Fossil Falls, Snow, Eureka Dunes, Mono Lake and the Whites

Unexpected snow, visitors, and excuses for traveling around. It looks like our guest house is going to be used, and that is a good thing.

It started last weekend as we returned from the San Diego area where we traveled to see our grandson perform in a choir. We decided to return the long way home, via El Centro, the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree. It rained the entire time which was a surprise, but it is a good thing we took the extra time. A surprise snow storm hit our area and there were chain requirements on 395 from Independence to Big Pine! That was a real surprise for us!

On our way home, we stopped at Fossil Falls south of Lone Pine for a quick walk and the volcanic rocks with the snow in the back ground were striking.



And we have never seen so much snow on the Inyo Mountains. It was BEAUTIFUL and there was this cloud that just seemed to be a comforting blanket covering the tops.



And homeward we continued and arrived to find this. What a treat. It had already melted off the dirt driveway and it only lasted a day, but it was GREAT



In preparing for our company, we drove up 168 to check out the access to the Bristlecone Pines and the White mountains. Opps, they don't plow that road and we did not go far as the snow started becoming quite deep.



Our friend arrives and since the high country was mostly closed off due to the storm, we took off to hike up the Eureka Dunes in Death Valley--- the tallest Dunes in California. We had been there before, but for different reasons, we did not hike up to the top. This time we did and OMG, it was a wonderful experience. It was also a good time since the storm had left them mostly wet so the sand was harder than usual in most places.

Starting up--- the only thing that could have been better would have been some clouds --- better for pictures. biggrin:



Misc. pictures from the hike. In the first picture, find the person --- just small dot.







When the sand softened near the top

And I love John's shadow in this one he took.




And of course, Tommy loved the view



Oh, I love plants growing is such hostile environments.



And along the Big Pine/Death Valley road there was a lot of snow in the higher elevations --- wonderful to see and this rabbit brush just seemed to be gently going to sleep for the winter.



The next day we decided to show our friend Mono Lake and several places in between. Mono Lake is just such a special place.





And it is also such a peaceful place



Yesterday, we figured the snow might be melted enough to drive further up the White Mountain Road. We hoped to get to at least the visitor center area, but that was not to be.

The road is not plowed and we were really pleased with how well the Subaru handles the snow and ice



OK, the road was closed beyond the campground --- so off to walking for a ways up the road. It was really cold as the wind was blowing!



One needs to watch their step between some exposed pavement, the snow and the slippery ice.



John and Bill discussing their plans to hike to the top of White Mountain, the third highest peak after Mt. Whitney, next year in honor of John's 70th birthday. Another friend who is an ex-nomad is planning on joining them as is our primary health care person.



And a baby Bristlecone Pine.



With the bold wind, we were happy to return to the car!



Too busy to cook, we enjoyed our Thanksgiving at the Whiskey Creek in Bishop. We really enjoy sharing our new vacation land with our friends.

Thanks for looking.

[Edited on 11-29-2013 by DianaT]

Thanks ... great stuff

Thanks for the nice comments --- it is a beautiful place to be and we enjoy it every day no matter which direction we travel.

Igor, being on top of those dunes is one of those special places that does feel like being on top of the world. John is pleased that the one you chose was one he took. And I also really like that one.

[Edited on 11-29-2013 by DianaT]

Thank you very much. We love this area.