Mammoth Lakes to Death Valley

The first day ever where I have needed both a great big coat and shorts!

The Mammoth Lakes area, a ski resort in winter and a water sports area in the summer, have about 30 bears, however at the base of the ski lifts they did feel the need to have signage mentioning an active bear in the area.

Even still, we didn’t see one.

The day started with a tour of the lakes, a low temperature and an even colder wind, but so pretty. Again, the photos don’t do it justice.

There was indeed snow on the top of the mountains at 11,000 ft, however the gondola was closed for maintenance, so unable to get a close look.

An earthquake fault in the middle of the forest. That gap went a very long way down!

A winding road back down.

A little down the road to Hot Creek Geologic Site, with bubling springs. Apparently, they spurt geysers occasionally.

Had a little feel of the water in the river, which was very hot. The baby trout didn’t seem to mind.

A quick stop at Covict Lake. Into the shorts already.

Back down to sea level and a lunch stop in Bishop then continuing south, through an amazing flat valley with mountain ranges either side. Just as we are thinking that it looks like a film set……

The Mobius Arch Loop Trail in the Alabama Hills. Feels more like we have landed on another planet!

A few more miles south and another notable stop, somewhat further from the road than we expected. In true Alice style, we followed the running hare across a field, and whatever Bono said, we did find it!

The actual Joshua tree.

A mirage we think. There was no lake on the map.

They don’t call it Death Valley for no reason, 101°f/38°c and it’s nearly sundown!

We are staying in Beatty, where wild burros roam free, a kind of donkey. We didn’t see any, just evidence they had been there. Apparently, they had been rounded up for a periodical number decrease.

Dinner in Happy Burro Chili & Beer. Great chili and the cheapest meal ever at $65 plus tip. Nevada doesn’t have laws restricting smoking indoors, which will feel like we’ve stepped back 20 years. Also, many places seem to encourage cash rather than card by offering a discount.