Sierra Nevadas

Basecamp: Indy

Posted January 24, 2018 by Dick Dorkin

We’ve been unintentionally staying at all the little towns which line California Highway 395 on the eastern side of the Sierras. Over the Martin Luther King holiday, we adopted Independence as our temporary home, a town which has been around since 1861. As always, our basic MO will be wandering, exploring and maximizing fun.

In an effort to kill time before hotel check-in time, we stopped by the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. When construction was completed in 1917, it was the largest and best equipped hatchery in California and could produce 2,000,000 fish fry per year. Unfortunately were were visiting during a time of year when tours are not available, so we wandered the exterior, peering into windows like a Peeping Tom.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (2018-01-13)

Our traditional "John Muir Wilderness sign photo" while hiking up the Baxter Pass Trail. — Our traditional “John Muir Wilderness sign photo” while hiking up the Baxter Pass Trail.

The Independence Cemetery -- a couple blocks from our motel containing former residents who were miners and ranchers and soldiers. — The Independence Cemetery — a couple blocks from our motel containing former residents who were miners and ranchers and soldiers.

For the long weekend, we holed up in our cozy cabin (read: compact) at the Mt Williamson Motel. The location gave us easy access to the Sierras and the White Mountains. — For the long weekend, we holed up in our cozy cabin (read: compact) at the Mt. Williamson Motel. The location gave us easy access to both the Sierras and the White Mountains.

Walking outside our motel room and looking west, we were greeted by this morning view of the Sierras: Mt Bradley on the left; University Peak on the right.

Our destination for the day was Mazourka Peak, a 9410' hilltop in the White Mountains. Heading up Mazourka Canyon Road, we first crossed the only remaining 100' section of the Carson & Colorado Railroad at Kersearge Station. A simple museum, of sorts. — Our destination for the day was Mazourka Peak, a 9410′ hilltop in the White Mountains. Heading up Mazourka Canyon Road, we first crossed the only remaining 100′ section of the Carson & Colorado Railroad at Kersearge Station. A simple museum, of sorts.

Our first stop up the canyon was at the Diggin's, a semi-active mining claim with some left-over infrastructure. Water flowed from the locked-up mine, running past grape arbors and cottonwood trees. And that there is the Slim Princess. — Our first stop up the canyon was at the Diggin’s, a semi-active mining claim with some left-over infrastructure. Water flowed from the locked-up mine, running past grape arbors and cottonwood trees. And that there is the Slim Princess.

The guys at the Diggin's were creative -- they placed the sanitary facilities directly over an abandoned vertical mine shaft. Bombs away! — The guys at the Diggin’s were creative — they placed the sanitary facilities directly over an abandoned vertical mine shaft. Bombs away!

At the top of Mazourka Peak we were rewarded with spectacular views of the Eastern Sierras and Owens Valley.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (2018-01-14)

Along with hilltop communications equipment, we saw an EarthScope GPS monitoring station, keeping a watchful eye on our pesky tectonic plates.

On the way back down Mazourka Canyon, we stopped to check out one of the many silver and lead mines in the area which had been worked for more than 100 years.

This mine went about 50' into the mountain, then dead-ended. Remember kids, don't try this at home -- you'll have to go to the desert and find your own abandoned mine. — This mine went about 50′ into the mountain, then dead-ended. Remember kids, don’t try this at home — you’ll have to go to the desert and find your own abandoned mine.

We took advantage of less-than-perfect weather to visit the Eastern California Museum in Independence. There were lots of cool exhibits including mining and ranching, and information about the Manzanar "relocation center." Very interesting and well worth the visit. — We took advantage of less-than-perfect weather to visit the Eastern California Museum in Independence. There were lots of cool exhibits including mining and ranching, and information about the Manzanar “relocation center.” Very interesting and well worth the visit.

Sunday night dinner at the Still Life Cafe next door to the market. The owners are not without personality and they serve great food.

On the way home we opted to take Foothill Road to the Alabama Hills, paralleling Highway 395. More fun because it's dirt! — On the way home we opted to take Foothill Road to the Alabama Hills, paralleling Highway 395. More fun because it’s dirt!

Nine Days in the Eastern Sierras

Posted August 3, 2017 by Dick Dorkin

Nine days to kill in the Eastern Sierra — what a great problem to have.

Of course there was the usual mountain biking, most likely relegated to Lower Rock Creek or other non-Mammoth Mountain locations. We wandered into the eastern side of Yosemite Park a couple days, and also hit a lot of other trails and creeks and lakes. We made one unsuccessful trip to Laurel Lakes.

As always, we got to see and experience lots of cool new things.

While driving north on CA-395, we stopped to see the Olancha Art Stuff - this piece apparently inspired by The Simpsons. — While driving north on CA-395, we stopped to see the Olancha Sculpture Garden — this piece apparently inspired by The Simpsons.

600 inches of winter snow in the Sierras translates to a ton of snow remaining in July. Creeks are flowing fast and full, and lakes crept into the forests.

Saddlebag Resort was not open in July, and due to snow damage, would not be opening for the remainder of 2017. If you're looking to purchase a resort in the high Sierras, this one is for sale. — Saddlebag Resort was not open in July, and due to snow damage, would not be opening for the remainder of 2017. If you’re looking to purchase a resort in the high Sierras, this one is for sale. In the background is mostly-frozen Saddlebag Lake.

Non-plowed snow at the side of the road at Saddlebag Lake.

A photo sphere above Saddlebag Lake. Watch for pinkish Watermelon Snow.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Saddlebag_PS)

And speaking of snow damage, the Tioga Pass Resort is also not opening for the season. Many cabins near the creek were still flooded.

The Tuolumne River flows through Tuolumne Meadows in eastern Yosemite. Much of the meadow is flooded.

Carol and I hiked a short section of the John Mu Trail in Tuolumne Meadows.

Hiking around Convict Lake:

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Convict_Lake_PS)

Suncups near the base of Mammoth Mountain Resort topped with road cinders. Suncups form during the ablation of snowy surfaces.

The top of Mammoth Mountain in July -- the smokey skies in the background are the result of burning wildfires on the western side of the Sierras. — The top of Mammoth Mountain in July — the smokey skies in the background are the result of burning wildfires on the western side of the Sierras.

Jan and Carol look at distant lakes from the top of Mammoth Mountain.

Mammoth is planning to be open for skiing and snowboarding through mid-August. Not so good for us mountain bikers -- our only riding options were the baby trails at the bottom of the mountain -- not worth a day's lift pass. — Mammoth is planning to be open for skiing and snowboarding through mid-August. Not so good for us mountain bikers — our only riding options were the baby trails at the bottom of the mountain — not worth a day’s lift pass.

Hell yeah there’s skiing at Mammoth in July — Smokey more than adequately proves the point:

Back in Yosemite again -- this time on top of Pothole Dome, an easy hike with spectacular 360º views. — Back in Yosemite again — this time on top of Pothole Dome, an easy hike with spectacular 360º views.

Rocks on the top of Pothole Dome left behind from receding glaciers 20-30 years ago.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Pothole_Dome_PS)

The Tuolumne River experiencing a heavy flow this time of the year.

Virginia Lake:

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Virginia_Lake_PS)

Any more, it's become a tradition to stop at the Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine. Awesome BBQ and even better BBQ sauce. Sorry foodies, no kale or tofu or keen-wah here. — Any more, it’s become a tradition to stop at the Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine. Awesome BBQ and even better BBQ sauce. Sorry foodies, no kale or tofu or keen-wah here.

No Love from Laurel Lakes

Posted July 31, 2017 by Dick Dorkin

Time to take Dennis to Laurel Lakes — he’s never been there.

The 10-mile out-and-back road starts a little south of Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierras and climbs 2,700′, topping out a little over 10,000′. We were hoping to make our destination, but given the amount of snow the area received that winter, failure was a distinct possibility.

We press on …

After climbing the moraine at the north end of the valley, the road follows Laurel Creek through a meadow. Spring arrived at 9,000' in July. — After climbing the moraine at the north end of the valley, the road follows Laurel Creek through a meadow. Spring arrived at 9,000′ in July.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Laurel2_PS)

We stopped at one of the road's switchbacks to gawk at the waterfalls and scenery. — We stopped at one of the road’s switchbacks to gawk at the waterfalls and scenery.

The road to Laurel Lakes snakes up a classic, glacier-carved valley found many places in the Sierras. Travelers who suffer from high anxiety probably won't enjoy this road. — The road to Laurel Lakes snakes up a classic, glacier-carved valley found many places in the Sierras. Travelers who suffer from high anxiety probably won’t enjoy this road.

At 10,000' we hit big snow and we were done. The snow appeared to be an old avalanche, carrying varying sizes of tree chunks. At the bottom of the snowfall, smaller pines were semi-pushed over. — At 10,000′ we hit big snow and we were done. The snow appeared to be an old avalanche, carrying varying sizes of tree chunks. At the bottom of the snowfall, smaller pines were semi-pushed over.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Laurel_PS)

When it became time to reverse rudder, we realized that the last turn-out was a long way down the hill. With Dennis' help, I spun the truck around in the width of the road, backing up against a tree for added peace of mind. — When it became time to reverse rudder, we realized that the last turn-out was a long way down the hill. With Dennis’ help, I spun the truck around in the width of the road, backing up against a tree for added peace of mind.

The waterfall is the outflow from Laurel Lakes, located on the other side of the smaller, closer saddle. The snowy road can be seen along the left, tree-free (but not snow-free) slope.

Sierra’s Fall Colors

Posted October 28, 2016 by Dick Dorkin

Aspens changing color at 9,000' in Tioga Pass near the east entrance to Yosemite National Park. — Aspens changing color at 9,000′ in Tioga Pass near the east entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Rock Creek both fills and drains Rock Creek Lake.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (lundy-canyon)

The trail to Lake Dorothy. The best fall colors were over 9,000' elevation, but slowly creeping down the mountain. — The trail to Lake Dorothy. The best fall colors were over 9,000′ elevation, but slowly creeping down the mountain.

A beaver-dammed lake on Mill Creek. At only 8,000', trees were only beginning to change color. — A beaver-dammed lake on Mill Creek. At only 8,000′, trees were just *beginning* to change color.

Fall color-overload approaching the top end of Lundy Canyon. — Fall color overload, approaching the top end of Lundy Canyon.

Happy campers with their limit of fresh trout - they never did tell us what time dinner would be served. — Happy campers with their limit of fresh trout — they never did tell us what time dinner would be served.

PCT • California Section Eye

Posted October 19, 2016 by Dick Dorkin

The Pacific Crest Trail runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, climbing over 57 major mountain passes, 19 major canyons, and along the shores of more than 1,000 lakes. Elevation gained over the length of the trail is 489,418′ — that works out to a little more than 92 vertical miles.

We seem to bump into the PCT – always by accident. This time Carol and I hiked on California Section I (Tuolumne Meadow to Sonora Pass), following the Tuolumne River downstream to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp – a round trip of about 11 miles.

Our first stop on the PCT was to snap photos of the Tuolumne River and Lembert Dome.

Rounded Fairview Dome from the lower end of Tuolumne Meadows - on the right is Pothole Dome. These domes and everything around here, were formed by glaciers aided by gravity. — Rounded Fairview Dome from the lower end of Tuolumne Meadows – on the right is Pothole Dome. These domes and everything around here, were formed by glaciers aided by gravity.

Taking a break at the first river crossing, 4.2 miles into the hike.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (tuolumne-river)

At the end of September, water flow was low in the Tuolumne. During spring runoff, this portion of the river would look more like rapids.

"Glacial polish is a characteristic of rock surfaces where glaciers have passed over bedrock, typically granite or other hard igneous or metamorphic rock. Moving ice will carry pebbles and sand grains removed from upper levels which in turn grind a smooth or grooved surface upon the underlying rock. The presence of such polish indicates that the glaciation was relatively recent ..." -- Wikipedia — “Glacial polish is a characteristic of rock surfaces where glaciers have passed over bedrock, typically granite or other hard igneous or metamorphic rock. Moving ice will carry pebbles and sand grains removed from upper levels which in turn grind a smooth or grooved surface upon the underlying rock. The presence of such polish indicates that the glaciation was relatively recent …” — Wikipedia

Massive expanses of granite define Yosemite.

Tuolumne Falls during fall low water flow:

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (tuolumne-falls)

While we didn't see any horses the day we hiked, we were fairly certain that horses share the trail with hikers. — While we didn’t see any horses the day we hiked, we were fairly certain that horses share the trail with hikers.

Cathedral Peak at the south end of Tuolumne Meadows.

The subtle interplay of light, shadow, color and proportion.

Bodie Revisited

Posted October 11, 2016 by Dick Dorkin

“Miners, gamblers and business continued to flood the area and by 1879, Bodie boasted a population of about 10,000 and 2,000 buildings. Before long the town supported some 30 gold mines, 65 saloons, numerous brothels, gambling halls, and opium dens, as well, as a number of legitimate businesses, including three newspapers, several churches, a couple of banks and a school. Every other building on the mile long main street was a saloon. Three breweries worked day and night, while whiskey was brought into town in 100 gallon barrels.

“Like many booming mining camps, Bodie soon earned a reputation for violence and lawlessness. Killings were sometimes daily events and robberies, stage holdups and street fights were common occurrences in the camp.

“In its day, Bodie was more widely known for its lawlessness than for its riches. Of Bodie, the Reverend F.M. Warrington would describe it in 1881 as ‘a sea of sin, lashed by the tempests of lust and passion.'” — Legends of America

Bodie has around 110 buildings remaining from a boom of 2,000 buildings in the late 1880s. On June 23, 1932, the second of two major fires destroyed more of the town, leaving what remains today.

The iconic Bodie Methodist Church -- its first service was on September 15, 1882. — The iconic Bodie Methodist Church — its first service was on September 15, 1882.

Looking west down Green St., from the J.S. Cain residence on the right, to the Methodist Church.

A vault inside the Bodie Bank: "Manufactured by Hall's Safe and Lock Co., Cincinnati and San Francisco, Hall's patents July 23 and Oct. 29, 1867." The bank had gone untouched by the 1892 fire, but wasn’t so lucky in the 1932 fire. — A vault inside the Bodie Bank: “Manufactured by Hall’s Safe and Lock Co., Cincinnati and San Francisco, Hall’s patents July 23 and Oct. 29, 1867.” The bank had gone untouched by the 1892 fire, but wasn’t so lucky in the 1932 fire.

The Moyle Brothers Warehouse was located just north of the bank, on Main St.

A 1937 Chevrolet coupe is one of the many long-time residents of Bodie.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (bodie-ps)

Bodie was remote, materials were in high demand, and nothing could be wasted. Once empty, tin cans were cut open, flattened and used as building siding, or to seal a leaking roof.

A residential kitchen. Wallpaper seemed to be popular in town.

Carol peeks inside Dr. Street's house on Green St. The building in the background with the bell tower is the school. — Carol peeks inside Dr. Street’s house on Green St. The building in the background with the bell tower is the school.

A ground floor school room in the two-story school house.

Empty tin cans converted into roofing material -- most likely, a hot tin roof. — Empty tin cans converted into roofing material — most likely, a hot tin roof.

The firebox for an air compressor boiler.

A child's toy inside one of the homes. — A child’s toy inside one of the homes.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (bodie2-ps)

Maintenance instructions on an old Ford's valve cover. — Maintenance instructions on an old Ford’s valve cover.

Weathered wood with artsy-farty reflectorizing.

The McDonell family plot in the Bodie graveyard.

Scallywags and ne'er-do-wells were buried outside the town's cemetery. Chinese residents were laid to rest in a separate cemetery. — Scallywags and ne’er-do-wells were buried outside the town’s cemetery. Chinese residents were laid to rest in a separate cemetery.

Extra Credit:

Log Cabin Mine and the Snow Blasters

Posted October 7, 2016 by Dick Dorkin

The Log Cabin Mine is located at 9,600‘ in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas above the town of Lee Vining. The state-of-the-art mine was opened in 1910 and could extract and process the gold from the quartz ore, making it one of the highest-producing mines in California. The mine operated for around 30 years but was closed due to the War Production Board order L-208, shutting down all nonessential gold mines in the United States. An attempt was made to reopen the mine in the 1950s but was not successful. In 1971, the mine was turned over to the government and is currently preserved as a historical site. Today, the mine is flooded around 200 feet below the surface.

Buildings at the Log Cabin Mine are amazingly preserved - glass in windows, with lighting fixtures, equipment, and machinery. This large building was the mess hall, below Mt. Warren. — Buildings at the Log Cabin Mine are amazingly preserved — glass in windows, with lighting fixtures, equipment, and machinery. This large building was the mess hall, perched below Mt. Warren.

Looking across to the headframe and mill -- both in surprisingly good shape. — Looking across to the headframe and mill — both in surprisingly good shape.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (log-cabin-mine)

The hoist house and assay shack are adjacent to the headframe, with most of their equipment intact.

Inside the hoist building is a large single-drum hoist -- the motor, the electrical equipment and controls, even the operator’s chair, are all still there. — Inside the hoist building is a large single-drum hoist — the motor, the electrical equipment and controls, even the operator’s chair, are all still there.

An attractive nuisance if I've ever seen one. — An attractive nuisance if I’ve ever seen one.

Looking up, inside the covered conveyor belt.

A sign of caution when approaching the Log Cabin Mine.

Leaving the mine, we crossed Warren Bench which gave us a spectacular view of Mono Lake to the east. That's Mono Dome (10,469') behind the truck. — Leaving the mine, we crossed Warren Bench which gave us a spectacular view of Mono Lake to the east. That’s Mono Dome (10,469′) behind the truck.

Leaving the mine, we bumped into Caltrans' "Lee Vining Avalanche Control System" with a pretty amazing view of Mono Lake in the background. — Leaving the mine, we bumped into Caltrans’ “Lee Vining Avalanche Control System” (.pdf) with a pretty amazing view of Mono Lake.

Caltrans: "... permanent propane and oxygen gas explosion chambers (<a href="http://www.mountec-corp.com/en/avalanche/gazex" target="_blank">GazEx</a>) at the head of avalanche chutes, approximately 3/4 mile upslope from U.S. Highway 395. The GazEx system consists of exploders mounted in the avalanche starting zones above the highway. The exploders are large tubes, closed at one end, open at the other, with their open ends located above and directed onto the snow. The exploders are filled by remote control with propane and oxygen, then remotely detonated. The shelters contain the remote control system and the oxygen and propane tanks for the system. The operator controls the system from a safe location using a computer linked by radio to the control systems in the shelters. The propane and oxygen tanks would be removed in the spring and replaced in late fall/early winter (October 15-November 1). This would avoid having propane and oxygen gas tanks on the mountain during fire season." — Caltrans: “… permanent propane and oxygen gas explosion chambers (GazEx) at the head of avalanche chutes, approximately 3/4 mile upslope from U.S. Highway 395. The GazEx system consists of exploders mounted in the avalanche starting zones above the highway. The exploders are large tubes, closed at one end, open at the other, with their open ends located above and directed onto the snow. The exploders are filled by remote control with propane and oxygen, then remotely detonated. The shelters contain the remote control system and the oxygen and propane tanks for the system. The operator controls the system from a safe location using a computer linked by radio to the control systems in the shelters. The propane and oxygen tanks would be removed in the spring and replaced in late fall/early winter (October 15-November 1). This would avoid having propane and oxygen gas tanks on the mountain during fire season.”

Extra Credit:

Seven Photos from the Alabama Hills

Posted June 16, 2015 by Dick Dorkin

Memorial Day weekend in the Alabama Hills on the eastern side of the Sierras. And nowhere near Alabama. I’d call that a stout win-win.

Rain at our elevation meant snow in the Sierras starting at 5,000 feet above us.

Sunday morning, the day before Memorial Day.

An overview of the Alabama Hills from Cocktail Point. Lone Pine Creek runs thru the green patch in the middle/left of the photo.

Late afternoon sunlight, before it disappears behind the Sierras to the west.

The cost of beer at the Whitney Portal Store — worth every nickle.

Two Weekends in the Eastern Sierras

Posted October 16, 2014 by Dick Dorkin

Two back-to-back weekends in the Eastern Sierras, with base camp at Mammoth Lakes.

The purpose of the first weekend was to attend the 2014 Kamikaze Mountain Bike Games, which were fast and fun and furious. The second weekend included riding Lower Rock Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Tom’s Place, and Saddlebag Lake; in Yosemite we hiked Mays Lake and Tuolumne Meadows on the east side of the Park.

Men's Pro Downhill at a <a title="Google Maps" href="http://goo.gl/maps/L91Lq" target="_blank">nasty rock garden</a> just below the top of Chair 16. As always, the photos don't do justice to the speed or steepness of the trail, or the skill of the rider. The guy with the megaphone on the left was very, very "enthusiastic," if you catch our drift. — Men’s Pro Downhill at a nasty rock garden just below the top of Chair 16. As always, the photos don’t do justice to the speed or steepness of the trail, or the skill of the rider. The guy with the megaphone on the left was very, very “enthusiastic,” if you catch our drift. And while we’re at it, **more cow bell**!

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Canyon Lodge)

Dual downhill slalom at the Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain. Grab and drag the photosphere to look around! Oh my Gawd, the guy with the red shirt doesn’t have any legs!

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (canon lodge roof)

A photo sphere from the roof of the Canyon Lodge.

The Village in Mammoth Lakes was a ghost town after the mountain bikers left, and before the snow and skiers arrive. Many workers in town take advantage of the down-time to flee the town. — The Village in Mammoth Lakes was a ghost town after the mountain bikers left, and before the snow and skiers arrive. Many workers in town take advantage of the down-time to flee town.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Rock Lake)

A photo sphere of autumn color from above Rock Creek Lake. Take a look around.

Rock Creek Lake from above; Wheeler Ridge in the background.

Changing aspens along Warren Fork on the Tioga Pass Road, on the eastern side of Yosemite. This day was "get into National Parks for FREE!" day, where The Man lets us stick it to him. — Changing aspens along Warren Fork on the Tioga Pass Road, on the eastern side of Yosemite (the Park, not the OS). This day was “get into National Parks for FREE!” day, where The Man lets us stick it to him.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Tuolumne River)

Carol stands in the middle of a low-flow Tuolumne River in Yosemite.

Nine thousand foot elevation May Lake in Yosemite. — May Lake in Yosemite, around 9,200′ elevation.

While we were hiking around May Lake, a 2' thick layer of fog formed over one end of the lake, reminiscent of The Crawling Eye. — While we were hiking around May Lake, a 2′ thick layer of fog formed over one end of the lake, reminiscent of The Crawling Eye.

Snow arrives in the high country, delighting and amazing people from SoCal who never see the stuff.

Dave McCoy's hard work gets dusted. — Dave McCoy’s hard work gets dusted.

The parking lot at Red's Lake. — The parking lot at Red’s Lake.

A very low water level at Horseshoe Lake - normally, the water would be just behind Carol. — A very low water level at Horseshoe Lake – normally, the water would be just behind Carol.

I'm here to report that the CO2 tree-kill area along the north shore of Horseshoe Lake is still dead. Soil gas in the tree-kill areas is composed of 20 to 90 percent CO2; there is less than 1 percent CO2 in soils outside tree-kill areas. — I’m here to report that the CO2 tree-kill area along the north shore of Horseshoe Lake is still dead. Soil gas in the tree-kill areas is composed of 20 to 90 percent CO2; there is less than 1 percent CO2 in soils outside tree-kill areas.

11,561' Mt. Aggie right of center. — 11,561′ Mt. Aggie right of center.

2014 Kamikaze Bike Games Photo Sphere

Posted September 20, 2014 by Dick Dorkin

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (Kamikaze Downhill)

This photo sphere was taken near the bottom of the Kamikaze Downhill race on a particularly rocky, nasty high-speed turn. Click and drag the photo sphere to look around.

Photo Spheres from East and West of 395

Posted September 3, 2014 by Dick Dorkin

Ten photo spheres from around the Owens Valley – treat them as if you were using Google Street View. Click and hold and drag the mouse to look around, up and down. Go advanced and zoom in and out. Or go big with full-screen mode.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo)

Camping in the Alabama Hills, Owens Valley.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(1))

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(2))

The Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, American Hotel – 700 mines in the Cerro Gordo district searched for silver, lead and zinc ore – rough business considering the remote location. The mines were located at 8,000′ in the Inyo Mountains on the west side of Death Valley National Park.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(3))

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(4))

Cocktail Rock in the Alabama Hills – Overlooking the Alabama Hills with Mt. Whitney in the background. From left to right, that’s Barbara, Carol, Rick, Ron, Matt, Morgan (hiding behind Matt), and Sandy.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(5))

The Salt Tram – The Salt Tram at the top of the Inyo Mountains. The tram was built around 100 years ago to transport salt from the Saline Valley, over the mountains, and down to Owens Lake for distribution.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(6))

Horseshoe Meadows Road – Carol, Rick and I stopped to take in the view of Owens Valley. Below us are the switchbacks we used to climb the hill.

PizzaManagment Photo Sphere (photo(7))

Hiking the Trail Pass Trail – That’s Ron and Carol and Barbara on the Trail Pass Trail.

Alabama Hills Base Camp

Posted May 26, 2014 by Dick Dorkin

Breaking out of our regular routine, Carol and I decided to head to the Alabama Hills in the Eastern Sierras for Memorial Day weekend. The plan was to base-camp in the rock hills, and wander and explore the area. Even though it was Memorial weekend, we were still able to hunker in and hide from the tourists.