BajaNomad - No Winter for the Eastern Sierra yet

No Winter for the Eastern Sierra yet

DianaT - 1-18-2015 at 01:44 PM

We need snow as there is no real snow pack as of yet this year. While there are those who deny that the continued drought in California is harmful or even real, up here it is very real and hurting a lot of people. So taking advantage of this anti-winter weather, we took a quick trip up to one of our favorite quick exercise trails; old Tommy Dog can still make the 3 mile round trip since he gets to play in the water that ices down his arthritis.

There were some reflections along the way that caught my eye --- just so peaceful and entertaining.

And considering the water temperature, much to my surprise, these guys appeared.

One said that he had been swimming! He must be part polar bear.

And at our favorite spot at the far end of the lake, old Tommy Dog is more like his old self in that cold water.

My son and his Badger Dog in action

And as always, Tommy just does not want to leave the water. We have to limit him some so he can make it back!

While we love hiking in the Sierra, we still would rather see it all covered in snow and frozen right now. We would just stick to the desert side of the valley. Let it Snow, Let it Snow PLEASE

Mexitron - 1-18-2015 at 03:21 PM

I'm with you on the snowpack---it was looking like the deluge was beginning before Xmas but its gone back to the wretched drought pattern again. Beautiful pics, must be a blast to do photography in such a ripe environment.

DianaT - 1-18-2015 at 03:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Mexitron

I'm with you on the snowpack---it was looking like the deluge was beginning before Xmas but its gone back to the wretched drought pattern again. Beautiful pics, must be a blast to do photography in such a ripe environment.

THANKS --- and believe me, up here we were all very hopeful with the early snow but it fizzled out! The latest official reports say that the ground has a bit more moisture, but no snow pack.

[Edited on 1-18-2015 by DianaT]

wessongroup - 1-18-2015 at 04:14 PM

Thanks for the update ... I guess

Scary for middle of Jan ...

WOOF !!

DianaT - 1-19-2015 at 08:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wessongroup

Thanks for the update ... I guess

Scary for middle of Jan ...

WOOF !!

Tis scary! But we still hold out hope.

Meany - 1-19-2015 at 08:24 AM

Great Pictuers. Thanks

DianaT - 1-19-2015 at 12:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Meany

Great Pictuers. Thanks

Thank you! :yes:

I hope to soon be able to take some snow and ice pictures --- lots of snow pictures!

Skipjack Joe - 1-19-2015 at 04:51 PM

I'm looking forward to your snow pictures, Diane. It was supposed to snow last weekend at Yosemite and I really looked forward to that. But it all changed by Wednesday and we had the same weather again.

DianaT - 1-19-2015 at 07:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

I'm looking forward to your snow pictures, Diane. It was supposed to snow last weekend at Yosemite and I really looked forward to that. But it all changed by Wednesday and we had the same weather again.

I want to take a picture of a really deep, deep snow pack! I remember times way in the past when we would be stopped by giant snow drifts when we were hiking in July or August!

ChicaSierra - 1-19-2015 at 07:39 PM

Thanks for the nice post, Diana. This tool is one of my favorite places to swim the dogs!! And don't you just love the boardwalk through the aspen forest? I hope you had a chance to stop by the restaurant and bar (I used to work there.) Pretty crazy, I keep seeing pictures pop up on my screen saver with chest deep feet of snow here, year after year, backcountry ski after ski. Amazing, I haven't skiied yet this season, or last :?:

and now all I think about during all this warm winter weather.....SURFING , DIRT BIKING AND FISHING BAJA! But, until then, I enjoy the Eastside! And, hey, how about I go for a paddle at approx. 7400' elevation on Convict Lake tomorrow, January 20?!?!?! Come to think of it, I still need to wash all that salt off my board from our October/November Baja adventure :cool:

Thanks for the nice pics and post...and the reminder...It's always fun up here...snow or shine! Until the snow...we love the shine!

Cappy - 1-19-2015 at 08:00 PM

Pray for snow. The water down south is already warming. Hang on

DianaT - 1-20-2015 at 08:43 AM

ChicaSierra --- thanks and yes it is always fun up here --- so much to do no matter what the weather brings! While we love Convict Lake, we find the restaurant to be a bit pricey --- but we LOVE the Sage in Bishop that one of the Convict Lake chefs started.

Cappy --- Lots of snow would be great, but no storms, please on the days we have to drive to Carson City. :-) As I look out my window the peaks outside of Big Pine should be solid white, --- soon, maybe soon