August in the Eastern Sierra

Almost a year to the day without feeding the road trip bug I managed a four day venture into the Eastern Sierra mountains to a few of our favorite haunts. Four unplanned months have passed without any aerobic activity, the longest stretch I have known. To say that the mountains are rejuvenating is far too understated.
A friend reminded me that Edward Abbey and John Muir had it right, going to the mountains is like going home. Snow flurries, a great thunder and lightning storm, brisk winds, bright sunshine and the beauty of the high places made me physically and mentally whole again.
California is three years into a severe drought. I expected to find normally wet areas dry and dusty. The Sierra has received a very large amount of rain this summer, consequently many of the lakes and streams are hanging on. Levels are at record lows, but not what I expected. Flowers are in bloom, plants are green, and trails are dampened.
I unknowingly captured images of wet places, of storms and streams. "Atmospheric" a friend has said. It was perfect.

All of these images open for a larger view.

Light filters through storm clouds and smoke, Mammoth Lakes.

Evening along the Sierra Crest

The Western Shore of Mono Lake.

Early August Snowstorm, Virginia Lakes Basin.

Sunrise in the Pines, Mammoth Lakes area.

Evening Burst above the Minarets.

It's nice to be here.

30 feet below normal levels, Lake Sabrina.

Almost Empty, Horseshoe Lake, Mammoth Basin.

Normally below water level, these rock structures expose what once was.

Bridge No. 4800049

Evening Quiet along Bishop Creek.

Trout are thriving under the banks.

Oils from underground? Sunscreen? Soaps?

Unnamed Lake below Virginia Lakes Pass

Blue Lake

Mack Lake, Rock Creek.

Just off the well worn trail, a perfect swimming hole.

Roadside Aspens, Sabrina Basin.

Once again I managed to find the first Fall color in August.