and calms down when he is petted. When they stop he gets antsy and she lets him walk in circles until more come to pet him! He is 8 years old and works with a team taking supplies up to the higher elevations. I loved meeting him (and petting him too!)
I did mention that last week Mary (from the museum) and I went to Tuolumne Meadows. The elevation there is 10,000 feet and it was beautiful! On the way up Tioga Pass we were visiting and looking at our surroundings when Mary said “BEAR” and there just walking up the side of the road was a large brown bear. We stopped the car and watched as he very slowly walked into the trees and stopping to look at us. Wasn’t long before other cars were stopping to see. It was absolutely magical to see this powerful animal.
Glacier rock was amazing, so smooth and polished. And Tenaya Lake was unbelievable. The pictures do NOT do it justice. It is 114 feet deep and so clear and blue. I believe it is about a mile across. One of Mary’s friends swam in several weeks ago. The water, as you might imagine, is very cold. I really can’t imagine that swim across but finishing it must have been an awesome feeling!
Thursday night was a local (El Portal community) shindig with Sal’s taco truck stopping by the community center. I think everyone in the small community came to eat and visit. This coming week we have another event called Mexican Bingo Night. L&J Mexican Food will be there with tacos and drinks. The Community Center has a building here in the community right next to the Post Office. Great area for these get togethers!
Today is Sunday and I’m off again to explore with Mary. We are going to Wawona. More about that coming soon.
As always, forgive any errors. Hugs to all,
Mara
Love the update and all the pictures.