On August 6th, 2006 Herb Dunn was sitting on a rock along the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. He was taking photos and enjoying a great summer day. He had just taken a photo of Elephant Rock.

Suddenly he heard a loud POP. Startled, he quickly looked high up the canyon wall to where the sound originated and saw a huge rock about 100 feet long and about 50 feet wide, falling from the steep canyon face. The rock hit the ground, and exploded, sending a shower of boulders into the air (one rock the size of a microwave oven splashed into the river in front of him as he photographed the event).

Herb prepared to run but the terrain around him was too steep and rocky. Escape was impossible. So he did what any respectable photographer would do and shot photos of the entire event. Fortunately the avalanche of rock and debris stopped short of his position. He shares his images below for your education and interest.