beluga

beluga

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Bishop

 We've been here a few times before, always in the fall and always approaching from the north.     Things look different at this time of year and the familiar views aren't as familiar when coming from a different direction.     We're seeing some wildflowers but the aspens aren't showing their vibrant fall yellows yet.



In their yellow outfits, they are definitely showstoppers, but the delicate pale greens they wear in spring is just as pretty and expose their beautiful bark.



Not too many flowers, but the ones that we do see are welcome and compliment their stunning surroundings.   Yellow seems to be the predominant color,  once in awhile a little pink, blue or white pop up.








I'll show you a little of what we've seen so far.       From our drive up to South Lake and Sabrina Lake.






They were both beautiful but tragically low, the drought is real and it's scary.


parked on Sabrina Lake for lunch


Dave stands on what was previously under South Lake

at least he didn't throw it at me!


The little streams and outlets from these lakes were flowing freely, but I can't see how the snow remaining above will ever be able to fill them and answer the demand for water.


From our drive along the chalk cliffs near Bishop....







Yesterday we drove north on 395 to travel the short and sweet June Lake Loop.   The ride there and the loop itself was as we expected, beautiful, but the clouds were the star of the day.    I didn't take many pictures of the loop drive - I've shown you the area before and I was mesmorized by the sky.

clouds over Crowley Lake




June lake - full up!


full Silver Lake






waves over the Mono Craters



and one more.....



 Our original travel plans have changed, allowing us two more days here.    It's good to be able to be flexible when traveling.  We are able to stay put to avoid driving through the mountains in the predicted high winds and cold, possibly rainy (or snowy?) conditions.



 I'll close for now....When I look up from my laptop I see this - It must be his dinner time.   He's quite polite, but his stares can bore a hole through your forehead....



19 comments:

  1. It’s Gay…Those photos of the clouds are amazing. There is no way to pick a favorite, but the photo of the cotton ball clouds over the mountain with the streamers of snow sure stands out for me! The waves photo is a very close second! That picture of Lewis is too funny! I wish a stare down is all I got, but Jack is very “verbal” if he thinks I have forgotten his dinner! The yellow wild iris is quite pretty behind the reeds.

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    1. Thanks Gay, the clouds really blew us away too. I have more pictures, I couldn't stop taking them! Lewis is non-verbal at meal times, but....he resorts to "poking" me with his long nose if I'm really late and don't pay attention to the stare.

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    2. Tha is too funny!

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  2. Emmi does those stare downs quite well too! When we "finally" have leaves on our aspens the green color is so bright and cheerful--makes me happy! Yes, the drought is real--we are extremely concerned about our corner of Arizona where water is totally unregulated. Love your cloud photos!

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    1. They do have their ways of making their wants known don't they? Just imagine of they could talk! As everyone, we're worried about the water also, but feel a little bit better about the underground water that Wickenburg has.....at least for as long as we're around!

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  3. You are right the Scenery is breathe taking but the Clouds stole the show.
    Wishing you a Safe Happy Mothers Day. Enjoy the area.

    It's about time.

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  4. Thank you so much for the Beautiful pictures of our Western USA.
    We traveled in the 1980's. I also took pictures and keep those
    memories alive with them. I am 87 years old now and still "Living Happy"
    Jody in Michigan

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  5. I'm glad you're riding along with us and enjoying this beautiful country. Keep Living Happy!

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  6. Wow! Those lenticular and mountain wave clouds are amazing. There's a lot of wind up there, buckle up! Great photos, thanks for sharing. Different subject: There used to be some great street food in Bishop, best Torta we've ever had, but it was so many years ago, alas.

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    1. Those clouds are why we've extended our stay a few days! Dave wished he could have seen the local NOTAM!

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    2. I don't doubt it! Yes, the NOTAM would have been interesting. :)

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  7. While the fall is a spectacular time for the brilliant yellow, the beautiful light green of the spring aspen is its own show. There is something about the spring greenery that brings a smile to my face. So sad to see Lake Sabrina so low. But I am surprised at June Lake being so full. I guess when we were there, the fall is its low point. Weren't we able to drive right out almost in the middle of June Lake back then!? Interesting to see the difference in the various lakes. So glad there is some snow on the mountains. It sure makes the area extra beautiful. What a super cloud day! Wow! Guess that's the silver lining for the all the wind. Sweet Lew is hungry!! He really misses all his treats.

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    1. Silver lining! That's a good way to think when trying to deal with the darn persistent wind! Always find something positive. I think June Lake was relatively full when we were all here together, but Grant Lake was almost terminally low then. I just went back and read my blog about our time here together and smiled from ear to ear. What a good time we had, what cool things we saw!

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  8. It's strange how June always seem to be full no matter the time of year and the level of water elsewhere! Those mountains produced incredible cloud shows - lucky you, and us since you shared :-)) Love the pic of Dave at the rock wall with the mountain background. Flexibility is key this time of year for sure.

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  9. Maybe June Lake (and Gull and Silver) aren't part of the LA water arrangement? Flexibility and patience are important virtues when living in an RV!

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  10. LOVE lenticular clouds! Love individual wildflowers! Love Lewis and his ways! Love you guys, too, continued safe travels, WA beckons!

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    1. Safe travels to you two also. We can't wait to see!

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