DianaT
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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]
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nandopedal
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Great pictures, I simply like the sierras beyond comprehension so every time you post it brightens my day, THANK YOU!
\"There are many dangers in Baja. The most serious of which is not going.\" Christophe Noel (EXPO)
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Ateo
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Wow, nice colors. I never knew there were winds that intense in non tornado/hurricane conditions until recently. That is incredible that trees just
snap like that. I like the view of the falls from below, and above........
[Edited on 10-2-2013 by Ateo]
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Skipjack Joe
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I wonder if the previous fire had weakned the trees enough to break during the wind storm.
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I wonder if the previous fire had weakned the trees enough to break during the wind storm. |
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. 
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Barry A.
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Diana------------Have you heard any speculation on what weather conditions produced these super-high winds?
(Excellent pics, as usual)
Barry
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
Diana------------Have you heard any speculation on what weather conditions produced these super-high winds?
(Excellent pics, as usual)
Barry |
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]
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Barry A.
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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
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tripledigitken
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Diane,
Really impressed with the color rendition you're getting out of that Sony!
(but then I am biased)
Ken
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DianaT
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| 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. 
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DianaT
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| 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.
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tripledigitken
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Were these taken with the 16-50mm?
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wessongroup
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Might want to consider "orange" for ALL .... just saying .... thanks good stuff
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by tripledigitken
Were these taken with the 16-50mm? |
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.
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