An artists adventures in the USA draw to a close

With the Triathalon over it was time for the final leg of our road trip, back to San Francisco via Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe.

First stop Mammoth Lakes

If you love any sort of outdoor sport then Mammoth Lakes is the place to go.  Offering year round activities among pine forests, lakes and streams with the Sierra Nevada’s as its backdrop.   This artist loves her outdoor adventures so we were in the right place.

Hiking and Biking

For those who love to hike or MTB you will love the Mammoth Lakes area as there are over 300 miles of trails in the vicinity.  Check out the  Mammoth Lakes Trails System  website for all trail information . If MTB is your thing or want to learn how to do it  have a look at the mountain bike park on Mammoth Mountain. There is terrain suitable for all levels.

Also road cyclists there are some place for you to ride too see more here

We had planned on checking out the Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow falls and to walk a small portion of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail ) and the John Muir Trails however  our efforts where put on hold due to smoke from forest fires.

Fishing, Camping,  Paddle-boarding, Kayaking, Boating

There are a number of lakes in the area,  which make up the Mammoth Lakes Basin. These include Horse Shoe Lake, Lake Marmie, Lake  Mary, and Twin Lakes. Permitted activities differ for each lake so pop over to the trails website for more information.

We only had time to drive around some of the lakes with a stop off at Horse Shoe Lake to observe the petrified trees, they took fright and died! Just kidding the real story is due to carbon dioxide escaping to the surface after seismic activity from 1989-1990.

Altered Plans

A visit to Yosemite was the next stop but due to forest fires and road closures we detoured back via Lake Tahoe.

Mono Lake

The lake looks like something out of a science fiction novel with rock formations rising out of the lake. The formations are columns of limestone formed from the alkaline lake water and  fresh spring water mixing.  Tufa is the name of the rock formations.

The Lake has no outlet to the ocean so the water accumulates high levels of salts which makes the water alkaline. If you are interested you will find  further information here.

 

Lake Tahoe

Back in Lake Tahoe we found accommodation in South Lake Tahoe, which was near Lakeside Beach. Hoping to go for a little walk along the lake front it was not to be. We weren’t to keen on having to pay for access to the beach. Though I have since found out that there are public access beaches but not within walking distance to our accomodation.

If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a great view of the lake front (behind perspex!) then check out The Beach House Cafe. There might even be live entertainment.

Final Leg

On the journey from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, some shopping was in order. We checked out one of the local outlet shopping malls, always nice to get a bargain or two. Added bonus was being in air conditioned shops as it was rather hot.

Then it was up up and away and our latest adventures in the USA was over. Haere ra, until next time.

 

Read part 1 here and part 2 there