Last weekend, I drove over the Sierra and then farther east up into the White Mountains. Gil came up from Las Vegas and we adventured.
We camped Friday night in a most lovely campground. The stars were spectacular and when the moon came up, it was so bright, we could see our shadows from its light. It wasn't too hot or too cold so the fire and my sleeping bag felt cozy.
My dear brother got me an Eno hammock for Christmas. I've taken it on my last two camping trips and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gil, recreating the scene from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", waiting for his turn in the hammock.
I did share, eventually.
Our destination for the weekend was the Bristlecone groves in the White Mountains. I'd heard about the groves when I worked at Great Basin and Death Valley and had been wanting to explore for some time.
We were able to do the 4 mile loop through the Schulman Grove and the two short loops through the Patriarch Grove. Magical! I already have a deep love for bristlecones and this trip reminded me why. They are magnificent trees. Both groves were spectacular. I took a lot of pictures of trees.
Deep purple colored cones.
This tree was huge! We thought it looked like a gangster. Gil following suit.
Colors in the bark!
Beautiful, gnarled, staunch, solid, tough, graceful bristlecones!
Becoming one with the tree.
Who is older, the bristlecone or Gil? Probably the bristlecone, by about 500 years!
The Patriarch tree in the Patriarch Grove. We decided visit again in 50 years and see how much/little the grove changes.
We had dinner in Bishop at a BBQ place that is quickly becoming a favorite. It was a grand weekend with awesome views, wonderful bristlecones, and perfect company.
Favorite part , was "perfect company"
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