Sierra Nevada Adventures
“The mountains are calling and I must go”
John Muir

We have been to the Sierra Nevada Mountains at least 1 time per year since 2011. Paul occasionally works in Modesto or Madera, CA. Each city is close to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. There is so much to see on such a large scale that it is impossible to take it in on 1 or even 10 visits, even if it is just to one of the above-mentioned parks.
Coming from Ohio, it forever changes your perspective on distance, size, and beauty. This is a difficult post to write because I know there is no way mere words can ever describe this high and diverse place in our country. It is truly a place that brings peace to the soul, tears to the eyes and poetry to the poet.

” Climb the mountain and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine
Flow into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their
Energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of autumn.” John Muir


The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range runs through central California north to south with Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park across the length and heart of the mountain range. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range can boast of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states at 14505 ft.
The first time we had the privilege to see this place was in 1994 when Paul was sent to Edwards Air Force Base for work. While there, we took only a day and drove into Sequoia National Park. The trees, like giant sentinels waiting and watching over their mountain charges at 7-8000 feet altitude, are one thing that I will never forget and I will always have to see whenever I am in the mountains.
We went again with our children in 1998, this time Paul was working in Oxnard, CA for a couple of weeks. We took a 3 day weekend, Friday at Disney Land, then Saturday and Sunday in Sequoia National Park.
At first, the kids did not believe the stories of the large Sequoia trees; they thought we must have made it up because we were in the park awhile before we made it to the altitude where they grew. When they first saw them, their mouths hung open and were speechless with amazement. They then informed us that we wasted Friday at Disney Land because it was all “fake” and wished they had an extra day in the mountains because it was real and felt the Lord had such a wonderful part in it….” from the mouth of babes”.




It wasn’t until 2011 that we were able to visit the wonders of the mountains again. This time we took a week before working to explore Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and Highway 395 on the eastern side of the mountain range. This was the year of the late May snowfalls in the high country, causing 10 foot or more drifts along the paved roads after they were opened on June 15 to get into Yosemite National Park from the east on Tioga Pass.
I honestly have to say that highway 395 is my favorite highway in the country. It is so diverse, desert and the White Mountains (where Smoky the Bear was found) to the east and the high Sierras to the west. We stayed the week in a condominium in Mammoth Lakes, CA. This is truly a nice little town with the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort to keep it going in the middle of nowhere.
The Devil’s Postpile, Rainbow Falls and a beautiful view of the Minarets are just outside of Mammoth. One of the best Mexican meals there was at Roberto’s Mexican Café. The portions are large and they have wonderful Fish burritos and tacos.


While on the east side of the mountains, we visited Mono Lake and hiked around an extinct volcano, which we thought would take less than an hour, but took 2 hours. This was one of our first experiences with the vast size and distances on the larger scale the area offered.

We also visited Bodie, California, a ghost town on the California Nevada border. It is truly an amazing place that proves how temporary the mark is that we make on the world.
In 1900 it was larger than Los Angeles with 11 gold and silver mine stamp mills and a population of over 10,000 people. It bragged of 52 saloons and 1 church and a gun shooting/murder every day. It now sits in a state of arrested decay as a state park with a handful of rangers living there year-round to give interpreted talks about the history of the area 150 years ago until it’s final inhabitant left in 1943. When visiting there, you will also learn how a 3-year-old, having a temper tantrum because he did not get ice cream for his birthday, burned down 2/3 of the town during the great depression.

Every turn off of 395 into the mountains will be a new discovery, such as Virginia Lake, Convict Lake, Mary’s Lake and several others along the highway when we ventured into the mountains. The crowning jewel for us was a 5-mile trail called Little Lakes Valley Trail. It is about 10 miles north of Bishop and 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes at the turnoff and store/restaurant called Tom’s Place. The trailhead starts at the end of Rocky Creek Road in the Inyo National Forest area.
About 1 mile before the trailhead is truly another great jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountain’s called Pie in the sky Café. It is absolutely the best pie in the country, baked at 9,000 ft altitude. It is just a shack but had the best lemon cream and boysenberry pies. They bake them only in the morning and people come from all over to line up outside the building to get their taste of pie. You can’t get there late; the pies seldom last until noon. After getting the pie, take Rocky Creek Road until the end.
There you will find a parking lot with a stream flowing down the mountain and beautiful flowers from the different levels of spring depending on the altitude. The altitude at the trailhead is approximately 10500 ft. It beckons the adventurer to explore with each step, bend, and peak summited as they bring more beauty than before. It’s hard to believe but it is true.
In the 5 mile length of the trail, going from 10500 ft to 12500 ft, there are 8 alpine likes with multitudes of cascades and creeks flowing into them from all directions. We only went about a mile on this visit because the snow was too deep and blocking the trail. We went back in 2012 and hiked 3 miles into Long Lake, and finally, my daughter and I hiked the entire length to Gem Lakes and back to get the pie in 2013. It is truly my favorite trail so far.


We did get to visit Yosemite 3 times during this week. Honestly, the first visit was very overwhelming. It was very difficult for us to grasp the vastness of this bit of “heaven on earth”. The magnitude and size of everything from the sheer cliffs of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome to Glacier Point overlooking it all, was more than our minds could comprehend.
We only got to visit the valley and Mariposa Grove of Giants on this visit because the high country was still under too much snow due to the immense snowfall in 2011 which also gave the waterfalls a record-breaking flow every day of the summer. Part of the valley floor was flooded by the Merced River and the Waterfalls were raging angrily. When we crossed the bridge in front of Yosemite Falls it soaked us and blew our hats off with the sheer power of the water raging down the 2425 foot drop.
All too soon we had to leave this wonderful place and head to the city to work. However, this place called Yosemite, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is forever embedded into our hearts. We have been back to visit many times, during all seasons and we still feel we have only just begun to explore. It is now a part of who we are and the memory of such a beautiful place can brighten the gloomy Ohio day.







“Everybody needs beauty….places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike”
John Muir

I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next! Eileen Filberte Abana
Hey! It is like you understand my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, just like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some images to drive the content home a bit, besides that, this is informative blog. A wonderful read. I will definitely return again.
Brita Etan Sorcim
Fastidious response in return of this query with real arguments and telling everything concerning that. Amii Udall Russia
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the theme and found nearly all folks will go along with with your blog. Gwyn Darwin Thorvald
Really informative blog. Much thanks again. Want more. Lillis Krishna Docila
A wholly agreeable point of view, I think primarily based on my own experience with this that your points are well made, and your analysis on target. Marla North Bronk
We stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might as well check things out. Deeann Yuma Wertheimer
Great article! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the good writing. Louisa Gerome Towne
It is in reality a nice and helpful piece of info. De Griffy Washko
Thank you for your blog article. Thanks Again. Cool. Rachael Terrell Verina
Wow, this post is good, my sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore I am going to inform her. Chlo Andros Dygall
I your writing style really loving this website . Coralie Lorenzo Embry
Hello. This post was really interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this matter last Wednesday. Isobel Bartlett Dicky
Nice articles bruh! Like and favorite list add!
Appreciate this post. Let me try
it out.
If you want to increase your know-how just keep
visiting this site and be updated with the most recent information posted here.
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a entirely different
topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice
of colors!
Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who really understands what they’re discussing
over the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people have to check this out and understand this side of your story.
I was surprised you aren’t more popular given that
you most certainly have the gift.
Also visit my web-site: tracfone special
quality and beautiful content
Hello, I really like your site. Thanks for the great content.
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you postÖ
thanks a lot
Really good, thx.
Thanks for this amazing information. I did not want to pass without leaving a comment. May your success always be.
Thank you admin!
Thank you very much for the information you provide.
Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful task in this matter!
thanks a lot
Thank you very much for the information you provide.
quality content thanks
quality content thanks
nice content thanks
I have never seen such a good article, it is a really great article, and your website is beautiful, thank you for everything.
thanks a lot
thanks a lot
good 🙂
I really like the site you made. also your article is very well done and really informative. thank you for everything
I really like the site you made. also your article is very well done and really informative. thank you for everything
excellent article. Keep posting this kind of information on your page.
I am very impressed with your website.
Hello, you are doing great.
quality content thanks
quality and beautiful content
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
The articles are great, they’re among the best I’ve ever read. Thanks for visiting again.
thanks a lot
The articles are great, they’re among the best I’ve ever read. Thanks for visiting again.
great
Thanks for useful sharing..
Thanks for useful sharing.
Yes.. Nice
an amazing article
quality content thanks
Magnificent site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!
Wow, this article is fantastic! It’s well-written and packed with valuable information. Thank you for sharing this insightful piece. I’m looking forward to reading more from you. Keep up the great work!
Wow, what an incredible web site! I’m impressed by the diverse range of topics covered here. The writing style is engaging and keeps me coming back for more. Keep up the excellent work, and I’m looking forward to reading more captivating posts!
nice content thanks
It’s a great article, very useful, thank you very much.
It’s a great article, very useful, thank you very much.
hi, nice blog and wonderfull content. Thank you.
hi, nice blog and wonderfull content. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing sir. Your blog is great. Thanks again
Your blog is great. Thanks for sharing sir. i like to read your blog.
Thank you sir, your blog its great. i like to read your blog. Thanks again.
Your blog is great sir. Thanks for sharing. Thanks again.
Thank you sir. Your blog is looking great. Thanks for sharing.
You wrote very well. The content is great!
Thank your sir. I like to read your blog. Thanks for sharing again.
You wrote very well. The content is great!
Thanks for sharing sir. Your blog is good.
It’s a very useful article, congratulations, I’m looking forward to the next
Hello sir thanks for sharing. Your blog its great. Thanks again.
Thank you sir. Your blog its great. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you sir. I read your article. And this is great. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing sir. I read and thanks for sharing again.
Thanks for sharin sir. i read your article and thats great. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing sir. Your blog its awesome Thanks.
very good
Thanks for sharing sir. Your article its great. i read your document and great.
Hello, you have a very nice website. I wanted to comment.
Hello sir, Thanks for sharing, your article looking good. Thanks again.
Thank you sir. Yourt article its great. i like to read.
Thanks for sharing sir. Your blog its great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing sir. YOur blog its awesome.
Sir your article really good. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing sir. Article its great. Thanks again.
Sir. Thanks for sharing. Your article its good. Thanks again.
I really liked your article, I’m waiting for the rest of your articles. Thank you for this article, it was really helpful.
Thank you sir, your blog its great. Thanks for sharing.
Ty ty!!! Best post.
Hello, you have a very nice website. I wanted to comment.
Thank you sir. Your article perfect. Thanks again.
Best.. Very best post..
Thanks for sharing Sir. Your article its perfect. i like to read.
The articles are very good, I’m sure I will come again, thank you for reading.
Congratulations on a successful article
ikitelli seo hizmeti
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
A very successful article, congratulations
very nice blog thank u
thank you
Congratulations, your site is very successful.
Greetings, I want to convey my gratitude for your amazing website. The design is outstanding, and the content is beautiful. I’ll be a frequent visitor, and you can count on positive comments from me.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Your content is great, I will come back to read it again. You also have a quality site Private turkey tours
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
This article was a joy to read. Your unique take on the subject and the practical examples provided added great value. Your blog is now on my must-read list. Keep up the excellent work!
Yes.. Nice
Health to your beautiful fingers have been really useful information. I will also recommend to my friends blog with plenty of gains and good work
Health to your beautiful fingers have been really useful information. I will also recommend to my friends blog with plenty of gains and good work
Hello, I really liked your website and its content. Rest assured that I will come and read it again.
Hello, I really liked your website and its content. Rest assured that I will come and read it again.
thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
This is so helpful for me
A blog like yours should be earning much money from adsense..-.,
Hello, your website and the content are great. I will come and read it again and again.
Last month, when i visited your blog i got an error on the mysql server of yours.*~,�*
The author covered some curious points here. I came across this by using Yahoo and I must confess that I am currently subscribed for your blog, it is quite great
Hello, your content is very nice, you can be sure that I will come and read it again.
a nice very blog for me, thanks
Hello, your website and the content are great. I will come and read it again and again.
Thanks For Sharing
Thanks for the detailed post!
Thank you admin!
I was reading through some of your content on this internet site and I believe this site is really instructive! Keep putting up.
read best articles about destionation on travel blog
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Hello, your articles look great. I will be sure to visit your website again.
This content is very helpful!
this is awesome blog thanks for updates . amazing.
Life is beautiful when you love.
Thanks for thr great article!
thank for the your patience. nice post.
Life is beautiful when you love.
thanks good page 🙂
thanks for sharing
Best article, wonderfull..
Thanks for sharing
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Thanks for sharing
Wow, this blog is like a cosmic journey soaring into the galaxy of excitement! The mind-blowing content here is a captivating for the mind, sparking excitement at every turn. Whether it’s technology, this blog is a treasure trove of exhilarating insights! Embark into this cosmic journey of knowledge and let your imagination fly! Don’t just read, experience the excitement! #FuelForThought Your brain will thank you for this exciting journey through the worlds of endless wonder!
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
It was a perfect sharing bro. very useful to me thx
Nice content thank you
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Very happy thats great article
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Great post thank you. Hello Administ .
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Thanks for this content very loved it
A very informative article, thank you. I’m adding it to my favorites.
great content thats awesome
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Thats great content love that
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Thank you for articles.
thanks for this post amazing your blog
Greatful Content
It was a perfect sharing bro. very useful mersii
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.