August 2019: Day 3
August 2019: Day 2
August 2019: Day 1
June 2019: Day 2
June 2019: Day 1
Apr 2019 - Day 4
Apr 2019 - Day 3
Apr 2019 - Day 2
Apr 2019 - Day 1
Mar 2019 - Day 4
Mar 2019 - Day 3
Mar 2019 - Day 2
Mar 2019 - Day 1
Jan 2019 - Day 3
Jan 2019 - Day 2
Jan 2019 - Day 1
2018 and previous
Jan 2013 and previous
Mammoth
Had a bit of a lazy day. Joe did an excellent job with french toast for breakfast, then it was time to slather on sunscreen and DEET on the bus to Devils Postpile. Half the group had never been, and it's a quick hike to some truly unique volcanic and glacier-carved rock formations. The additional loop to the top is super quick too, even if it doesn't add that much to the view.
Bit of a longer hike to Rainbow Falls from Devils Postpile, over mostly flat terrain. There's forest, a few creeks, what looks like a burn scar from a few years ago, and then the middle fork of the San Joaquin River. Rainbow Falls lives up to its name, and the additional descent from the upper viewing area (where the rainbow is viewed) to the river itself is a worthwhile trade because the river bank is a very pleasant place to hang out after hours in the hot sun.
The path from Rainbow Falls to Reds Meadow is pretty short, but it's an uphill hike that seemed to finally tire out BK. The pie a la mode at Reds Meadow Mule House Cafe was overpriced and charitably described as ordinary. We were disappointed, but as a major PCT/JMT (Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail) resupply point, I can definitely see it being pretty damned tasty after a hundred plus miles of freeze dried food and peanut butter.
We had a much more tasty giant pizza at Johns Pizza Works, then it was time to go spin fishing in the Lakes Basin. Ended up with a bit more excitement than we bargained for when a bear strolled right through the fishing area (!) we were at, and were very glad some of the idiot tourists in the area didn't get eaten. o_0 Lake George and Lake Mary both ultimately proved futile, but once we got BK to calm down and pay attention to what he was doing, he seemed to enjoy it.
Wrapped up the night with Chef Joe going all out for dinner. He sous vide pork chops, pork jowl, steak, plus he made fried chicken, brownies, and s'mores. SO. MUCH. FOOD. Clearly he's still trying to impress Lulu-- and the rest of us are just unfortunate casualties caught in the crossfire!