Getting Away

For months I’ve planned to get away from the city to see the fall colors in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  It’s been a long time since I was out in nature, over night.  Nature is my #1 muse, and if I go too long without it, I start to feel depleted. 

 

Looking Down at the Kokanee Salmon

We started our journey at Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe.  The Kokanee Salmon were running.  The American Indians living along the Fraser River in Canada named the fish, which means “red fish”.  These salmon spend their entire lives in fresh water, unlike their costal cousins, who spend half their lives in the ocean.  They are about 14” long.  This is the time of year when the fish spawn.  Last year John got lucky and photographed a mother bear and her cub fishing there.  We didn’t see any bears on this visit, but the fish were truly fascinating.

Mono Lake, South Tufa in the Distance

Before settling in for a chilly night at our campsite, we visited Mono Lake for sunset.  

Golden Flowers and Aspen Trees

The next day we took a drive around the June Lake Loop and got our first serious dose of fall color.  

6 Sided "Posts"!

This was the last weekend The Devil’s Post Pile was open (for the season), so we went to check it out.  We’d had many opportunities to go in the past, but always during the time of year when Mammoth was crowded and one was forced to park and ride a shuttle to the rocks.  Because the crowds were gone, we were able to park near the site and hike in.  

The Top of the Post Pile

I couldn’t help but wonder, why “Devil”?  I never did figure that out.  There was nothing demonic about the place!  It was more “Angelic” than anything. 

A Glassy Mountain Lake in Yosemite

I Love the Shapes of These Rocks! (Yosemite)

Resting and Admiring the Scenery (Yosemite)

After a second night of camping in Lee Vining Valley, we headed up through Tioga Pass in Yosemite.  John took me to an unnamed lake just off the road where he took an amazing photograph a few years ago.  I too was inspired by this place and stopped to take a few photos.  

There's No Place Like Yosemite Valley

We traveled further on to Yosemite Valley for another handful of eye candy.  This spot by the river made me feel so peaceful!  

Got Dirt?

After eating our sandwiches with a view of El Capitan, it was time to head back to the city, with our photos and memories.  Check out John's account and photos of our trip: http://jwallphoto.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-color.html