A Traveler and his Cat exploring America.





Thursday, October 2, 2014

Good Fences at Vernal Falls


Yosemite, California

This is the fence to keep people safe from the roaring waters flowing over the precipice of Vernal Falls in Yosemite Valley.  This is a Good Fence.

 Notice the smooth granite near the fence.  That is because the water comes up nearly to the fence itself in the Spring.  Yet people still climb over the fence and are swept off over the edge.
I cannot begin to imagine the terror one would feel. 

 But that terror would only last for a brief instant before being crushed to death 317 feet below.
These photos were of two years ago this month when I was there.  I've always seen the falls with a lot of water flowing and this view I had never seen before due to the large volume of water and mist.
I imagine with this current drought California is in, the falls have probably even less water,
if any at all right now.

I had to borrow this image from the Internet so you can see what Vernal Falls should look like.
If you are interested in reading stories of those who have gone over the falls unwillingly here is a good write-up of these instances.

For more fences visit TexWisGirl's Good Fences

30 comments:

s.c said...

Yes water is becoming a problem.

biebkriebels said...

Ah Yosemite, I liked that so much all those falls. In a flat country as ours we never see falls.

EG CameraGirl said...

Not hard to see why they need fencing there!!

Anonymous said...

This is amazing. I love places like this.

Linda Kay said...

In some areas the falls in these areas are so dependent on the drought level, and California might not have much in falls right now. Kind of like the lakes in Texas.

Tanya Breese said...

beautiful! i can't imagine climbing over.

Anonymous said...

At Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, I can't imagine disrespecting a fence by climbing over it. S-h-u-d-d-e-r.

TexWisGirl said...

wow! beautiful cliffs and falls! i'd not want to take one (fall, that is...) thanks, john!

MarkD60 said...

It's a good fence indeed, that keeps you from falling off a cliff!

21 Wits said...

Now this is one clever and rocking view! The shadow of the fence is my favorite view of it.

Anonymous said...

Love the fence shadow!

Latane Barton said...

I am sure that the fence has saved many lives. And, yet, some people don't take anything seriously and are lost.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Now that fence is a good idea!! Love the shadow as well and the waterfall.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

The falls are beautiful and treacherous ... I wouldn't assume that anyone who would climb the fence in such a place isn't doing it because they want to go over. Suicide is a serious epidemic especially in difficult econonmic times. A very sad state indeed. But none of that takes away from the natural beauty that nature shares with us ... Wonderful set of pictures ...

Andrea @ From The Sol

Anonymous said...

Yes, that is most definitely a 'good fence'!

These are amazing images. We have been to Yosemite but never up close to Vernal Falls. (Time for a return visit!)

Visiting from Good Fences #28.

Lindy

Ida said...

Gorgeous falls both with and without much water flowing over and yes I would stay behind that fence. It amazes me though the people who don't head such warnings. I read the article of those who died there. That was quite something in itself.

RedPat said...

It is a gorgeous spot! And needs that fence for sure.

A Colorful World said...

A VERY good fence!!! Such gorgeous falls, but so sad that some have fallen off in the past.

eileeninmd said...

It is a pretty waterfalls and a gorgeous park! There was only a drizzle going over the falls when I visited years ago! Beautiful shot!

A Colorful World said...

Just wanted to add that I just read the article. So sad! We always underestimate the power of nature!

Rose said...

I don't even like to think of being swept over those falls! And would probably refrain from leaning on the fence, no matter how sturdy it looks.

barbara l. hale said...

Well, there's not a doubt in my mind that people can be stupid. Anyone who climbs over that fence must be. It looks like a spectacular place even with low water.

T. Becque said...

It's beautiful. As for myself, I would stay on the right side of the fence!

4RRanch said...

That first picture could.almost give me vitigo. I like the shadows. Beautiful location.

Jeanne said...

Nice twist on the fence shots. The shadows make them quite interesting. But my favorite thing is the mood at the top of the falls. I love that calmness before the storm.

Randy said...

What a beautiful place to explore. I've been there once when I was a kid but it was in Winter and covered in snow.

bj said...

it's such a pretty place and your photos do it justice.

Debbie said...

WoW!! what incredible perspectives!! waterfalls are my favorites!!!

Carola Bartz said...

We call Yosemite the National Park in our backyard. It's an all time favorite of ours. We hiked up the Mist trail years ago in the spring when there was lots of water and of course we got pretty wet. Vernal Falls are beautiful, but we were quite taken aback about the stupidity of so many people who climbed the fence. It's there for a reason... Thank you for these beautiful pictures that brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Yes, I guess, it's pretty dried up by now and probably only a trickle.

Amy Burzese said...

A good and sturdy fence. Maybe everyone will stay behind it.