As mentioned in my last journal entry, I stayed at the free winter campground just off of Hwy 203 near the Mammoth city area. There were a couple of other die hards camping near me amid the large patches of snow. On the morning of the 21st, I rode the 
mountain bike trail called Knolls Loop which conveniently starts right behind the campground. Riding doesn't accurately describe the trip as much of the lower trail was covered by the aforementioned snow which was extremely soft. I spent much of my time either falling off of my bike when the front wheel plunged into the sloppy mess or walking the ride over the patches. Once clear of the lower portions, the trail cleared up. My efforts were rewarded, however, when upon reaching the Knolls, I was presented with 360° views of the valleys and ski resort. Plus, it was the first ride of the trip. Here's to many more! In the photo, the camera was a little crooked but so's my mind so it all balances out.
Mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy the area. Special trails, abound for everyone of all interests and ability levels. And, as I did, you can visit one of the local hot springs which dot the landscape east of Hwy 395, to unwind. After my ride, I packed up The Rig and rolled it over to one of those springs. They are seriously like hot tubs in paradise. There are many springs but the one I went to was about a mile or two east of this funky looking green church that mysteriously
stands by the highway. Each spring has been altered so that the emerging hot water is piped into rock and concrete tubs that are built at each site. It's quite a relaxing scene. When I was there a few other people were hanging out and enjoying the sun, quiet and spectacular views. The land is open and free. It's the kind of place that you can visit and feel the power of a natural environment and that we all need to visit and appreciate. Sitting in the water and feeling the mountain breezes move around me in chilling contrast to the warm bath provides a tingle that runs deeper than mere physical experience. (No, I didn't piss the pool.) It served to reaffirm the reasons I began this journey in the first place.
Leaving Mammoth, I headed south on 395, the massive walls and snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada on the right and the arid scrub and brown rocky mountains of the White Mountains and Last Chance Range on the left. It was getting later in the afternoon and I reluctantly had to pass by the road that leads to California's ancient bristlcone pine forest. I ended up camping somwhere between the cities of Big Pine and Independence. As a last image, I give you a scene from my camp at Goodale Creek. See ya in Death Valley!
mountain bike trail called Knolls Loop which conveniently starts right behind the campground. Riding doesn't accurately describe the trip as much of the lower trail was covered by the aforementioned snow which was extremely soft. I spent much of my time either falling off of my bike when the front wheel plunged into the sloppy mess or walking the ride over the patches. Once clear of the lower portions, the trail cleared up. My efforts were rewarded, however, when upon reaching the Knolls, I was presented with 360° views of the valleys and ski resort. Plus, it was the first ride of the trip. Here's to many more! In the photo, the camera was a little crooked but so's my mind so it all balances out.Mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy the area. Special trails, abound for everyone of all interests and ability levels. And, as I did, you can visit one of the local hot springs which dot the landscape east of Hwy 395, to unwind. After my ride, I packed up The Rig and rolled it over to one of those springs. They are seriously like hot tubs in paradise. There are many springs but the one I went to was about a mile or two east of this funky looking green church that mysteriously
stands by the highway. Each spring has been altered so that the emerging hot water is piped into rock and concrete tubs that are built at each site. It's quite a relaxing scene. When I was there a few other people were hanging out and enjoying the sun, quiet and spectacular views. The land is open and free. It's the kind of place that you can visit and feel the power of a natural environment and that we all need to visit and appreciate. Sitting in the water and feeling the mountain breezes move around me in chilling contrast to the warm bath provides a tingle that runs deeper than mere physical experience. (No, I didn't piss the pool.) It served to reaffirm the reasons I began this journey in the first place.Leaving Mammoth, I headed south on 395, the massive walls and snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada on the right and the arid scrub and brown rocky mountains of the White Mountains and Last Chance Range on the left. It was getting later in the afternoon and I reluctantly had to pass by the road that leads to California's ancient bristlcone pine forest. I ended up camping somwhere between the cities of Big Pine and Independence. As a last image, I give you a scene from my camp at Goodale Creek. See ya in Death Valley!
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