Lake Sabrina Hike 11/3

November 5, 2024

The Juniper trees, reflect the sun from the slopes they occupy. The textures and twisted shapes tell stories of hardship and endurance- if these old trees could talk!

The trail around Lake Sabrina seem to have different zones for things to grow. It starts as a sagebrush then come the mountain mahogany, some aspen along the drainage, then on the sunny slope as group of Juniper trees. They have a weathered twisted stout trunk, and stocky limbs. I love the textures and the light as it reflects off each tree to another.

Crowley Lake columns, 11/2

November 5, 2024

The columns of Crowley lake are mysterious and interesting. The white soil is a lot like pumice rock, but the erosion patterns look like columns from a lost civilization. The road to get there was intensely rough. At first I thought that I could navigate it, but after the first stretch and a new dent in the running board, I decided that the effort wasn't worth it, I'd rather take the longer hike to the columns. Ginger had fun running off leash on the beach for a little bit. It's great to see her so excited and happy.

The wild camping area off Owens Gorge road is fantastic! There is a maze of dirt trails/ roads around rock formations and large pine trees. The snowcapped Sierras are visible to the west. We found a nice "cubby hole" where we had space to camp, and returned for three nights of camping.

Hide and Seek in the Crowley Lake columns

Sunset in camp after exploring Crowley Lake

McGee Creek, Inyo National Forest 11/1

November 5, 2024

McGee Creek, John Muir Wilderness.

This has been one of my favorite hikes so far. I love the textures of the aspen who have largely lost their leaves for the coming winter. The trail follows the drainage, and that makes a wide sweeping curve as it climbs up into the mountains, views and foliage seem to change every minute, and the mountains beckon.