We remember and think of Neil Rabinowitz and in our very small way, dedicate this to him and the family.
A gentle autumn scene. The snow is coming; the feel in the air, mind and bones is that it's close.
(Desolation Wilderness)
Another of those few mountaintop glows and tints in failing sunset light—love them.
The Methuselah Grove trail passes, as the name implies, amongst something very old. In this case, it is
bristlecone pine trees. The trail climbs about 1,400 feet along mountain edges, reaching about 11,000 feet.
The highlights are the wonderful views but of course, the ancient trees are paramount. In fact, there are many
of the young generation of pines, too. The spread from eldest to youngest is over 4,000 years. Although the
oldest tree is not identified for its protection from possible harm (isn't that sad?), it is reputed to be
4,700 years old. There is talk of one even older having being discovered in 2013. It's not within our capabilities
to question the dating. However, we do think that there should be a limit to the term of their pensions.
No wonder the system is near insolvent.
The oldest trees in the world are reputed to be in Bristlecone National Park. This one may be it
although, while the tree basks in the light, the public is kept in the dark.
On return from Blue Lake, we move above and along Lake Sabrina.
We had intended to get to the summit of the White Mountains, positioned opposite Bishop but nearly
two hours away by road. The mountain is one of the highest in the United States but the hike is only 14 miles
as it commences reasonably close to the summit. We researched information about the mountain and found that
the last few miles to reach the trailhead are fraught with trouble. Once through the bristlecone forest, the
chances of losing a couple of car tyres would be high. This was not an attractive proposition so we decided
to visit the forest which we had intended anyway. It was a pity, but for a change, we erred on the cautious
side. We want Mom to be 'proud' of us.
The visit was enjoyable, the walk along and up the mountains with great views of the trees and surround,
wonderful. However, the winding and steep road is a another feat of engineering but tough on the stomach.
We're pleased we did not know how unpleasant the journey would be beforehand.
The beautiful setting of Blue Lake in the bowl.
One our favorite looking mountains, seen from another angle. Previous week from Table Mountain.
Sabrina Lake rests below as we go over crest towards Blue Lake—not that the latter has a monopoly on blue.
Onto Blue Lake hike: We needed a lighter hike after some heavy going and with a few big ones ahead.
We chose Blue Lake which commences from the Sabrina Basin. In the end, it was no cake-walk as the distance
was a little less than eight miles with a relatively low elevation gain of 1,700 feet but still testing over
the route. It was a quiet trail although we met a fascinating couple we mentioned earlier and some backpackers
heading into deep country. After our experience at Mono Pass we were pleased not be joining them-alpine
temperatures in fall/winter are below freezing after dark. We are getting soft and not just around the waistlines.
Photographer stalks wild young woman, um...should be young woman in wild, um... maybe skip 'young'.
With fading light at sunset, Mono Lake produces fabulous colors and shades.
The Inyo Forest is a premier area in our opinion, vast and full of features that incorporate the best
of the west (and the world), subject to argument, of course. From our first visit to this region some years ago,
we realized we were in a special place. We hope we will have opportunities to enjoy many return visits.
This old tree seems to be on its last roots as it beckons for us to come nearer.
The Inyo Forest has nearly everything nature has to offer as 'reflected' in this scene at another spot.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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