Notes From The Field: July 2006

Devil's Postpile National Monument...

I had the opportunity this weekend to spend some time at the Devil's Postpile National Monument, outside of Mammoth Lakes, California.

Tucked in a canyon, literally behind the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, the Devil's Postpile (el 8000') is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Its columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.

Devils Postpile National Monument's landscape is a reflection of fire and ice. The eruption and uniform cooling of basalt lava created an impressive wall of columns. Later a glacial event exposed the columns and polished smooth the top of this formation enhancing the pattern of hexagons that are a result of the mineral composition of the lava.

Devil's Postpile...

Also part of the monument are the beautiful 101 foot, Rainbow Falls. When the sun is overhead, they live up to their name.

Rainbow Falls...

While in the area, I stayed at the Red's Meadow Resort which is located about one mile from the postpile. I was providing re-supply for my wife and friends on their backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail. (See their journal, "The Long Walk" for more details)

Red's Meadow was lush with plant life and wildflowers. While there, I broke out my macro lens and took advantage of the conditions...

Ladybug...

Queen Ann's Lace...

At the top of the canyon that leads to the Devil's Postpile and Red's Meadow, is a wonderful view of the Minarets, a series of beautiful mountain peaks in the central Sierra. Nana and I enjoyed a great sunset...

Crescent Moon over the Minarets...

On Saturday morning, the ladies again headed south on the John Muir Trail towards their next destination, the Vermillion Valley Resort.

Till next time...

Bill

Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows...

I had the opportunity to spend some time this weekend in the Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows areas of Yosemite National Park. The weather was typical for the High Sierra in the summertime - afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Although it was quite damp, it gave me the opportunity for interesting light at sunset.

I was not disappointed. As the storms raged and lightening flashed, the sunset colors turned from orange to reds to purple. This gave me some wonderful opportunities for photography in the wildflower filled meadows of Tuolumne.

Tuolumne Meadows sunset...

The Tioga Pass area was also a lush green with tiny wildflowers blooming everywhere. The puffy white clouds added to the wonderful alpine scene.

The mountains around Tioga Pass were still holding a great deal of snow on the north facing slopes, even in the middle of summer.

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The main reason for my trip here was to surprise Nana as she passed through Tuolumne Meadows on her way south during a 34 day, 265 mile backpacking trip along the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails. She had scheduled a re-supply stop and a layover day in Tuolumne. I met her and her companions at the end of the day's trail with a cooler of cold beer, tequilla and chips & salsa. Needless to say, they were mighty glad to see...the cooler!

After a great weekend, the re-supplied hikers started off again southbound headed for Red's Meadows, near Mammoth Lakes. I'll see them there next weekend!

Stay tuned...

Bill
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In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration. -Ansel Adams

Mono Lake Sunset...

After spending the afternoon at Bodie, I wandered over Conway Summit and into the Mono Lake basin hoping to capture an interesting sunset with all the thunderstorm activity.

On the way out to the South Tufa viewing area, I spotted some Mammatus clouds as the thunderstorms started to wane over the Sierra...

A bit later, the cloud deck started to lift from the mountains and the brilliant colors of the High Sierra sunset started to peek through.

Unfortunately, the water level was quite high so beach access was difficult and the water was quite rough with numerous whitcaps. So much for reflection opportunities.

Oh well...it simply gives me an excuse to go back again another time.

Take it in the good light,

Bill

Bodie State Park...

Located in the high desert of the eastern Sierra, Bodie is a historic ghost town in a state of arrested decay. A booming mining center of almost 10,000 people in the late 1800's, Bodie now lies abandoned, a reminder of richer times.

The weathered old buildings and artifacts are a photographer's dream. Although I have been and photographed here many times, I can always find a new angle or different perspective in my viewfinder.

Today, I had the opportunity to visit once again. Afternoon thunderstorms added a different diminsion with billowing clouds and darkening skies over the desert landscape.

Panoramic view of what is left of Bodie...

The old Methodist Church is one of the more recognizable landmarks in town...

Many of the buildings are just the way they were on the day everyone left...

Just one of the many old wagons from times long gone...

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Take care all...

Bill
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"Good-Bye God, I'm going to Bodie" - Anonymous

Dam Cafe Display has Ended...

My public display at the Dam Cafe has ended. Thanks to all who stopped by - and a special thanks to all those who purchased prints!!

Bill

Cannibal Cruise...

We spent some time this weekend at the 16th annual "Cannibal Cruise", Truckee's premier classic car show held each summer at the local regional park.

Each year, hundreds of car enthusiasts gather to enjoy classic cars, good music and good company. This year was no exception.