eastside in april

The weather gods were in our favor this year. We managed passage over Sonora Pass in the small four day window it was open. I felt like we were entering a world where few had been before. It was fresh and clean. That was Sunday, by Tuesday the snow returned and it was closed. But we were safely over on the eastside, returning to all our favorite haunts.

The spring brings different birds migrating. We were treated to a flock of white pelicans floating in the lower reaches of Hot Creek.

In all the years we have been coming to the Owen's Valley this spot never fails to inspire awe in me. Hot Creek is a lush creek, with warm water from the hot springs feeding into the creek. And the backdrop is the a view into the Sierra.

This year I was able to stand there watching the pelicans circling in the air, twenty-two of them, by my count. As they move upwards in a spiral you loose sight of them as there wings catch the sunlight at an angle that hides them. And then they reappear, their black wingtips appearing.
By Friday we were ready to make our way north, by way of Reno to spend the night with friends, but we had been spending much time looking at the approaching storm, well aware we were driving our two wheel drive truck. We do carry chains, but the thought of having to use them was not something we wanted to experience. But again the weather gods were watching out for us. They gave a good warning to hurry along though when we went up into Mammoth to get gas. It was starting to snow hard enough that by afternoon there were chain controls to get up into town. But with a full tank of gas, and a loaf of chili cheese bread (an eastside treat from Schats Bakery) we were heading north out of the snow.
When we reached Mono Lake though we were treated to this view:

Mike gets credit for the above photo.
This is mine:

We made our way uneventfully to Reno, where by evening the snow was falling there, giving us an incredible view from the warmth our friends dining room table looking up to Mount Rose, snow sticking to the ground and trees. By morning it had melted off enough for and easy passage over Donner Pass and again a landscape that was clean and white. I am more than happy to not live in snow, but I do enjoy the occasional visits. This was a good trip.