Sitting in front of one of the swamp coolers trying to keep cool, I decided to reminisce once again about the chilly nights and snow covered mountains a bit longer. Like birthdays, I like to stretch happy moments out as long as possible.
Traveling along Hwy 395 is so beautiful! How often can you say that a highway drive is beautiful?
It's always inspirational to learn about the work of dedicated, passionate people who work tirelessly to save a natural place. Mono Lake is a perfect example. Go to their website to learn more about their successes and ongoing efforts. It is located at the junction of Tioga Pass which leads to famous Yosemite.
Unfortunately, we were only here for a short visit but we managed to see an Osprey's nest with a chick....
...and a rare Yellow-headed Blackbird!
The great benefit of being a "birder" is that fellow birders share special places to go searching for birds. While hanging out here, I met someone who shared a nearby place to go visit.
Hot spots for birding include water treatment plants and dumps. Natural beauty isn't a requirement. Our mouths dropped once again when this was our recommended destination!!! We are keeping this pristine place a secret!!! Sorry!
Our traveling ended at Lake Tahoe. Apparently, thousands of others visit here daily as well.
Luckily, there are places in the wilderness where people can find solitude if they are willing to put on their boots and do some hiking. I will always be thankful for those who worked hard to preserve land to be set aside in its natural state where future generations can visit but not alter the landscape. We all benefit from these special places!
Fortunately, the ranger at the USFS ranger station gave us a tip for a less traveled trail. The views were amazing! Lakes, snow covered mountains and birds singing from the highest treetops overlooking the majestic sight.
The magnet for many birders who travel is to see new birds even if they aren't appreciated where they are found. I was thrilled to see this Black-billed Magpie strutting across the lawn one day. Most birders notice other cool stuff especially when there aren't birds to see...That was the case when we found this One-eyed Sphinx Moth. It looked like tree bark until it opens up its wings revealing its beautiful eye spots! How neat is that!
Birthday celebrations eventually come to an end. Vacation reminiscing also comes to an end. This is the last installment of my "cool" trip to the Eastern Sierra Mts( until I return once again)... Hope it helped keep you "cool" as it did me!
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
