My weekend adventure

[jorgemonkey]

This going to be semi-long, but I'll be doing 3 different posts for the three days since it was truly an adventure.

I had signed up for a photo class that required us to go on a weekend long trip. This year it was decided that we'd be going to the ghost town of Bodie, CA in the Eastern Sierras near Mono Lake. The weather forecast called for 30% chance of a little snow, temps in the 20-40s. Saturday & Sunday were to be sunny with temps in the 20s-40s. Well we know how often the weatherman is correct

The day started off good. We left San Jose at about 10, and got to the town of Sonora later in the day, with the weather looking great. Except for the clouds on the horizon.



As we got towards the big climb to the top of Sonora Pass, the weather turned sour on us, and we had plenty of snow going through the pass.



We arrived at our camp around 3:30, about 2 hours before they closed both Tioga Pass (Through Yosemite) and Sonora Pass. The snow never really let up



Our original plans had us driving from our camp down to the south shore of Mono Lake. We turned onto the road to get to the south shore, and after chatting with a drive who had just come from there, we decided to turn back. We had a mix of 4WD vehicles, and 2WD with chains and we chose to take the safe route instead of finding out we were going to have some people be stranded out there. Plus, you can't get a sunset without sun!



All was not lost. On our way back, the snowfall let up and we found a place we could get to the lake. We spent maybe an hour shooting in the 20-something degree weather.



Whats a trip to the snow without a snowball fight?










Later that night, I got a chance to sleep in sub 20 degree weather in a sleeping bag and a couple layers of clothes

Day 2 coming (hopefully) tomorow!

[Tyson L. Sparks]

Great story, can't wait for part two.

[another view]

Except for the clouds on the horizon.

I know how that goes... Looks like a fun weekend!

[Old Timer]

Just part of what makes life so exciting. Live each day to the fullest and take what life throws at you as a challenge to be conquered. Loved your first episode and look forward to others about your weekend. You sure made the best of the opportunities you did have. Love the lake shot and the snow covered flip flop.

[jorgemonkey]

So during the night we enjoyed temps in the mid teens, as well as falling snow. I also realized how much I hated to get up in the middle of the night, get out of the sleeping bag, and run to the bathroom in snow/ice. When the sun came out, we had some nice photo ops given to us by the photo gods.





Then as luck would have it as we started to pack up and get ready to leave to Bodie, it started to snow again.



The road to Bodie is about 9 miles long, and the first 6 or 7 is (now ice & snow covered) paved road, and the last couple is all dirt. About halfway through the paved section disaster struck. One of the drivers of a car couldn't decide whether to be in first or second gear going up a snow covered hill. She lost all her momentum, and came to a stop. Since she couldn't get enough traction to go up, we helped guide her as she slide/reversed down the hill about 200 yards to a flat section, where she could turn around. Her passenger had never been to Bodie, and this was my 4th trip, so I volunteered to go back in the car so the other girl could visit Bodie.

After I grabbed my gear I started heading down the icy hill (see where this is going!). I had my D200 & 70-200 VR in my hand as I was planning on shooting the car tracks, when I slipped. The lens went hood first into the ground, which helped break my fall. I broke all the plastic that connects the hood to the lens, the manual focus ring is stiff, filter threads are a little tweaked, and I've realized that the focus is a little off. Its not too noticeable by itself, but when I put on my 1.4 TC I can really see the difference. So its off to Nikon today for repairs.

Luckily the owner's wife of where we were staying at volunteered to take us back to Bodie. It was 19 degrees when we got out of the suburban, and this is what we were treated with off & on during the day



Though we had icy winds, freezing cold temps, and lots of mini blizzards, the photo gods rewarded our perseverance.

1.


2. A little peace & solice, and getting out of the snow!


3.


4.


5.


6. And of course it started snowing again. Also, the power of RAW. This was 3 stops over exposed.


7.


8.


9. Looks like an inviting place to live, don't it?


10.


11.


I also ended up with a great 180 panorama, but right now its 1.5 ft x 8.5 ft. I think its too big to post here

Edit: Part III (the final one) will be probably tomorrow morning.

[Lori11]

WOW, great story and photo's. I have to admit, I cant imagine camping let alone leaving to go out in that LOL (Yeah, Ima wuss, 50 is cold to me)
Thanks for sharing all of it!

[jorgemonkey]

Our plan for Sunday was to head to Mono Lake for a sunrise session, but due to the fact the temps were in the teens and the sun had been out
in the afternoon, we decided not to risk hitting any black ice at night and skip Mono and head straight to Lundy Lake/Canyon.



There we were treated to some fantastic photo opportunities since the beaver ponds were frozen over.





The creek was still running strong which made for some good water images.





In addition to the water, we were also treated to some fantastic scenery


The temperatures were a little warmer, but it was still cold outside.






We made it back to Bridgeport around 11:30am to find the passes still closed. This guy didn't care what we did, just as long as I didn't get any closer to him


We also had to plan out our route home due to a few of the passes being closed.


And the final two images from the day, before I got too tired of taking pictures. We ended up getting home at about 8pm, which made for a very long day!




Then of course to top everything off, I developed a nasty toothache once I got home

[susaan]

Nice Ice shot !
Thoroughly enjoying the series !

[Overbeyond]

What an adventure and you got some great photographs too.

[Frog]

You got some very nice shots. I, too, like the ice and stream shot a lot.
The whole story is interesting but I am sorry about the toothache.