Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

Several weeks ago I drove up to the Eastern Sierras just outside of Lone Pine, California. I arrived very late and pulled into this funky campsite without being able to see a thing. In the morning I woke up to this beautiful sunrise over Mt. Whitney.

The fields were alive with purple lupine and fragrant sage brush, along with some very poky things I do not know the name of.

Wild Lupine waving in the breeze like purple prayer flags.

Mountain waters, cold and clear, warbling like hidden angels talking to God.

The Alabama Hills  are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just west of Lone Pine. Over 150 movies have been filmed here, mostly old westerns with old-school actors like John Wayne and Roy Rogers. Its s cool place to wander through and explore.

One morning I woke up early and took a walk along the creek up into the mountain. Whenever I got too hot, I laid down in the ice cold water until every part of me was soaking wet.

View from my campsite in Tuttle Creek. A perfect place to unwind and relax; plus it was only $5.00 a night!

After a few days camping at Tuttle Creek, I drove up to Independence and camped at Grays Meadow. The morning is the best time there and fortunately I woke up before dawn, dressed and headed out into the meadow. I sat there freezing in the cold for about an hour, watching the sun rise and wishing I had a cup of steaming hot coffee.

My campsite overlooked Independence Creek; a pretty creek that is always singing its song.

One afternoon I sat down by the creek drinking coffee and thinking. Suddenly three deer came through, browsing on the leaves and grasses. I sat there perfectly still, but every time I snapped a picture they looked up at me.

Independence is one of those small towns that don't have much but what they do have is an awesome Museum. The yard is filled with mining, farming and household antiques, while the museum is filled with Native American artifacts, pictures, bead work, basket work and interesting displays. A must see if you pass through the town.



A weathered old building at the museum; love the red door knob.

Old wagons always fascinate me. Who did this belong to? How did they use it? What was their life like?

It was nearly 100 degrees during my museum visit in Independence. My eyes started going all crazy and it finally occurred to me that I was coming down with a migraine. I left the museum and headed up into the cooler temperatures at the Whitney Portal.  On the way up I stopped at the creek and jumped in, soaking my head in the ice cold water.

At the Whitney Portal, I found a great campsite right on the creek, pulled in and went straight to bed in the back of my car. I slept all through the night and by morning, felt much better.

Wild roses are in bloom along the creek; pretty but they sure do hurt if you get too close to the thorns.

After breakfast I took a hike along the creek up to the Whitney Portal, the place where hikers begin their trek up to the summit of Mt. Whitney.  I was feeling better, but still woozy from the migraine. Met a wonderful gal and we sat and talked in front of the store, drinking coffee and sharing our hearts with each other. Before hiking back to my site, I stopped at the waterfall; last time I stood here, there was a cast on my foot and the waterfall was frozen.

Right next to my campsite, this gorgeous creek flowed by. Of course I had to jump in the ice cold water before leaving; a good way to end the trip.

Early morning shot of the moon just getting ready to go down for the morning. Amazing that I took this shot. Couldn't believe it. Amazing.