On the eastern flank of the Sierras there's Mammoth, renowned as a base for fishing, skiing, hiking and winding down after them. We got set up in the local Motel 6 amidst storm squalls, and then went out for a bit of windshield touring when the sun came out.
It's a region of geothermal activity and numerous rock faults and subterrainean mysteries. We got to the lake and there were all these trees like a petrified forest.
And you see this sign on the washrooms, thinking it's some kind of high school end-of-year prank...
But then I read the warning signs and learn the area is subject to carbon dioxide gas seeping out of the ground-in concentrations high enough that its a danger if you ski and fall down into a snow depression. The trees bear witness to the effect.
To look down at Mammoth Lakes, have a look at this stereo image. Cross your eyes and try for the middle image that forms.
I guess the summer is the time to spruce up the ski runs and finish the special bridges over the roads!
The motel was a base for many people who love to be outdoors, like me, and like Christian and Saskia at www.face-the-world.com They had their wheels ready to go, and go they do, shipping their Land Rover, travelling all over the world with a group of expats, exploring and pushing into the distant territories. It's really worth a run through their website. All the Best to both of you! I look forward to doing the same sometime. What a life.
and to meet their intrepid friends, including a couple with a VW around-the-world bus, visit:
Even close to the desert, we're only minutes away from great water. Here's a special parking spot for people getting ready for it ( like you Bev, or you Kim.)
A sunny morning greets us for our departure into the desert. I'm outside loading the jeep, and I see the Harleys parked right there. The first one fires up and while it's getting warm I go over for a chat. We're talking away, and it sounds as if he has an interest in photography. "Have a look at my license plate he says." LOL
Turns out James is from Burbank and runs a business doing video post special effects (including the early (and ground-breaking) 60's shows...Bewitched, I dream of Jeannie...etc. Now the open road beckons part of the time with months of good riding weather. Check out the stereo photo pair-cross your eyes and try seeing the handsignal in 3D.
Gettting over into Owen's Valley, next to the mountains up through Lone Pine, the weather is still turbulent and microbursts tell that story. As we get closer to Lee Vining (the eastern terminus of the Tioga Pass over the mountains) the weather still threatens. Mono Lake is right there so it's time for a detailed look.
Some of the access roads are flooded-not the kind of thing you want to risk crossing, especially when you see a little bit further downstream...On the south side of the lake is Panum Crater and the walk around its rim gives a great vantage point for a wide panorama shot.
Mammoth Lakes then up 395 to Mono Lake
Again the weather is perfect for photography. You just need to keep good raingear closeby!
Now it's time to head up the 395 to Lake Tahoe...
