Even though we were close to the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite Park we decided to explore more on Highway 395 since we had been to Yosemite before and had not been to the sights on 395.
This side of the Sierras offers spectacular views of the mountains.
Some of the mountains still had snow on them. From talking to the people that live in the area there was usually more snow on the mountains at this time of year but in recent years it has diminished.
We had heard that the June Lake Loop off Highway 395 was a beautiful drive so off we went.
They were right! It was so pretty right from the start.
I could see Heidi climbing up to her Grandfather's cottage and hear the goats bells as I looked at this scene.
The June Lake Loop area has been dubbed the "Switzerland of California."
Sierra scenery that defies description. It is so perfect it doesn't seem real.
There are four lakes along the loop. This is Silver Lake. It is named Silver Lake because on cloudy days the water is silver.
I will be quite honest...............I do not know if this is June Lake or Gull Lake. They are quite close together and I did not leave myself a clue in my photos of which was which.
But, aren't they beautiful?
The June Lake area has anything that an outdoor enthusiast could possibly want. Including a ski area.
The brochure we got from one of the Resorts there says "The loop is probably best know for its world class trout fishing. There are also many hiking trails, swimming, boating, waterskiing, wake boarding, paddle boarding, sailing, sailboarding, bicycling, canoeing, rock climbing, art and photography, scenic drives or just relaxing in a tranquil mountain setting."
It is a place that we would like to be able to come back to and spend time...........another one for the list.
From the June Lake Loop we took another side trip off Highway 395 toward Mammoth Lakes.
The beauty continues.
Mammoth is one of the largest mountain resorts in the nation. It boasts an 11,053 summit with 28 chairlifts.
The new McDonald's they are building in Mammoth looked like a Swiss Chalet.
Continuing southward on 395 the mountains become more barren and rocky.
Soon we were in Bishop.
Schat's Bakery is one of those landmark kind of places that if you are in the area you have to go. There must have been 25 signs stating "no pictures or video" so I can't show you their racks, tables and cases full of amazing baked products. It is known for a unique bread, called Original Sheepherder's Bread (trademarked in 1938) and produces 450 other products. The bakery produces approximately 25,000 loaves of bread per day. While the bread was wonderful it was the 450 other products that I was interested in. First we had a late lunch of sandwiches on that delicious bread. Then we did some sampling trying to decide what we would bring home with us. It was sourdough bread, cream cheese coffee cake and dark chocolate cashew turtles. Just so you know how good those turtles were let me quote Walt. "If they told me that these turtles were poison and if I ate them I would die in 24 hours I think I would still eat them." Now, that's good!
With our stomachs full we headed back to Lee Vining past Lake Crowley. The lake was created in 1941 by the building of the Long Valley Dam by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, as storage for the Los Angeles Aqueduct and for flood control. The city of Los Angeles’s appropriation of the water supply has made agriculture impossible in the Owens Valley so the residents depend upon tourists for their economy. The lake is known for its trout fishing but it is so low because of the drought that I wonder how many fish have survived. An article that I read said that the lake should be at the level that those boulders in the picture are on the edge or in the water.
There was an abundance of beauty in the towering mountains, glistening lakes and the forest of trees that we enjoyed today.
The scenery never ends but our day is coming to a close.
This was our laugh for the day. At a rest stop along the highway is this official looking plaque. For those of you trying to read this on your phone I will repeat it's message.
LOST CEMENT MINE
Somewhere near this spot is located the famous Lost Cement Mine. First discovered in 1857, the find was described as a ledge, "Wide as a curb stone" of rusty, reddish cement, two thirds of it pure gold. Various circumstances prevented the original discoverers from returning to claim their wealth. History indicates the location of the Lost Cement Mine may have been rediscovered and mined periodically until 1877 and then again concealed. An occasional prospector still searches for the elusive treasure but its location today still remains a secret. If while hiking in the area, you happen to come upon a ledge of pure gold please notify the nearest ECV Chapter so that we might relocate this monument to the correct site.
PLAQUE DEDICATED SEPTEMBER 6, 1980
BODIE CHAPTER OF E CLAMPUS VITIUS
After we stopped shaking our heads in disbelief we laughed and laughed and wondered if anyone would hand over their find to E Clampus Vitus. (We assured each other that if we found it it would be a total secret with those gold nuggets being ours alone.) Then I had to find out more about them. The info below pretty much sums them up. It was written by the Honorable Brother Al Shumate, M.D., ECV.
First, what does E Clampus Vitus mean? Well, that is the greatest mystery of all, because none of us know what it means!
Second, what is the purpose of the society? There is a description of the society that all of you have heard. It is claimed ECV is a historical drinking society; others claim it to be a drinking historical society. The debate continues; it has never been solved.
Third, the objectives of ECV are well known: Members swear to take care of the widows and orphans -- especially the widows.
Fourth, the governing authority of the Clampers is equally as explicit: All members are officers and all officers are of equal indignity.
What a wonderful day.................so much scenery, so much good food and a good chuckle as well.