Mono Lake in Autumn
Hi there,
While I am slowing down offering international travel, I am still enjoying certain local trips. Mono Lake is one of them. I had the pleasure of knowing David Gaines, the main founder of the Mono Lake Committee with his wife, Sally Judy. Here is a NPR, KQED Perspective I did on David and the profound difference a few individuals can make. https://www.kqed.org/perspectives/201601139162/mono-lake.
Mono Lake in the Autumn
The eastern Sierra Nevada is glorious in the fall, the air is crisp, the sky so blue. The aspen groves will be shimmering in brilliant shades of burnished gold and orange as we explore the wonders of Mono Lake and environs. This body of water is over 1 million years old - a remnant of a much larger inland lake. Its wildlife, unearthly scenery, and life-sustaining streams released from hostage to the water needs of Los Angeles will fill our hearts with joy (corny, yes, but true). Our recent very wet winters have given new hope to the continuing recovery of this gorgeous lake. Bizarre tufa towers, fantastic cinder cones, spooky lava caves, gurgling hot springs, and dramatic mountain canyons are its backdrop. We will get intimate views of California gulls, coyotes and the nearly two million eared grebes that stop here in the fall. American Avocets, Western and Least Sandpipers, Snowy Plovers, White-faced Ibises, and Dowitchers are stopping to feed on their journey south. We have a gentle hike up Lundy Canyon, once the site of frenetic gold and silver mining including by John Muir's daughter. Beavers are making a spectacular comeback in this canyon. In the photo below, I am actually hula hooping on a beaver dam. While this is not a photography seminar, bring your camera because the photo opportunities are incomparable. While there are some camping opportunities, most folks opt for a local motel. A list of accommodations is sent upon registration.
To register just send the total amount (check made out to Footloose Forays) to 1275 4th St. #311, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Questions? 707 570-2187.
COST: $450 per person.
DATE: Tuesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 3, 2024 or Friday, October 4 to Sunday October 6, 2024
Water Night
(excerpt)
If you open your eyes,
night opens doors of musk,
the secret kingdom of the water opens
flowing from the center of the night.
And if you close your eyes,
a river fills you from within,
flows forward, darkens you:
night brings its wetness to beaches in your soul.
~ Octavio Paz ~