Big McGee Lake/Mono Lake: Sierra Nevada

Woke up to our first clear, crisp Sierra morning light, after smoke blew out.

So nice to see that clean air

Heading back to the trailhead

Looking back towards McGee Lake

Back to parking area where Moosie picked us up

Mono Lake

Intense orange/red smoke filled sky as we made our way back to Reno

sun and smoke

 Continuation of a trip to the Sierra Nevada back in August:

Camo and I woke up to a windy, cool, crisp morning at Big McGee Lake. Finally, at last, the smoke blew out almost completely, and we were able to experience the crystal clear Sierra light and mountain air. We broke down our tents, and after breakfast, began our hike back to the McGee Pass trailhead parking area, where Moosie had planned to pick us up after returning from San Diego. The hike back to lower elevations was enjoyable, the wind kept the air cool. Before we knew it, we were back in the parking area. Moosie arrived shortly afterwards with cold drinks. We decided to visit Mono Lake on the way back to Moosie's place in Nevada. It was my first time seeing Mono Lake. The environment felt harsh and exposed, the wind was intense, the sun hot, the water an interesting soapy texture. Birds love it here. Camo, Moosie, and I explored the coastline for 45 minutes or so and then returned to the car and made our way back to Nevada. We drove past several forest fires, the worst and most intense just before Carson City. The blue sky suddenly was covered with smoke and we drove through an apocalyptic scene, the sky transformed into a dark orange red, ashes falling from the clouds like snow...