June Lake Loop
Daily Summary
Day 33
Start: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Finish: Gull Lake National Forest Campground near June Lake, CA
Today’s Miles: 70.4
Trip Time: 06:28:35
Moving Average: 38.2 mph
Speed Max: 64.6 mph
Time Moving: 02:02:21
Odometer: 1897.2
Highlights
After our morning soak in the hot springs, we had an unusually fast exit from Benton Hot Springs. We were on the road by 8:30 AM — a record. We drove straight to Mammoth Lakes with a list of chores. We did divide and we did conquer: Ross washed all the clothes and bedding while Robin shopped for groceries and filled up the gas tank. Nice teamwork!
After “shopping” for a campsite at three national forest campgrounds near June Lake, we found a terrific site right on Gull Lake, appropriately called Gull Lake Campground, for $22 per night. It’s a small campground that is usually filled up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sunday afternoons are usually a good time to catch a site as the weekenders start to pack up and leave.
The June Lake “loop” was carved out by glacial action that left pristine lakes abutting the Sierra Mountains. The landscape is both lush and rugged. The lakes are popular fishing spots.
Lowlights
None
Early to Bed and Early to Rise...
Daily Summary
Day 32
Start: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Finish: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Today’s Miles: 0
Highlights
The highlight of the morning was waking up to a sunrise over the White Mountains while temperatures began to warm. First order of business: back in the hot tub with hot coffee. We enjoy good coffee. In the condo we grind coffee from a roaster in Portland. In the teardrop it’s easier to make instant coffee. We used a French press on a previous trip but didn’t care for the cleanup and disposal of the used grinds. So after some experimentation our palates will reveal the top two brands of instant coffee: Starbucks Columbia Via and Medaglia D'Oro Espresso.
Ross jumped on his bike for the 6 mile ride to Benton but made a wrong turn right out the gate. He ended up riding 2 miles straight up the mountain gaining a gazillion verticals along the way. The view was tremendous and ride down exhilarating. He did manage to find Benton after all. Thankfully, he didn’t blink or he would have missed it.
Lowlights
The afternoon winds picked up considerably. Not only did the winds chase us into the teardrop for refuge, the freaking winds tore our new Nemo Bugout tarp shelter. It’s only a small tear in the mesh, but the “first cut is always the deepest”.
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs placed three port-o-lets at the campground. They were filled to the brim, meaning everybody’s deposits were a little too obvious. Nasty.
Observations
We have gotten in the habit of going to bed at sunset and rising at first light. This is not the norm in most campgrounds. Most people light fires and visit into the night, and then sleep late. Not us. We’re up hours before the campground begins to stir.
Gnats Gnalore
Daily Summary
Day 31
Start: Big Meadow Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Tom’s Place
Finish: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Today’s Miles 73.2
Trip Time 06:49:23
Moving Average 39.9 mph
Speed Max 71.7 mph
Time Moving 01:57:48
Odometer 1826.8
Highlights
Ross enjoyed his morning bike ride up Rock Creek Canyon. The temperature was cool while the sun shone brightly.
We packed up and left our beautiful campsite and headed north. We drove to the lovely Convict Lake, a well-known site for weddings because of the picturesque lake framed by mountains that appear to rise right out of the lake. The national forest campground was hopping as weekenders arrived for some R&R. Next, we checked out Mammoth Lakes and stopped in at the first-class visitors center.
The drive 30 miles east to the Inn at Benton Hot Springs was very nice. We skirted Crowley Lake and drove over mountains that looked increasingly like desert terrain. Benton Hot Springs is an old town dating back to 1886 known for natural springs that deliver water to pools at a consistent 120-135 degrees. The Inn functions as a B&B with a campground in the back of the property. Each campsite has a separate and somewhat private plunge pool fed by the hot springs. We reserved site #10 for two nights. After unpacking and setting up camp, we jumped right in with beers in hand. To the east we had unobstructed views of the White Mountains.
Lowlights
Like every idyllic location, there’s always some downside. At Benton Hot Springs, biting gnats came in the early evening and swarmed our heads so much that they chased us into the teardrop early.
Full Frontal
| Daily Summary | May 12 |
|---|---|
| Day | 30 |
| Start | Big Meadow Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Tom’s Place |
| Finish | Big Meadow Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Tom’s Place |
| Today’s Miles | 0 |
| Location | https://share.delorme.com/Judice |
Highlights
Today was spent hanging around the campsite in the hammock listening to the rushing water in the creek or drinking a couple beers. Robin and Ross went on separate walks down the creek trail looking at the fish or the sunlight shining through the aspens.
On his way back down the trail, Ross saw a young woman getting out of the creek. Not only was she naked, she was buck naked. Rather than gawk at her body (she did not seem embarrassed), he tipped his hat and moved on.
We drove a couple miles down to the tiny town of Tom’s Place and enjoyed a beer at the saloon before moving over to the cafe to take advantage of the cafe’s Thursday special: prime rib. It was thick and juicy and cooked just right.
Lowlights
Ross took T'Chat for a walk. She has a tendency to get in touch with her feral inner kitten on such occasions, and resists all efforts to corral her back to the trailer. She manage to scratch the shit out of Ross when he tried to pick her up. Seven liters of whole blood infusions later, Ross would regain consciousness.
Observations
Once we unload our gear at the campsite and with the pets in tow, it is sometimes easier to stagger our morning physical activities so that Robin goes for a run while Ross minds the camp, and then they switch. Unfortunately, we don’t often run, hike, or bike together.
From Rock Creek With Love
| Daily Summary | May 11 |
|---|---|
| Day | 29 |
| Start | Big Trees Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Bishop, CA |
| Finish | Big Meadow Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Tom’s Place |
| Today’s Miles | 60.9 |
| Trip Time | 02:55:16 |
| Moving Average | 38.1 mph |
| Speed Max | 62.7 mph |
| Time Moving | 01:40:31 |
| Odometer | 1753.6 |
Highlights
Ross went on a morning hike up to the top of the ridge in Bishop Creek Canyon where he could get a full view of the White Mountains to the east and the Sierras to the west. He even encountered a 4 foot snake along the way.
Meanwhile, Robin ran around the trails near the campground and came across several tracks that look like a bear and a mountain lion. Check out the photos on today’s blog to see what you think. When she returned from her run, she seemed more excited than afraid.
We packed up and headed south and drove up through Rock Creek Canyon to scout out the various National Forest campgrounds along the way. Several of the campgrounds at the highest elevations were closed with snow still on the ground. We settled on a campsite (#9) at Big Meadow Campground that turned out to be the best campsite we’ve had thus far on our adventure. The site is nestled at the end the campground cul-de-sac. It is very private and romantic. Rock Creek flows next to the campsite and it is absolutely beautiful with its cascading currents and clear water.
Robin made her special peanut butter, butter, and jelly sandwiches. Yes, there is an extra butter in that sentence.
At our new campsite, Spock was finally been able to enjoy a dip in the creek, something he has enjoyed throughout his hiking career.
Lowlights
We had heard stories from Ranger Rick and others of a lady who lived in a tree at the top of Rock Creek Canyon and baked pies at the Rock Creek Resort. Her business is called Pie in the Sky Café. When we arrived at the resort even the GPS identified the place as “Pie in the Sky Drive”. We were so excited. Unfortunately, according to a source at the resort, the Pie in the Sky lady has retired. So sad for us.
Observations
Pro Travel Tip: Secret campsites are good for marriage.
Robin was so shocked to see a dirt track, she forgot to take a picture of the scenic mountains behind it. (She ran her very first race on a dirt track at age 12.)
The entrance to Manzanar. Can you imagine being “relocated” from your home to this dry, desolate place?
