Getting to Mammoth Lakes in time for the workday meant another very early (see: dark) morning. Luckily a bright, full moon allowed for a beautiful view of the Sierras on the left side of the road and desert on the right, with Death Valley in the distance. I was able to take this shot of Mount Whitney when stopping at one of the very few gas stations along the route.
View of Mount Whitney, CA
I didn't have any expectations for Mammoth Lakes, but it immediately became another one of my favorite places. The mix of desert and mountains is just serene.
Mountains at Mammoth Lakes, CA
I found a coffee shop with a nice view, and couldn't believe my luck that they had gluten-free donuts. I nearly bought them out every day during the week.
Coffee shop looking out at Mammoth Lakes, CA
Now further north, I had my first experience where my saved campsite had too much snow depth to access. With a setting sun and limited time to reach my plan-B site, and seeing packed snow from snowmobiles on the trail, I decided to try it anyway.
Connor gets stuck, Vol 1
Unfortunately, the snow was not packed enough and my tread not good enough to advance more than a few feet. Luckily the Max Tax paid for themselves almost immediately. Try another page from the blog to see if I learned my lesson when faced with a setting sun and a snow covered trail.
Sunrise looking at Mammoth Lakes, CA
With the next sunrise, I had already forgotten about the first dig experience.
Headed to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA
I did ski a few days at Big Bear Lake, CA, but this was the first skiing on the trip with real snow and real vertical. A bluebird day had me excited.
Mountains surrounding Mammoth Lakes, CA
Bootpacked to the top of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Despite not getting fresh snow for almost a month, I still found the skiing here incredible. The steeps and distance from crowds made for a great experience.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Skiing at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Camping along the Mammoth Scenic Loop
While driving around the mountain near my plan-B site, I found a number of van and car camping sites along the road. The ease of access (and lack of getting stuck) made this my go-to spot for the week.
Rocket League on a PS4
The new site also had good enough reception with my Verizon hotspot to play video games with some friends from home. I didn't think overheating would be an issue for the playstation, but burying it at the bottom of my stuff without airflow for the vents turned out to be a problem after about an hour.
June Lake, CA
June Lake Ski Area brought all the views, a few less steeps, and many less people. It's a great family-friendly mountain for those who can make the trip (and wait for the line on the first chair of the day, as there's only one main lift to access most of the mountain).
Skiing June Lake Ski Area
June Lake Ski Area
Don't do stupid shit
While.. "eating lunch" that day, I managed to break the 'Don't do stupid shit' keychain my parents had gifted me. When I said this gave me a free pass, I quickly received a replacement.
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