California, July 28-August 12

Sargam, Suman, and Joyce.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Zinfandel grapes.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Italian Wine Press, circa mid-1700s.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Joyce, Suman, and Sargam at members' wine tasting.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Christine Savale, our wine consultant.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Suman, Joyce, and Sargam at the shop.<br />July 29, 2014 - Sattui Winery, St. Helena, California. Sunset over Tamalpais (after a nice meal at Chevys Mexican Restaurant).<br />July 29, 2014 - Emeryville, California. Somewhere near the eastern end of the highway.<br />July 30, 2014 - Highway CA-108, California. Somewhere near the eastern end of the highway.<br />July 30, 2014 - Highway CA-108, California. Joyce somewhere near the eastern end of the highway.<br />July 30, 2014 - Highway CA-108, California. Joyce at junction of Pacific Crest Trail and Rainbow Falls Trail.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Red's Meadows Resort, near Mammoth Lakes, California. On the PCT south of Red's Meadows Resort.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California On the PCT south of Red's Meadows Resort.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California On trail near Reds Meadows Resort.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California On trail to Devils Postpile.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California Egils at Devils Postpile National Monument.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California Devils Postpile National Monument.<br />July 31, 2014 - Near Mammoth Lakes, California Sati. Beer is the first thing after a long hike.<br />July 31, 2014 - Reds Meadow near Mammoth Lakes, California. Melody, Joyce, and Sati.<br />Everyone is happy after a successful rendezvous.<br />July 31, 2014 - Reds Meadow near Mammoth Lakes, California. Melody, Egils, and Sati posing for Joyce.<br />July 31, 2014 - Reds Meadow near Mammoth Lakes, California. Joyce and Melody.<br />July 31, 2014 - Reds Meadow near Mammoth Lakes, California. Chickenheads at beer tasting.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Mammoth Brewing Company, Mammoth Lake, California. Joyce and Sati listen to Melody's stories while doing some beer tasting.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Mammoth Brewing Company, Mammoth Lakes, California. Joyce, Sati, and Melody listening to some music.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Mammoth Lakes, California. Sati, Melody, and Joyce waiting for the hot spring.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Off Whitmore Tubs Rd, Mono County, California. A smoky sunset at hot springs.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Off Whitmore Tubs Rd, Mono County, California. Melody, Joyce, and Sati relaxing in the hot spring while I am about to join them.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - Off Whitmore Tubs Rd, Mono County, California. Sati and Melody packing food into bear-proof containers for the next leg of their trek.<br />Aug. 1, 2014 - White Horse Inn, Mammoth Lakes, California. Sati and Melody got the Chinese room at the inn.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - White Horse Inn, Mammoth Lakes, California. Joyce and I hiked around this lake.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. The bark of the tree atracted our attention.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. Aspen grove at the far end of the lake.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. Joyce.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. The aspen's bark changed from smooth to rought.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. The smoke from the "French" fire moved in as we completed our hike.<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Convict Lake, California. A big flock of sheep along the road.<br />Aug. 2. 2014 - Mammoth Scenic Loop, California. Earthquake fault at Mammoth Lakes<br />Aug. 2, 2014 - Off CA-203 at Mammoth Lakes, California. Egils contemplating May Lake<br />at May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, Callifornia. Joyce contemplating May Lake<br />at May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, Callifornia. Our four person tent<br />at May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, Callifornia. View from ridge above May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. May Lake.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. May Lake.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Joyce on trail up Mt. Hoffmann (we didn't make it very far due to rain).<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. May Lake from trail up Mt. Hoffmann with smoke in the background.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Dinner manu.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Joyce at our home for the night.<br />Tent at May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Our two very friendly room-mates (sisters from the Bay Area).<br />May Lake High Sierra Camp.<br />Aug. 3, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Fallen tree with stone in its roots.<br />On trail between May Like and Glen Aulin HSCs.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. View from trail between May Like and Glen Aulin HSCs.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Contorded tree.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. A bunch of contorted trees.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Mule.<br />May Lake camp being resupplied.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in the distance.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Half Dome (highly corrected for haze and smoke).<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Aug. 4, 2014 - Olmsted Viewpoint, Yosemite National Park, California. Dining room at the Double Eagle Resort.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - June Lke, California. View from our deck at the Double Eagle Resort.<br />Aug. 5, 2014 - June Lake, California. Lyell Fork from Pacific Crest Trail bridge.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. On trail to Tuolumne Pass.<br />We hoped to meet Melody and Sati on this trail but turned around here (at 9340 of elevation').<br />Aug. 5, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Back at the Pacific Crest Trail bridge over Lyell Fork.<br />Aug. 4, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. On Pacific Crest Trail near its crossing over Lyell Fork.<br />Aug. 5, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Sati, Melody, and Joyce.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Sati and Melody erecting their tent in the<br />backpacker' area of Tuolumen Meadows Campground.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. View west from Tuolumen Meadows.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Tuolumen Meadows.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Lembert Dome form Tuolumne Meadows.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Deer at Tuolumen Meadows.<br />Aug. 6, 2014 - Yosemite National Park, California. Buildings and trout pond at Double Eagle Resort.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - June Lake, California. Mt. Tom.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On US-395 north of Bishop, California. Mt Tom and Wheeler Ridge?<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On US-395 north of Bishop, California. On way to Schulman Grove of bristle cone pines.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On CA-168 east of Big Pine, California. On way to Schulman Grove of bristle cone pines.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On CA-168 east of Big Pine, California. On way to Schulman Grove of bristle cone pines.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On CA-168 east of Big Pine, California. At vista point on White Mountain Road.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - A few miles south of Schulman Grove, California. At vista point on White Mountain Road.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - A few miles south of Schulman Grove, California. Joyce at vista point on White Mountain Road.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - A few miles south of Schulman Grove, California. Pinyon pine cones at vista point on White Mountain Road.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - A few miles south of Schulman Grove, California. Bristlecones at Schulman Grove.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Joyce trying to duscerb the tightly packed rings.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Remains of a bristlecone pine.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Yet another example of a bristlecone pine.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Base of a bristlecone pine.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Joyce in awe at the bristlecone pine.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. More bristlecone pines.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Joyce taking a break from all the awesome scenery.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Asters?<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. A sculptural bristlecone pine.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Some sort of a thistle.<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - Schulman Grove, Inyo County, California. Mt. Whitney?<br />Aug. 7, 2014 - On US-395 north of Independence, California. Ellery Lake.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - CA-120 on way to Tioga Pass. Delay due to construction and/or Yosemite Park entrance fee collection<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - On CA-120 just east of Tioga Pass, California. Mule deer at begining of hike.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Dog Lake.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Dog Lake.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Flower on the shore of Dog Lake.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Joyce hugging tree on shoe of Dog Lake.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Rain approaching Dog Lake.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Burl.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Atop Lembert Dome.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Atop Lembert Dome.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Egils on Lembert Dome.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne Meadows from Lembert Dome.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Slope of Lemgert Dome which we traversed.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. Joyce with a friendly group of higers on way down from the Dome.<br />Hike aroun/on Lembert Dome.<br />Aug. 8, 2014 - Yosemite National Park. View north while waiting for water taxi to take us to the other side.<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - Saddlebag Lake, Inyo National Forest, California. Aug. 9, 2014 - Greenstone Lake, Inyo National Forest, California. North Peak? beyond the lake.<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - Greenstone Lake, Inyo National Forest, California. Aug. 9, 2014 - Wasco Lake? Inyo National Forest, California. Aug. 9, 2014 - Between Wasco and Steelhead Lakes. Inyo National Forest, California. Aug. 9, 2014 - Steelhead Lake. Inyo National Forest, California. Colorful mountain beyond the lake.<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - Steelhead Lake. Inyo National Forest, California. Supermoon over Mono Lake outside Mono Inn Restaurant<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - About 5 miles north of Lee Vining, California. Supermoon over Mono Lake outside Mono Inn Restaurant<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - About 5 miles north of Lee Vining, California. View from outside Mono Inn Restaurant<br />Aug. 9, 2014 - About 5 miles north of Lee Vining, California. Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Alkali flies by the thousands (fortunately not interested in humans).<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. A black bird (Brewer's blackbird?).<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. The salinity of the lake is about 2.5 times higher than that of the ocean.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Joyce among tufas.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Tourists photographing and just admiring the tufas.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. Aug. 10, 2014 - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California. After another successful rendezbous,<br />Joyce, Bonnie, Brad, Sati, and Melody having a few beers.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Twin Lakes Resort, California. Bonnie and Brad at their spacious accommodations.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Lee Vining, California. Melody and Sati relaxing at Bonnie and Brad spacious accommodations.<br />Aug. 10, 2014 - Lee Vining, California. Hops.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - At the Latte Da in Lee Vining, California. Sati, Melody, Brad, Bonnie, her friend, and Joyce.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - At the Latte Da in Lee Vining, California. Bathing suits optional.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Buckeye Hot Springs, west of Bridgeport, California. Colorful rocks.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Travertine Hot Springs east of Bridgeport, California. The pool is to the right of the table.<br />We managed to soak between thunderstorms with hail.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Travertine Hot Springs east of Bridgeport, California. Melody, Joyce, and Sati relaxing at cabin #9.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Lee Vining, California. Our dinner setting between the cabins.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Lee Vining, California. Sati grilling some steaks, which he did to perfection.<br />Aug. 11, 2014 - Lee Vining, California. Sati and Melody.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Melody and Sati.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Melody among tufas.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Sati among tufas.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Melody.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California. Tufas with osprays.<br />Aug. 12, 2014 - Kayaking on Mono Lake, California.