Morraine Ridge

Lovingly called Migraine Ridge. It's lovely once you get up there but getting there is far more than half the battle. Starting a hike with four miles of switchbacks that seem to always be in the sun is not exactly my idea of a good time. After that things aren't so bad...if you haven't passed out by then. It is very tempting. The passing out part, that is.

Virginia Lakes

Another recent trip (!) to the Eastside. Teresa and I hijacked Hillary and her dog Roshi from work at Mountain Sage Cafe and headed over the pass to escape the heat of Groveland. There was of course the mandatory stop at the Mobile in Lee Vining where we indulged in Mango Margaritas and Fish Tacos which almost put us to sleep but we forged on. We ended up camping along Virginia Creek where camping was supposedly "primitive" but the presence of bathrooms and RVs proved otherwise. We managed to find a spot away from most of the people right along the creek that was quite refreshing and quiet.

Roshi hard at work collecting firewood.

A rain orchid. Very cool flower.

Not that you can really tell...but the individual flowers look like little elephant heads! Oh, wait, click on the picture and then it gets bigger and you can tell! So exciting!

Virginia Lakes Resort... Our breakfast spot and far better than the orginal Ramen option. We have yet to make the transition from backpacking to full-fledged car camping especially when it comes to food. Baby steps. I mean, we did manage to bring chairs and s'more supplies this time...just not much more than that.

Clark's Nutcracker! Much larger all up close and in person.

Classy!

After a late breakfast (that could probaly be classified as brunch) we took a hike up to Virginia Lakes. There are a whole series of lakes along the trail and had it been slightly warmer they would have been ideal for swimming.

Roshi hating life on a leash. Luckily it was short lived and then he was able to run free.

When your roofing starts to fall off just weigh it down with a few rocks. It's the perfect solution. Everybody's doing it, really.

Roshi playing in the one remaining patch of snow. Crazy that there is still snow around when it has been so hot but that is the wonder of elevation I guess.

People! Don't see a whole lot of those pictures around here. Teresa, Hillary and I.

Bam! Pretty sweet scenery!