Up and Down the Big Valley Day3

Woke up early and rolled at first light underneath the enormous mass of Mt Williamson.

 Lone Cottonwood in a wash near Georges Creek.

Rode around the back of Manzanar and took a quiet moment to reflect on the past and hope for a better future.

I crossed 395 to the Manzanar airport.

Just east of the airport I swung north onto the Stevens Canal Road which provided excellent riding and beautiful scenery all the way up to Mazourka Canyon Road.

Once north of Mazourka Canyon Road the roads were wider and straighter.

 I was pleased and a bit surprised by the vast grasslands in this area.

 Ponds too!

 Eventually I wound my way up towards the Black Rock Fish Hatchery.

Can't believe I didn't take any more pictures after Black Rock! Had a bit of a headwind so I was grinding out the miles wanting to get home I suppose.

Felt great to roll right up to our house after a fine adventure!

Up and Down the Big Valley Day 2

For me there is no better feeling than waking up in the wild. This morning I slept in and while the moon set and the light filled the sky I sipped my coffee and ate my warm gruel contentedly.

As I rode south the roads generally straightened and widened.

The old railroad stop at Kearsarge is commemorated here.

Flooding in this area left a cake of cracked mud over the surface. Good riding actually.

The magnificent Inyo Mountains.

Rode along this big ditch for a good while. Likely constructed year before last to spread flood waters from the big runoff we had.

Gravel superhighway!

Heading into Lone Pine.

Stopped for a energy boost in Lone Pine before climbing up into the Alabama Hills.

Stayed on Movie Flat Road on down towards Hogback Creek.

Found a pleasant camp site on Georges Creek with nice views.

and a swell pool for taking a dip.  That felt good!

Good times!

Up and Down the Big Valley Day1

The bikepack trip of the month was a three day outing from our home down the Owens Valley to Lone Pine and back.

Pleasant canal cruising less than an hour in.

Nearing Big Pine.

At Big Pine I headed east, crossed the Owens River, and headed south near Tinnemaha Reservoir.
The Fuji - esque  (sort of) Crater Mountain.

The base of the Inyo Mountains is arid with more than a hint of lower deserts.

Happily I found good water in Taboose Creek just prior to its confluence with the Owens.

I enjoyed terrific riding south of Aberdeen Station Road.

Eventually I made camp a bit north of  Mazourka Canyon.

Settled in and enjoyed the evening light.

A nice start!

South Fork Big Pine Creek

Mary, Bristle and I hiked up the South Fork of Big Pine Creek over the weekend. We suspected the fall colors would not be as dramatic as other locales but we hadn't been in a long time and we knew the scenery would be spectacular.

While there were few golden aspens, the willows were in fine fall form. 

A view back to the rugged Middle Palisade and Norman Clyde peaks.

The dominant Mt Sill

 Willow Lake, our destination for the day.

Mr B

Mary heads down the steep section.

Although not spectacular, we still enjoyed the fall foliage!

Another good day in the hills!