One of my favorite places to visit is Mono County.

Here one can find:

Romance

Solitude

Good Times

The images above were all taken on the deck at the June Mountain Ski Resort Lodge. We drove up the hill in a 4x4. Even though there was snow on the runs, the road we took was, for the large part, clear. Otherwise it would have been a ten minute tram ride to the lodge. But at this time of the year the mountain was still closed and only open for maintenance purposes, which is how we were able to drive up the mountain.

This is a picture of myself at the Mono Craters on our way to Mono Lake. Even though it was a clear, sunny day, the temperature was near freezing and snow flurrys fell all day. To my right is a scree slope from a volcanic crater. Most of the material is obsidian, a volcanic material composed of silica or "natural glass". These craters are very old and long dormant. Evidence of this can be seen to my left on the rock. Those yellowish blotches are lichen(pronounced LIKE'EN) colonies. Lichen is a pioneer species that lives on a rocks minerals and nutrients. The Lichen secretes enzymes that are powerful enough to dissolve the surface of the rock into a more usable form. What it does not use for its' own growth is left behind. Perhaps if this colony lasts for another million years, this rock will eventually be broken down completely to soil. Lichens grow very slowly. There are many Lichens on this rock, which means that this colony has been here for thousands of years!

Below are some highlights of Mono Lake. "Tufa" is a rocklike material created from calcium carbonate accumulation. Chimney like structures rise from volcanic vents on the bottom of the lake. These vents release water that has been heated by hotspots deep in the earth. Water temperature can range from luke warm to super hot! As the heated water rises into the lake from the vent, it deposits calcium and carbon atoms which bond together to form Tufa. Over thousands of years, these accumulations can create towering chimneys that reach the lake surface! Tufa Towers rarely breach the surface, but if they do it is never more than several inches. So how is it that these Tufa Towers are visible? Simple. Take away the lake water and voila! The real question is why? Mono Lake was "deprived" of it's life giving source: the rivers and streams from the Eastern Sierras. What for? Los Angeles. Water needs were very high for the region and a blooming population demanded it. Water rights were accumulated in a shady deal by Edward Mulholland and his crones from unsuspecting farmers in the Owens River Valley. The Owens Valley Aqueduct is a visible landmark along sections of Interstate 395. Recent high court decisions have forced the reduction of allowable water to the city of Los Angeles and as a result, the lake is rising again albeit slowly. One day the tufa you see here may again be underwater, however, the vents have long since been dormant. Mono Lake is a migratory stop for many birds and is a vital nesting ground for gulls and other sea birds. The lake itself, while too briney for most life forms does support brine shrimp which, in turn, serve as a food resource for nesting gulls. This lake is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have ever been. With its' ease of accessability and peaceful offerings, this is something everyone should see. Sam Clemens could have said it far more eloquently than I but when you get right down to it, truth is truth.

The Tufa Castle on the shore of Mono Lake

Inside the Tufa Castle

Looking for a hot spring on the shore of Mono Lake