Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes, CA - sin rainbow

Yesterday we decided to walk to Rainbow Falls out of Red's Meadows in Mammoth Lakes, before the area was closed by the government shut down and then by the coming winter. If one is in this area, Devil's Post Pile is wonderful, and then so is the popular trail to the falls. If you take the trail from the Devil's Post Pile trail, it is longer, so drive to the trailhead. It is a short hike, not difficult except for me with two rapidly failing knees, the stairs to the bottom of the canyon are a challenge one after another -- worse going down that returning up. But, ni modo, pain be damned, there is too much to explore.

We were not there at the right time to see a rainbow, but it was still very much worth being there. First a few pictures of the falls from on top and then from the bottom, including the necessary dog picture. Boy, did Tommy enjoy that big pool. These hikes are getting more difficult for the old boy all the time and the cold water is so good for his joints.









On the trail. I don't know why, but for me it is just such a special feeling to enter a Wilderness Area --- they are such special areas that can not be duplicated that we will leave for future generations.



Because of the monster wind storm at the end of November,2011 there was massive devastation to many of the trees. Some huge pines uprooted and some just snapped off. As we walked down the trail, we wondered what it must have been like to feel the winds up to 180 mph and to hear the majestic trees snap like toothpicks.





But there was some beautiful fall color among the devastation caused by the winds of yesteryear and a previous fire.



Looking forward to our soon to happen trip to Baja once again as tourists, and meantime, we will continue our travels here.

Anyone seeking the fall colors, don't delay!

[Edited on 10-2-2013 by DianaT]

Maybe in some areas, but in some areas there had been no fire and still giant trees were uprooted and others broken. Many of those trees are very shallow rooted.

From what I have read, it was a very unusual wind storm with winds from 150 to 180 mph. I guess the wind gauge on top of the mountain quit at 150 mph and there was quite a bit of damage up top. But then the wind funneled down the canyon and intensified. Clean up work is still going on up top and in the canyon and there are scientists there studying what happened.

Ateo, thanks! And nandopedal, thanks, and yes the beauty of the Sierras is very special, IMHO.

I really do want to find out more information, but for right now here is a link to Wunderground that describes the conditions at the time.

And here is link to a story from February, 2012 about the damage from the
Mammoth Times .

It really was widespread and right now there are huge piles that they will burn with the snow comes.

on edit -- fixed links, I hope

And BTW --- thought you would be interested to know that on the opening day of Bambi Killing Season, the California Fish and Game were doing the same highway sting operation they did on the opening of fishing season.

[Edited on 10-2-2013 by DianaT]

Wow, Diane, that's great-----thank you. Those reports really say it all.

On the "stings" by CAF&G--------I am not a hunter, so not sure what those "stings" are all about, and I don't remember the details you reported before on "stings". My son there in Independence IS a hunter, but is leaving tomorrow for 10 days hunting in Utah, on the north side of the Unitahs with my son-in-law. It's elk they are after---the really BIG "bambi".

Barry

Diane,

Really impressed with the color rendition you're getting out of that Sony!

(but then I am biased)

Ken

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A. Wow, Diane, that's great-----thank you. Those reports really say it all. On the "stings" by CAF&G--------I am not a hunter, so not sure what those "stings" are all about, and I don't remember the details you reported before on "stings". My son there in Independence IS a hunter, but is leaving tomorrow for 10 days hunting in Utah, on the north side of the Unitahs with my son-in-law. It's elk they are after---the really BIG "bambi". Barry

Remember we talked about what happened opening weekend of fishing season? There were over 20 fish and game trucks parked at the truck stop on 395 between Bishop and Big Pine, just south of the Wilkerson turn off. They were stopping every vehicle and asking if they had been hunting or fishing and pulled over the ones who said yes and inspected the vehicle.

While checking fishing licenses and limits is something they can do when they see people fishing, the authority to be stopping all traffic was questionable and it really upset a number of locals, including local business who did not like the tourists being hassled. Some locals did not answer their question as to if they had been hunting or fishing and told them to go fly a kite in many different ways.

They did the same thing for the opening of Bambi season.

We would rather see all those trucks out in the field watching the hunters. We are thinking about putting a bright orange vest on Tommy dog when we are hiking as some of these guys are trigger happy.

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken Diane, Really impressed with the color rendition you're getting out of that Sony! (but then I am biased) Ken

Yes, your sage advice was very good advice! And when hiking, my neck thanks you.

Yes, except the one of the dog---John took that. I want to get another wide angle lens, but I am rather surprised at the detail this kit lens shows.

Wessongroup --- you make a very good point! Orange for all.