Monday, August 27, 2012

June Lakes










We had a fine trip, Taylor, Sam, Carole and I had five days traveling together up 395 to the eastern Sierra’s June Lakes. It is a wonderful and most attractive area. My previous drive-throughs worked for scouting and I knew it would be stellar. We all enjoyed the spacious cabin almost on the lake. The little lakes, including Gull in our photo, at 7600' elevation sit in glacial potholes, most less than a mile in any direction. They make a delightful necklace cast about the arc of the valley on the east Sierra escarpment where Reverse Ridge provides the western hub in the glacial valley. The small ski operation shut down this year from lack of profit and looks to be devastating for winter months’ tourism. There will be people for cross country skiing, maybe skating on the lakes and possibly ice fishing. TV won't bring in many I suspect.

Stormy
Sam on June Lake
Our kayaking on the lake every day and some hiking garnered great views. We visited the ghost town, Bodie with a fascinating tour of the stamping mill. It was the best explanation of hard-rock gold mining and processing. While many buildings stand today, they are but 5% of the town before burning in 1932.
We spent a little time at Mono Lake visiting the center we missed in previous trips. The movie filled in more geology on the surrounding area so when it blows up we’ll know what we lost. After Yellowstone, this is one of the more probable volcanic action points in the west. Contemplating over a sundae in Lee Vining brought us full circuit on another day.
Bodie Ore Bus


2 comments:

haff dane said...

nice pictures. kayaking seems so much fun ... until on the water and paddling ... then it's frightful work. a small electric motor would sure enhance the experience, I'm thinking. I enjoy your writing style.

Richard Sherman said...

What a beautiful setting! I'd love the ghost town -- used to explore these growing up in Colorado. Something very poignant about buildings with no humans around....