We hiked from the high desert with its low-growing plants into the alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevadas in California. Scrub gave way to aspens and pine, and soon we came upon the goal of this hike: a pristine, crystalline lake. If you look closely to the mountain in the “V” you will see the mountain stream and waterfalls which feed into Parker Lake. A two-mile hike at a high altitude (9000 ft?) was worth it all! Click to enlarge!
These are beautiful flowers I found while out wandering . . .looking at the original mines in Mammoth Lakes, California . . . and looking for my husband who had wandered off. Luckily I found him, as this is not country to get lost in!
We spent the last week up in the area of Mammoth Lakes, located on the eastern slope of the Sierras, up Highway 395. Can you believe I have never been up that road?!?
We hiked and ate and took pictures and saw the sites. The weather was superb. We had to adjust from living at 800 feet above sea level to going up to 8000 feet and higher – shortness of breath (SOB!), dry eyes and nose, and so on. We got comfortable at 8000, but moving up, like in walking uphill, became a challenge at times, so we would rest and then continue. This gave for a lot of wonderful opportunities to look around, take in a breath of sage and pine, and snap away.
This view of Mono Lake is from the Parker Lake Trail, and is created from a montage of about 8 images. Click on the image for a bigger version.
These weeds – oat grass? – are typical grasses in open areas of southern California. The seed heads are sharp and stick into your socks and shoes and work their way in. Pity the poor dog who doesn’t get these removed . . . Mother Nature’s way to ensure a new generation is propagated someplace!
This was taken late in the day, and really underexposed. Cleanup was not the best, nor composition, but I rather like it despite that. Roads leading into the horizon are always fascinating.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 