June Lake Loop

During a recent trip to the Eastern Sierra I took a trip on the “June Lake Loop”.  Expected to find June Lake, but enjoyed so many other sights as well.  One in particular was Silver Lake.

First image processed using Photoshop!

I was in the area to attend a workshop on Photoshop for Photographers with Moose Peterson.  Was a wonderful class, although must admit  a bit over my head at the time!  Have since then spent countless hours in Photoshop and also have ventured in Lightroom with much success.  Thanks to Doug Sahlin and Knapp Hudson am able to process my RAW images now and post from Lightroom!!  Special thanks to Andy Brooks for helping me with my class homework via “Go to Meeting” and advising me to create the image above.  (Yes, I did say I had help with my homework!  Seriously, as an educator had to admit did not do without help!  I did the work, but with guidance.)

Back to the loop…

View in the distance

I could find no access to the wonderful falls above, so chose my 70-200mm for a closer view.

One of my Lensbaby optics that doesn’t get much use is my Fisheye.  Enjoyed the majestic views with a twist.  So still and calm, figured the Fisheye could help me show the fullness of beauty.  This is June Lake and the richness of colors matches my experience with Sand Harbor, located in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.  A must visit, if in the area!!

Some Lensbaby fun!

Part of the splendor of the Highway 395 corridor for me was there were so many breath-taking views.  Took me 11 and a half hours to get from 395 back to Davis, CA to show my easy ADHD–or just the ability to pull over and enjoy visions of grandeur!

Just one little patch of fence left!

I especially enjoyed views that are not the norm down in the “flatlands” I enjoy and call home!

Leading the way to beauty!

I would love to just follow this road all day and just enjoy where it might lead!  For now, I will let my imagination fill that trip until I return one day and can really go where this road leads.

I did pass wildflowers alongside the road during much of my trip–a pleasure to behold and catch with my camera.  These so struck my fancy as they are surrounded by weeds and surviving on their own!  Will have a dedicated blog to the flowers that caused part of my wonderful lengthy return to the Sacramento area!  Spent much of that time with my macro lens!

Wildflowers

One last view of June Lake…and yes, I do in fact have a “rock fettish”  Love the way you can see the wear and tear on this one rock.  Wonder how many years it has endured harsh weather and the fabulous view of June Lake!

Crystal Clear

I learned on this trip to enjoy the unexpected!  I went on my way to Mammoth with no reservations for a Thursday evening in the middle of July.  I figured–with this economy…I could get a room for one night.  Mind you, I have never gone anywhere without a reservation…I would strongly recommend you plan ahead and reserve a room in Lee Vining.  It is the “portal” to Yosemite via Tioga Pass and does fill up.  However–if I didn’t have to drive another 10 plus miles down the road, I wouldn’t have enjoyed this sunset view across June Lake from my very economical hotel room!!

The end of the day...

I so look forward to more visits along this golden span of California!