If there is ever evidence that the USA was once under the sea Mono Lake is it. At 4,500ft above sea level the water in the lake is very saline.
It still continues to amaze me the sheer diversity of this country, and all within a day and sometimes hours. As I descended from the high ground of the Sierras the sight of Mono Lake as I came around the bend was breathtaking. The sheer scale of the lake and surrounding mountains, on one side snow covered and on the other the dry Sierras. (See Photographs) (See Video) 640x480 (6.9MB)
I found a quiet area by the observation area and got an early night. What I forgot was the storm warning and awoke to 4" of fresh snow and my route out of the already covered car park hidden. After a little digging I a good run at the slope I was out. Scary and a big mental note made.
I returned to the bend at the top of the pass to take some morning shots before heading off South down Route 395 to Lone Pine.
