bucket list #34
curated by
Kevin J Grant LIGHTALLIANCE What
Experience the visual phenomenon known as the ‘Firefall’.
Where
The Horsetail Fall at Yosemite National Park in California, USA.
How
Most extreme rock climbers will be aware of El Capitan - it’s the centre of the rockclimbing universe. The Horsetail Fall flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan, in Yosemite Valley. When the setting sun illuminates the Fall, it can glow with vibrant and radiant amber hues, for maybe 10 minutes or so, invoking images of fire, or molten lava. Although it’s entirely natural, this rare phenomenon is perhaps reminiscent of the man-made Firefall shows, which historically occurred from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. A huge bonfire was pushed over a waterfall as part of the annual 4 July celebrations in the late 1800s and revived again for a short period until the last event in 1968.
When
This unique, natural, and magical illusion only happens when the conditions are just right, during mid to late February with a clear sky, when the ice has melted, and the waterfall is flowing.
Why
As designers we are often inspired by nature – embracing powerful images and contrasts, dynamic variations, and rich multi-sensory experiences which can enliven the senses. www.lightalliance.com 130 / 131
“To love beauty is to see light.” Victor Hugo
Image: © Sangeeta Dey - @Sangetadeyphotography