Ansel Adams Wilderness, California...

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." Ansel Adams

For 28 miles, I got the chance to experience and explore another Sierra Nevada Wonderland. The hike took me through scenes Ansel would have been Jones-zing to shoot. 

I did the best I could with the "point and blast away" Canon camera I backpack with. I know compared to the master, my shots are amateurish at best. However, I believe he would be impressed with my devotion and love for getting out there to see the potential photos.

It was a windy, cool hike. Fall is in the air. The Cold Weenie in me is kicking in. 

BTW. The wilderness was originally named the Minarets. In 1984, when all that was left of AA was his photos, the name was changed to honor this craftsman of the darkroom. A fitting tribute to an American Icon and wilderness geek like me.

Cheers from Windy Mammoth. (Does the wind ever abate around here?)

Jeff

Californians and their bear...

obsession. 

In Colorado, we have bears but we don't make a fuss over them. 

I've never heard a conversation start off with, "How's it goin'? Are you Bear Aware?"

Nope! In the Centennial State one can say we maintain a laissez-bear attitude. The bruins go about their bear business and the Coloradoans go about their own. (A lot of citizens are smoking legal pot, so they ponder what to eat when they get the munchies.) If a bear problem arises, the authorities deal with it. More than likely a  "Final Solution" to the bear gone bad. 

In California, one would think numerous

bears cavort freely around towns, meadows, forests and the lands in between. Hell! I half expected a bear to belly up to the bar next to me and order a pint with all this hairy omnivore talk. It's all a bit much. 

I feel Californians are over-the-top on this shaggy subject. There's a freaking bear on the state flag for crying out loud! 

Sigh...

OK! I vented.

Mammoth Lakes, California...

and the Crystal Lake hike. 

When five unrelated and geographically separate residents suggest the same destination for a hike, I listen up. Only a fool ignores the locals, especially when they  obviously walk the walk. My wild land informants were young, fit and tanned. Unlike me, who's now feeling the miles, has gimpy knees and has deepening facial furrows from the relentless rays of the sun.
Ah!  To be young again.

Anyway, I checked out what all the hubbub was about. 

What do you think? I think the natives nailed it. 

That's Crystal Crag looming large above the lake. Cool beach for an IPA too. 

I scored a two night, three day permit for 30 more miles of Sierra Nevada bliss starting mañana.

Please have a few brews for me while I'm drinking water and eating dehydrated Thai chicken! Umm umm good! 

Be well and thrive,

Jeff