The Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Winter 2018

Blog Resurrection ...

I haven't updated this Blog in seven years, and we have been to so many NEW places in these past years that it seems prudent to do so now.

While I have previously blogged about the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, we toured around the area much more extensively in the Winter February 2018, including spending a few days north at Mono Lake.

	We love camping in the Alabama Hills in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mount Whitney. The town of Lone Pine is nearby. We had a snowstorm one night during our stay in February 2018, and while it didn't stick to the trailer, the mountains were beautifully frosted in the morning.
	A drive around Movie Road in the Alabama Hills brings you near a few arches. This is Mobius Arch with a view of Mt. Whitney through the arch.
	While there were no fish hatching, the scenery was still breathtaking. The Mt. Whitney State Fish Hatchery is just north of the town of Independence on Highway 395.
	We hiked and drove a few of the trails just off of Highway 395 north of Lone Pine. Pictured here is Crater Mountain, and Area of Environmental Critical Concern, a lava bed with interesting flora. Other areas we explored are Onion Valley Road west of Independence and Glacier Lodge Road west of Big Pine.
	This view of the Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains looking north is from the top of Mazourka Canyon Road, east of Independence.  While the drive through the canyon is pretty, the view from the top is spectacular.
	Cerro Gordo is an old silver mining town turned ghost town. Privately owned now, tours are available.
	We took advantage of some excellent weather in February and drove north to Mono Lake for a few days. Here's a shot of the tufa formations at sunrise.
	Just before sunset, the lake calmed down again to get many beautiful photos. It was almost impossible to select just one.
	We took a day and drove the June Lake Loop just south of Mono Lake. This kayaker was enjoying some beautiful, calm weather on Grant Lake at the north end of the loop drive.
	Brad overlooking pretty June Lake.
	We had two beautiful days exploring Mono Lake and around June Lake, it is not a winter destination. An impending snowstorm forced us south to Bishop where we set up camp for a day, only to be evacuated by a fire. Death Valley, here we come!