Mono Lake | Traveling Times

We began our day, after rising at 5:40 AM, driving to Mono Lake. I’d only been once before, and that was with at least one of our kids — possibly all three. (I can’t remember so I guess I should see if one or more of them do.)

We sat in the car for a short time since it was still a bit early. But soon it was time to head out. It was COLD. I had layers on, but neglected to bring gloves and by the time we reached the lake my hands were not exactly happy, but it wasn’t bad. It gets worse, though, when one holds an icy cold camera. The sun had yet to make an appearance and we hung out a bit, although I did take a few photos with my iPhone. (The iPhone never really shows things as they are: it brightens the image if it seems too dark. I could fix that, but I’m too lazy!)

I borrowed another long lens of Dan’s, so once I started shooting I used that. I plan on moving entirely to Fuji and I will dump (“dump = offer to our kids if anyone is interested) my Canon and any gear that is mine once I get set up. My hands just don’t appreciate the heavier Canon.

I shot a bit, hands got colder, and I eventually said I would go back to the car. As is typical, Dan is just much more patient!

As I walked back the light was rather nice on the plants, so I didn’t go back directly. I might not be patient, but am easily distracted! (FYI, I only show a bit here: the majority of images are on the Fuji.)

Eventually Dan appeared and we went toward the June Lake loop. We didn’t go all the way to June Lake, but turned around at Silver Lake. Dan is good about figuring out lighting and knows these areas so well, so I just go wherever it is the car and Dan take me. I’m happy with that. We stopped a number of times: the aspen color was quite nice in the area — better than other places we’ve been on this trip, I think.

Sometimes I just enjoy quiet time in the car as Dan does more work. Especially when we aren’t in a sunny spot!

We stopped again at Grant Lake, but only for a very short time. There was a nice picnic table and I thought maybe we’d have our breakfast there, not realizing our food was still in our motel room. So never mind that!

Driving on, we went on to a gravel road we’d been on in the past, but I’m always happy to be on these more isolated roads.

We stopped by a grove of aspens. Getting out we did some shooting close by. Later I walked up the road some more. I was happy to be warm!

Then back to our hotel we went for our granola, banana, and coffee. It’s nice to have a room with a table and two chairs. Ah, luxury!

After our meal we had a good amount of time to kill, which we did by reading and resting. One thing about a photography trip: midday often means no photography due to the light and all.

Finally we got ready to go out and have a very early dinner. Off to the Mobile station we went: yes, a gas station! That’s where the Whoa Nellie Deli is. Tasty food. I had the “famous fish tacos” and Dan had the taquitos. Seeing the evidence of bears was not at all frightening.

From there we went to Lundy Canyon. This was most likely our final destination for photography on this trip, although perhaps going home we’ll end up stopping. (Oh who am I kidding?! When have we ever managed to drive straight home?)

I love visiting Lundy. I expect to see the tilting trees as well as the beavers’ habitat. I wasn’t disappointed, even while the trees are losing color.