LIFE ON THE EASTERN SLOPE

The Mighty Sierra

2012-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Glass Mountains from Shepards Hot Spring

Mt. Morrison from Shepards Hot Spring

Puppy's First Snow

2012-01-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

My Wednesday Commute

2012-01-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

On most weeks, I walk to and from work at least a couple of times. Lately, I've been working it out so that I can walk home at dusk. The other day, it sure payed off with one of those winter displays of sunset.

Tula's First Bath

2012-01-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

An Evening Of Shapes And Colors

2012-01-29T08:59:00.001-08:00

Christmas And New Years In One

2012-01-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Erica flew over on December 31st and because it was warm-ish and there was no snow on the ground, we went camping up in the area east of Crowley Lake. The meals were great, the scenery amazing and the company very fun. It was Tula's first camping trip and she learned how to become a "dust bunny" in seconds flat.

Yesterday's Romp

2011-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Tullulah is not the only puppy in the house, as Mavis proves by getting the "headed to the dump" big dog kibble bag out of the pile and making a gigantic mess in the living room.

Downed and cut down trees near The Lakes Basin Loop

These guys really like the snow. They just roll and roll in whatever they can find. Last year at this time, Mammoth had 150 inches of snow; this year, in the same time frame, 2 inches. Here and I thought I'd be all buff by now from shoveling. The forecast still has us at no precep and unseasonably warm temps. Today is no exception....so, we are going camping, and it won't be in the snow!

Ms. T get's very cold with her little no fat body. So, we share my jacket and all is well.

Loved these patterns in an old tree. How old? Not sure, but it's marked to be cut down.

We were out roaming, avoiding the non-skiers who are crowding all the cool walking areas, and on the way back to where the car was parked, I "discovered" this. A stash of wood. Not sure who it belongs to, but whoa, this would make wooding in 2012 SO much easier. Will you visit me in jail if I get caught? Just kidding, I go to the jail enough for work, and so far, they always let me out.

Happy New Year Everyone!! May it be everything you want and need. More later....Cheers! Robin, Mavis, Razz and Tallulah.

Where There's Water, There's Ice But There Is No Snow In Our Sierra

2011-12-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Vista Point out the bike path along Mammoth Creek-Looking toward the White Mountains and Crowley Lake

Ice on Mammoth Creek

Thick Ice

Lots of Ice...no snow

Parker Bench on 12/28/2011

Rock (ice) Creek from Mosquito Flat bridge 12/29/2011

Rock Creek Lake

Creek along Rock Creek road

Yes, you can drive your car all the way up to Mosquito Flat right now. No, there really isn't all that much snow on the ground or on the peaks; this is especially so for this time of year, the end of December and officially winter. Compared to last year (you can look on the blog archives to see what winter 2010 was like) it's more like summer. The last couple of days here in Mammoth it hasn't even been cold enough to make snow on the Mountain. For instance, right now, 9:22 PM, it's 41º outside and what was left of the November snow is dripping off my roof. Crazy extremes for certain.

The New Puppy

2011-12-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

Tallulah with her first bone (day three)

Tiny little nose prints now adorn the car windows

Keeping up with the big dogs

The mighty shadow is bigger than the pup

Trail time

First snow experience

Razz at the speed of light

Ragamuffin in the snow

Mavis discovering her maternal side

Today was a half day at work for me. The three dogs and I went to the vet where the puppy got her vaccinations and Mavis had some blood work done. It was an ordeal only because Tula is getting more confident and is wanting to play whenever she isn't sleeping. They slept on the way to Rock Creek, but I was the one who needed a nap.

Merry Christmas All

2011-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Masao in love with his daughter

Granddaughter Sofie @ 4 weeks.

Oranges in Bakersfield on Christmas Eve

All the mountain passes are open. So late in the season too.

Mavis and our new puppy.

Razz attempting to be small.

Mavis wondering...."kitten? squirrel?"

Meet the new addition here in Mammoth. Not sure of her name yet. Right now it's "Tule" or "T" but it could change to "Tula" or something else yet to be discovered.

Been on the road again. Went to Santa Cruz (to see family..food photos to come soon), Burlingame (to meet, hold, hang with Sofie....and to celebrate Masao's birthday and see more family), and Bakersfield (the 23rd, to get the puppy and to hang with my dear and ever true friend Kate. She drove over from Glendale and we had a wonderful time at a motel getting acquainted with the pup and enjoying holiday drinks and food). Whew. Glad to be home on this fine, not too cold and NO snow christmas here in Mammoth. Hope your holidays are wonderful and that the cheer and good tidings of this season last through the new year!

The Last Couple Of Days

2011-12-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

Been clear, cold and blue here as of late.

Mammoth trying to hang onto her snow

Winter sunset colors

Ice rivers

Owens

Cloud art

New past time: finding hot springs in Long Valley

Well, just when I thought I might get up to the Tioga area and then get some photos of the last full moon of 2011, I caught a stomach bug. Yuck! Instead I stayed home and...well, I'll spare you the details. Today I'm working on hydration and while doing so I took a drive out to Long Valley. Compared to last year, it's like a desert; a beautiful desert, for sure.

Thanksgiving Week Project

2011-12-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

My work was cut out for me. I don't think this bathroom had been painted in at least ten years. Not to mention, I'd never done a painting project like this before. During the Thanksgiving break I took it on and though I was on call and did have to spend quite a lot of time away from painting, I still managed to get it done before the week was over. And, I like the finished product.

Completed work....whew!

Door Before

Door After

Convict Lake Two Weeks Ago

2011-12-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Has it really been a month since I last posted?? So sorry to you who need your eastern slope hit. So, lately, I've been not shoveling and not learning to ski. It is beyond dry and while it's been cold (11º in the morning) and there is some snow on the ground (and lots of ice) we haven't had new precep for a long long time. Not much in the forecast either. Tioga Pass is open; full moon tonight. I'm heading up to the Tioga area later today and will, I promise, post photos this weekend. Really!

My Mom's House

2011-12-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

I was at my moms a couple of weeks ago. She has such style and I love how I feel when I am at her house. These are a few choice looks at her yard.

My Snow Angels

2011-11-06T16:04:00.001-08:00

Upper Old Mammoth Road Closed Due To Snow

2011-11-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

Green And White

2011-11-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

This Morning

2011-11-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Icicles out the kitchen window

Evidence that the squirrels are not hibernating

These Last Two Days

2011-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

First November snow

Sunset over Mammoth

Mammoth Creek

Happy dogs

Going to be awhile before this is at eye level

Looking toward Convict Lake from lower Sherwin Creek Road

Razz in her camouflage

While Razzle Dazzle is flushing birds.....

Mavis is hunting leaves in the creek

Tonight's Glory: Lake Mary

2011-10-31T19:21:00.001-07:00

This Last Weekend's Hike To Morgan Pass

2011-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Looking toward Morgan Pass

Gem Lakes

Long Lake

Heart Lake

After a very productive day at home and in Bishop, the dogs and I headed up to Rock Creek. There were a fair amount of cars parked in the Mosquito Flat parking area, so I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of folks on the trail. Once we set out, at first just to get up to Heart Lake, it was pretty clear that most hikers were only going that far so we kept on ("we'll just get up to Chickenfoot, okay girls?"). But once we got that far it only is a little more climbing to the top of Morgan Pass...which is where we ended up. What a day to be out, too. Warm, crisp, barely a breeze and very few folks doing the climb.

Atop Morgan Pass

2011-10-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Heading Up

Morgan Pass looking toward Bishop, CA

Pups on the Pass

Bear Creek Spire with Gem Lakes in the foreground

Looking toward Mono Pass

Fall Grasses And Shadows

2011-10-31T18:55:00.001-07:00

Near the inlet at Convict Lake

Convict Lake (Sunday)

2011-10-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Family Trip

2011-10-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ella and her coach in the sand

Ella and my mom

The Bro

Sweet Nina

Spent some time in OC last weekend. Saw a good amount of volleyball, ate some killer Thai food, went to a great music show (Patty Larkin) with Kate, enjoyed Costco with my mom (a hoot), had a lot of laughs and some really special times with all.

Rock Creek Trees

2011-10-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

From a quick drive up Rock Creek canyon last week...was there yesterday and most of the leaves are grounded.

It's A Long Story!

2011-10-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Morrison is the peak in the back

Convict Lake, early morning

Heading high, looking toward the Owen's river and Long Valley

Impressive drainage

Moon near Morrison

Hanging Valley's

View toward Mono Lake

October 19th two friends and I were to climb White Mountain-one of the three 14,000 footers in California. However, at the last minute we discovered the 15 mile round trip (out of the Brsitlecone Pine Preserve) would in fact be more like 35 due to mud/snow closing one of the gates at the bottom of the hill. We settled on Mt. Morrison instead and were at the Convict Lake parking lot by 7 in the morning. It was cold, clear and exciting. All cross country, we just headed up and spent about seven hours (round trip) covering some of the most beautiful land in the eastern Sierra. We got as far up as we could before being turned back by the good sense not to head up "the chute" where we would access the peak. The chute was filled with snow, ice and debris; all of which would have been fine but for the approximate 800' of elevation gain (as in too steep to fall without major damage or you know what). Still, it was a magnificent hike and I was very, very happy to be up there. One of the many highlights: a flock of 12 mountain blue birds (too shy to photograph).

Ancient Alter

2011-10-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Since this was a cross country venture, I'd get to each new rise and try to locate the next point of destination. Ahead was what looked like a large rock, and it was, but who knew it would quite the rock it was?

One Of My Favorite Spots

2011-10-30T12:21:00.001-07:00

Out the Old Sherwin Creek Road last week.

Home That Wasps Built

2011-10-30T12:19:00.001-07:00

Found this out in the woods while romping with the dogs. Cool, eh?

Split Rock

2011-10-30T12:17:00.001-07:00

At McCloud Lake, this caught my eye.

The Last Couple Of Days

2011-10-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Fall beginnings at the June Lake Loop

Morning moon, morning dog walk; Mammoth Mountain

Lake Mary getting near sunset

Yesterday's Sierra Wave over Bloody Mountain

Camping: Lower Lee Vining Canyon

2011-10-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ah, cooking on the open fire. Asparagus, corn on the cob, salmon (not pictured) and one of Margaret's homemade apple pies!

Arya brought the appetizers

Two night, two dog tent (I love my tent!)

A little aspen village

Lower Le Vining Creek at sunset

The open fire

Sunday night's dinner: locally grown heirloom tomatoes, basil and garlic. Dang good!

Hall Wilderness Last Weekend

2011-10-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Lee Vining Creek Area Last Weekend

2011-10-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Looking toward the Dana Plateau

The tree continues to grow at Cattleguard Camp #2

Aspens starting to change

Lee Vining Creek is still cranking

Early Fall Snow Storm

2011-10-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Friday, 10/7 out Sherwin Creek Road

Mammoth Mt. At least 2 feet fell up top

The beginning of last night's sunset

It's been a busy time for me as of late: I've been traveling for work, had guests here visiting, and my job has been extra full time; and there is the daily life of gym time, dog walks, wood stacking, and managing what turned out to be over a foot of new snow. Not to mention, this storm was really cold with 20º nights and not very warm days. Sounds funny I know, but I forget how cold the snow can be and I was not prepared on several different levels for this storm. However, I do have a new wood stove and it has proven to be the extra warmth I'll need for the winter. Yippee!

Now, I'm heading off to camp for a few days. I want to find some fall colors in the aspen groves and now that Tioga is back open, I'll head up and hike around in the snow, the left over late spring, and the early winter. More blog photos later. Promise.

Bad Dog/Good Dog

2011-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Mavis sneaks into the new bag of dog food thinking I can't hear what she's up to

Yesterday enjoying the snow up at Horseshoe Lake

Lynns Visit

2011-10-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

My mom drove "over the hill" for a visit two weekends ago. We explored the area and enjoyed good food, good company and even a venture out to an event.

Lynn spotted a giant, fat, ready for hibernation bear in the backyard

Up at Minaret Summit she spied many of the places we/she had been in the Sierra AND she nabbed my new and very cool jacket (now known as "our jacket").

A Day Up Tioga Way

2011-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I spent 24 hours up in the Tioga Pass area. The dogs and I camped at Ellery Lake and hiked up out of Tioga Lake and along the meadows in the Saddlebag area. There is a creek off the south side of Tioga Lake I've always wanted to follow, between Mt. Dana and the Dana Bench, so we did just that. It was still spring up there with abundant flowers and lots and lots of green (that isn't what it looks like now, I'm sure). It was a glorious day and a grand hike.

Two Weeks Ago

2011-10-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Clouds over Mono

The Beginning of Fall

Emerald Creek

Mountain Dogs

2011-09-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

I know this may sound funny, but it dawned on me today that my dogs, Mavis and Razz, really only know what it's like to live in the mountains. To them, our daily hikes, their swims, chasing varmints, rolling in snow--all a normal part of life. It made me laugh, to myself so none of the many people around might call the crisis line (I am on call, after all), to realize this. At the time, all they really cared about is that I threw another rock or stick or the tennis ball into the lake so they could fetch it out. Which I did. And, they did. Again and again.

A Place Known As "My Creek"

2011-09-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Out at the backside of Horseshoe Lake there is a year round creek. I don't know what it's proper name is, but when I go by, it's "mine." At the beginning of the summer it was completely buried in snow; now, in September, it's still green, mossy and blooming. I say my version of a prayer each time we pass it and today, finally, I remembered my camera so you could take a peek. Nice, yes?

Finally, The Rounds Are All Split

2011-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

13 strikes to get the bucking wedge in

11 strikes with the splitting maul to get it in half

Then to the splitter

And then it's done!!

Today I thought a lot about my dad. During the nineteen years I had his influence one of the many things he taught me was hand/eye physics. When I was a youngster he taught me, a girl, how to throw, "like a boy," and while it may not seem like it now, it was controversial to grant your daughter such talents. Likely, he didn't give a whit what anyone thought instead he was big on form, follow through and aim. I practiced this for hours and hours and hours. So today, when I was wielding a twenty pound maul, I automatically found myself in that mode--form, follow through, aim. Thanks to my dad and all my eons of practice, I only missed the bucking wedge a handful of times. And, that's with a whole lot of sweat in my eyes!

What I've Been Doing Instead Of Blogging

2011-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Splitting Wood!!

Mostly green Jeffrey with a couple of giant, dense rounds of Lodgepole. I have to split some of the rounds first with a splitting jack and buck wedge, and then with the maul before I can run them into the splitter. Tonight my hands, arms, and a couple of muscles located near my shoulders that I don't think I've ever felt before in my life are sore and contracted after a weekend of wood work. I've got about a cord (maybe a smidge more) cut and 35 rounds to go. Ah, the joys and work of winter prep.

Last Weekend's Hike

2011-08-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

From Saddlebag Trail head looking toward the basin. We hiked along the eastern shore to Greenstone Lake and then up to Hummingbird Lake along the Lundy Pass trail.

More Saddlebag Hike

2011-08-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

The ferry that I am not on.

I love trail shots

Some rain while we were out...but, not nearly as much as it looked like might happen

Looking toward Hall Wilderness from the Lundy Pass trail (fields of wild onion)

Hummingbird Lake

Traveling home, along eastern shore of Saddlebag looking toward Hall Wilderness area

Late August Blooms

2011-08-29T20:30:00.001-07:00

It's A Dogs Life

2011-08-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Saddlebag Area Wildflowers

2011-08-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Rainy Convict Day

2011-08-29T18:51:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I had a little extra afternoon time, so headed out to Convict to hike with the dogs. It looked grey and potentially rainy when I was approaching, but not quite a pouring rainy as it turned out to be. I didn't hike (here) after all, but I enjoyed watching people get soaked in seconds flat, not to mention, the smell of the Sierra rain and the sage is well worth the drive.

Many Faces Of McCloud Lake

2011-08-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

Looking toward Mammoth Crest

Backside of Mammoth Mountain

Late August Wildflowers

2011-08-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Following the creek that leaves McCloud Lake and flows into Horseshoe Lake. Elevation around 9,500'

My Water Dogs

2011-08-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Mavis was laughing so hard, she dropped her stick

Razz showing intensity

Girls who swim together......

Wooding With Annie And Paul

2011-07-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Along Crestview/Highway 395. My first time out "wooding." We nabbed about 3/4's of a cord (of the 4 cords I'll need to gather for this winter). What we found was Jeffrey pine, recently cleared and green, heavy and needing some time to get seasoned. Next, it will have to be split, then stacked. I'll make dinner if you want to help me....

Paul showing me how to use a chain saw. So far, so good.

What do you think? Would you trust her?

Annie loading the trailer

Three of the twelve tags I have

2011-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Iris still blooming along Mammoth Creek

Mavis and Razz Waltzing

Mammoth Creek

Skunk Cabbage

Lupin Lupin

Camping Last Weekend

2011-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Erica and I camped up at Sawmill Walk-In last weekend. It was amazing and just beginning to get mosquito filled. I'm guessing, right about now, it's so full of the little buggers it would be enough to send you over the edge. But, who is going to go there to find out? Not me.

Mt. Dana at Sunset from site #4

My sweet (mostly) sun puppy

From the house

The creek down the gorge from site #4 (brother Mark, this is where the tent landed last year; would have been history this year....

Rocks and flowers...what else is necessary?

Grass Lake Hike, 7/16/2011

2011-07-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Heading up West Line Street

Heading home

Muddy, wet shoes drying for tomorrow's adventure

I just posted many new photos from the last ten or so days. Once you get to the bottom of the page, click on "older posts" until you get to the large bouquet of wild Iris in "My Meadow." Thanks for tuning in.

Trail Signs

2011-07-16T19:33:00.001-07:00

Banner Year For Wildflowers

2011-07-16T19:31:00.001-07:00

Trail Dirt & Loyality

2011-07-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Lots of water, lots of mud(LOTS of mosquitos)

Love Sierra Trails

Mavis looking after me

Grass/North Lake

2011-07-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Grass Lake/Destination

North Lake/Trail Head

Lembert Dome/Tuolumne Meadows, July 12th

2011-07-16T19:18:00.001-07:00

Tuolumne (Lake) Meadows/Lake Tenaya, July 7th

2011-07-16T19:17:00.003-07:00

From the bridge just before the campground, looking south

Looking north from the area near the store

Heading along Highway 120, Tuolumne Lake

Looking east at Tuolumne

TIoga Pass Road, July 7th

2011-07-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Heading over to San Francisco and Santa Cruz last week.

Mt. Dana/Tioga Lake

Dana Meadow

My Meadow

2011-07-16T19:11:00.001-07:00

Spring is springing in the meadow down my street. Common is my dog walk here; common is the awe.

From The Tioga Pass Road

2011-07-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lee Vining Creek Headwaters

Looking UP from Highway 120

Tioga/Saddlebag Area

2011-07-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

AJ and Torrey are here. We walked up the plowed but not auto accessible Saddlebag Road to the Sawmill Campground area. SO much snow up there. SO much water. SO much beauty and NO people! A perfect day!!

Texture

2011-07-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

The Best Beer Ever

2011-07-03T20:22:00.001-07:00

Go get some NOW!

Dog Days

2011-07-03T20:21:00.001-07:00

Once again, the dogs love their snow!

Sawmill Water, Water Everywhere

2011-07-03T20:20:00.001-07:00

Oh, Razz....Really??

2011-07-03T20:18:00.001-07:00

She heads for the body of water, tucks her butt like she's going to lie down and then, well, she does. She would still be there if not for a call to dinner!

Bumper Crop

2011-07-03T20:16:00.001-07:00

Wild Onions

Razz's Instructions On Fetching A Stick In A Frozen Lake

2011-06-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

First you find a place to enter the water. If you try too hard to break through the ice, you get yelled at, so finding a spot that is part water, part ice is the best.

Then, you plunge in. Find the stick, find the stick. Swim back.

Then you dash out, shake off the water and ice particles.

And, before you can go back in and do it again (and again, and again) you roll in the snow.

Ah, this is the life.

Horseshoe Lake Snow Slog

2011-06-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've taken the dogs up here three times now in the last week. The road is closed from the Twin Falls bridge to Horseshoe, so there's a bit of a walk to get back to what amounts to a whole lot of snow (and dog fun). Yesterday we walked around the lake and while only some of us swam and ate parts of sticks all of us had a blast.

Lake Mary Road

2011-06-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Cryatal Crag, Lake Maime

Horseshoe Lake

The Lakes Basin Road opened last week; well, at least partially. It's still not open all the way around and the last quarter mile or so to Horseshoe is covered with snow. I was up there yesterday with the dogs, and while there were a few others, my two wanted to romp in the snow (their favorite thing) so we were a little off the not so beaten path and did not see a soul nor a footprint. I am making this up, but I think Horseshoe is right around 9000' and from this elevation on up there is a lot more to melt. In the shaded areas the tree wells look to be about 5 or 6 feet deep. For a few days last week we had seasonal temperatures, in the high 70's, but it's cooled down considerably since which really slows the melt down. Not sure what/where I will be today, but will take my camera and post what I find.

Backyard Bear

2011-06-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last night while eating dinner, one of my visiting Santa Cruz friends says, rather calmly given the circumstances, "hey, there is a bear in your backyard." Sure enough, there was. Once Mavis and Razz caught on, great watch dogs that they all, all hell broke loose.

Old Marina, Mono Lake

2011-06-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Currently I work in Bridgeport for part of each Wednesday. Today, because I can, I decided to take my lunch break along the way and spend the time walking out at the Old Marina at Mono Lake. It was glorious....paintbrush blooming all over the place, green grasses, birds, birds, birds, and a whole lot of sunshine.

Ole Paintbrush

2011-06-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

Meet Flora And Fauna

2011-06-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Conway Summit Turning Green

2011-06-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

Finally, Some Backcountry

2011-06-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Heart Lake

Trail in snow

Looking east from trail

Lush, green, very very wet

Trail to heart Lake, Morgan Pass/Bear Creek Spire in background

Wild, wild onion

Took Monday off while Erica was here and we decided to see how the Rock Creek area was looking. Lucky us, it was the first day the road was open all the way up to Mosquito Flat. The trail was rather muddy, wet, and at times snow filled. We ventured cross country for awhile and made our way to Heart Lake for a snack. It's going to be some time before all the snow melts out enough to be able to get very far in, but with the forecasted 80º tomorrow, that should help.

Feed From Ruby Lake

2011-06-21T07:15:00.001-07:00

More Rock Creek Monday

2011-06-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Water Bar doing it's job

Mavis Tin-Tin

Razz swimming in paradise

Sparkling moss

Keith Greeninger And Dayan Kai

2011-06-21T07:08:00.001-07:00

Mono Lake annual Bird Chautauqua

Spring Sighting

2011-06-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

Friday, BTPO (before Tioga Pass opens)

2011-06-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just before Ellery Lake off 120

From Junction Campground, looking toward Knot Dana/Mt. Dana

Road to Junction Campground

Tioga the day before opening

Water along Highway 120

Lee Vining Creek, Flooding!

2011-06-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

@ Moraine Campground

Booming Creek

Wednesday Commute

2011-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Iris blooming along Green Creek Road/Highway 395

Conway Summit Area

Mono Lake

Finally some spring! Lee Vining word, "Tioga opening Saturday at 8AM." I say, be there or be square. I'll get myself up to Tuolumne sometime soon and get some shots of the water/snow up there. Stay tuned. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm

Chores

2011-06-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Town of Mammoth has an annual "clean up day" where you can, among other things, fill orange bags with debris from your property. Tomorrow a Town truck will come and collect all the orange bags in each neighborhood; no garbage (bears) but pretty much whatever you can rake, sweep or grab that would be better at the dump than in the yard. I went for it beginning yesterday and then again today, between a trip to Lower Sherwin Creek Road with some friends, I finished the task. Man, am I pooped now!

Lower Sherwin Creek, Sunday Romp

2011-06-12T19:46:00.001-07:00

Dog Sunday

2011-06-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

Old Mammoth Road, June 11th

2011-06-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

One More Of Tioga Lake, June 4th

2011-06-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

Looking down on Tioga Lake from where we hiked in the snow.

Driving Down 120 To Tioga Pass Resort, 6/4/2011

2011-06-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tioga Pass Road, June 4th

2011-06-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tioga Lake, looking toward Tioga PassWhat I only know to call, "Knot Dana," aka: the spur that sits below Mt. Dana (which is in the cloudy background)
Junction Campground
Junction, looking toward the Saddlebag area
Melt along the road
When will Tioga open? A common question around here. Maybe by June 30th? There is SO much snow up there and aside from the amount, it hasn't been until the last couple of days that we've had warming temperatures to begin what will be a massive melt/thaw. Last weekend the lower gate was open and we headed up as far along 120 as we could (about 1/4 mile shy of the Tioga kiosk). It was snowing and blowing while we were up there. Seems kind of impossible that the snow will leave the backcountry at all, but things do move fast once it warms up. Will see. Can't go up there this weekend to see the difference (I'm on call) but maybe next??

By the way, I just posted a LOT of photos, so when you get to the bottom of these, click on "older posts" to get to the other pages. Also, in case you don't know, if you click on the photo itself, you'll get a larger version. Cheers!

Hike To Valentine Lake (Almost)

2011-06-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey sheddingView of 395/203 junction
Phlox (the first wildflowers I've seen at this elevation since last year)

When Erica was here last weekend we decided to hike up the Valentine Lake trail. We didn't remember that we never really just hike a little ways up, and we also didn't remember to take our rain/snow jackets. We got a couple of miles up (and up, and up) and turned around once the hail/snow/rain like particles began to, well, pelt us. Someday, soon I imagine, we'll get up there and see the lake.

Lee Vining Creek, June 4th

2011-06-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's All In The Hips

2011-06-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

After two days of big time romping, Mavis uses her "sit and wait for them to come by before I pounce" strategy when her legs, hips, etc. are bothering her. A still photo doesn't capture it, of course, but her little tail wags like crazy the entire time. Pretty sweet.

A Natural Spring

2011-06-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Cross Lee Vining Creek at the worn out bridge, head east....there's a bog like, natural spring area with what looks (and tastes!) like wild water cress. I'll do some research and get back to you.