California Seagull and Mono Lake

This California Seagull was photographed in Lee Vining, CA. He isn't far from his probable birthplace, Mono Lake. About 85% of California Gulls come from the rookeries located on the islands of Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra. My first (childhood) glimpse of the lake was in 1964 from Conway Summit to the north. Even as a nine-year-old, I was in awe of the beauty of the area, desolate and lunar-esque. Though still very large in the 1960's, the lake had already begun to shrink due to the diversion of water (via the Los Angeles Aqueduct) from feeder streams. Many years later after the completion of the second LA Aqueduct (adding transport capacity) the lake's water level dropped so low that the islands became peninsulas and coyotes were able to access seagull nests. Through the efforts of the Save Mono Lake movement (in the 1970's), DWP allocates water to the lake so Negit and Paoho are islands again and seagull rookeries are safe from coyotes. The lake also serves a wide variety of migratory birds.

As a side note, the water issues of the Eastern Sierra were dramatized in the 1974 movie, Chinatown, with Jack Nicholson. The movie was based on William Mulholland's attempt to gain control of water rights in the Owens Valley and the resulting construction of the original LA Aqueduct. Cadillac Desert is a documentary fim, portions of which chronicle the fight over water in the Eastern Sierra.

More info:
http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp004409.jsp
http://wsoweb.ladwp.com/Aqueduct/historyoflaa/

Double Nickels

Saturday was my birthday and the Paiute Palace in Bishop paid me to play;) They loaded my player's card with gift money equivalent to my age. (THAT much? Really?) So luckily, after a week of storms, the sky rested and we were able to drive Highway 395 to Bishop. Driving time was 10 hours roundtrip for 4 hours of casino time (yes, we're nuts!), but it was my birthday;) Besides, snow was abundant even at very low elevations, and traffic was minimal, so our mini roadtrip was perfect. Since I forgot my real camera, I used my camera phone at the Division Creek Reststop north of Independence to record a memory. Pretty scene with potty relief....a wonderful, and necessary, combo!

Bishop, CA

Bishop, California at Christmastime. The tree lighting ceremony, festival of lights, and parade were great fun this year! With a population of about 3500, Bishop is the largest town in the Owens Valley. Main street is Highway 395, but Bishop is also the western end of Highway 6. Start driving east and 3205 miles later you'll arrive in Provincetown, MA:)

Starkweather Lake Trail

One of my favorite hikes in the Mammoth Lakes area follows Starkweather Lake Trail for 2.5 miles into the valley of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The trailhead begins beside the Entrance Station on Minaret Vista Road and ends at Starkweather Lake. A well-maintained trail weaves through the forest affording incredible views of the valley below. There are creeks, wildflowers (including my beloved Tiger Lilies;) and critters too.....lots! The physical beauty of this walk is well worth your time plus it's all downhill! A great family hike, you'll have no complaints from the kids because Starkweather Lake is a shuttle bus stop making the 'uphill climb' a ride! The shuttle will also take you anywhere else in the valley including Sotcher Lake, Devil's Postpile, and Red's Meadow.

Lightning!

Electrical storms are a rarity here in the Los Angeles Basin, but yesterday an impressive one rumbled through causing injury, death, and fires in the foothills.

In the Eastern Sierra, electrical storms are much more common with dry lightning increasing the risk of fires. During the summer of 1993, we were staying in Mammoth Lakes and decided to drive south on Highway 395 to spend the afternoon in Rock Creek Canyon. Storm clouds dominated the sky and soon we noticed lightning strikes over Crowley Lake to the east with some flashes of light on the sage-covered hills to the west. What a beautiful display! Before long, my son (only six years old at the time) and I noticed a plume of smoke rising from the brush. We exited the highway toward Hilton Creek's volunteer fire station to report a lightning-ignited brush fire. Forestry fire-fighting crews arrived quickly and damage was kept to a minimum.

Onion Valley was not so fortunate in July 2007. Lightning began a devastating fire that roared through the canyon destroying almost everything in its path. (Link to photos and story.)

Benton Hot Springs

In the early 1970's, my dad, brother, and I rode our motorcycles (Yamaha Enduros) all over the section of desert surrounding Benton Hot Springs and often stopped there to gas up. An old couple owned the store, which, at one time, was a Wells Fargo stop. She was friendly...he was crotchety. It was a step back in time even then;) This film (click the link) mentions Highway 120 as the "crookedest" road; not really, but there IS a great section of "dipsy-doodles". Highway 120 goes from Benton on Highway 6, west to Mono Lake (about 50 miles or so) connects with Highway 395 for a stretch then turns west again through Yosemite via Tioga Pass. This entire section of the Eastern Sierra and White Mountains is full of history. My home away from home!

I still visit Benton Hot Springs now and again. Sadly, the old couple passed away, but I believe it's their grandchildren who own the resort. If you're in the neighborhood, stay the night or relax for while in the hot tubs!

Image courtesy of Gary B. Speck

Goin' Fishin' ...the Natural Way

The Eastern Sierra is a trout fisherman's paradise. As a child, I honed my skills there, taught cousins and friends over the years, and passed on my love of fishing to my own son. MY dad gets all the credit though. His logical explanations of knots and rigs, fishing tips, and suggestions always made angling simple and fun.

In the 'olden days' we bait fished with worms and salmon eggs. Fly-fishing purists might look down their noses, but there's nothing wrong with bait fishing! A Dad-tip from earlier times still holds true too. Trout, especially native fish, look for natural foods like hellgrammites and grasshoppers. Swat a 'hopper and attach it to your hook.....the results may surprise you.