Highs and Lows

Hi all
We had a great day yesterday
and got good and tired so that contributed to a good nights sleep.

Started out with a drive up the Whitney Portal road
all the way to the end at just over 8400 feet in elevation. (the high)

Our truck indicated we were traveling up or down at 11° slope
and if my info is correct that equates to about a 19% grade.
That's steep!
Hope my engineering friends will correct me if that is not reasonably accurate.

Found our first frozen water fall at the top.

So many tall pines it was hard to get enough light for good photos.
Just have to deal with what I got, cause it was cold up there with the shade.
Lots of nice ice formations in the creek below.

The views of the Owens Valley and the Alabama Hills
from stops along the drive, are spectacular.
The Inyo Mountains in the background dwarf the Alabama Hills that look like
little hills in the valley from this location on the east side of the Sierra Nevadas.

After the drive back down and getting our equilibrium back to normal,
we headed into the Alabama Hills looking for arches. (the low)

This area is so unique for this part of the country.
Shapes, arches and lots of places to boon-dock

Maybe next time.
We hiked the Arches loop trail, less than a mile long.
The boyz loved the hike and enjoyed meeting other hikers.
They enjoyed exploring the arches and we are beginning to think
they have some mountain goat genes.

I think it is just because they have 4 paw drive with soft pads for traction,

Was a fun hike with lots of shapes and views.

Millie stopped and waited for the boyz to find the trail.

Walking among the boulders.

Temps in the Hills were around 70
which made for a very comfortable leisurely hike.
The views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the Alabama Hills is spectacular.
Further into winter and they should be snow covered and make for even better views.

Maybe next time.
Make your day great and embrace the wonders around you.

Tom and Millie