July 31 - Crowley Lake Hike

Carl and Shan have taken us on some great hikes already. Today was no exception. We drove south to Crowley Lake and then 4-wheeled over some deep, deep ruts and pot holes that you could use to bury someone. 

Then we had to hike to the beach area. 

What a spectacular view of the columns as we made our way down the Sandy, rocky slope. The columns are crazy to see as they look like they were built by human hands with cylindrical rocks that appear stacked on each other to form the columns.  Researchers believe they were formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic explosion that the minerals have just solidified into place like this and resisted erosion. 

Arlo is testing the water. 

Then home to make pizzas for everyone but Arlo. He had the special juice. 

Tomorrow we are going kayaking at Convict Lake. 

July 30 - Hike on McCleod Trail to the lake

Carl, Shan, Arlo and the dogs took us on another hike to McCleod Lake. Again, the scenery was amazing and still snow to traverse. 

Time for a little food for all of us. The water was so clear. People were catching fish. 


Banjo likes hiking along the lakes because he can drink almost anytime he wants. It must taste good too, cool mountain water. 




The little buggar loves to be outside. 


The snow was a little slippery, especially when you had to come down a steep slope. I had to slide on my butt once. 








Then to top off the day, we got to watch Arlo while Shan and Carl went on a date!!  The little cherub is asleep after bottle, bath and a song. 

July 29 - Moved campsite within Camp High Sierra

We moved from site 27 to 41. Like this site because it has a more grass for dogs and is a little more private. 

Today was more of a relaxing day. Lenny and Banjo were happy. We ran a few errands then Shan and Carl biked over to our campground for a cookout. 

Tomorrow will be another hike. 

July 28 - Hike to Crystal Lake

We’ve been at Mammoth Lakes 5 days and we’ve now finished 4 hikes. Lenny and Banjo said they need a break. 

The hike to Crystal Lake began at Lake George day use area. The trail started off easy and had switchbacks up the side of the mountain. The view of the Mammoth Lakes basin was gorgeous. 

There was still some snow that you either had to traverse or figure out how to go around. 

As you can see, we used our poles. Wouldn’t want to do this trail without them. Lenny and Banjo made it the whole way up and back but they were tired. 

Crystal Lake with Crystal Crag overlooking it. 

Saw a corgi while we were there. 

Going down was quicker but you had to make sure you didn’t slide on the stones and snow. 

It was a great hike with beautiful views. 

After a little break at the RV, we drove dip to June Lake to meet up with Carl, Shan, Arlo, and Christine and Matt and crew. Matt and Christine’s Quincy was climbing. Elliott and Mauve were playing in the dirt. They were happy kids. 

Came back to Mammoth to have dinner at Distant Brewery. Good food and beer and blueberry seltzer. 

July 27 - Mammoth Rock Trail Hike

Today we decided to hike on Mammoth Rock Trail. The trail traverses the lower slopes of the Sherwin Range and passes below Mammoth Rock, a 250-million-year-old limestone and marble monolith. Some great views of the development where Shan and Carl’s townhouse sites. Look through the trees and you’ll see a development. That’s where they are staying. 

This is the monolith 

Banjo and Lenny made the 4-mile hike but we’re definitely ready to get back to the trailhead. 

We met Shan, Carl, Arlo and Christine and Matt and Crew at the Twin Lakes overlook. We had a bite to eat and Arlo got a diaper change and a little bit to eat.  

Then Bill and the boys and I took a drive to Twin Lakes Campground to see if we’d like to camp there next time we come. 

July 26 - Hiking on Maime Lake and Horseshoe Woods Trail.

Back up the mountain to Maime Lake trail. Gorgeous scenery. 

After the snow melts, wildflowers appear. Have seen some beautiful ones. 


A lot of the trails are connected so we took the Horsehoe Woods trail to connect to the Horseshie lake trail. Banjo had to stop for a drink. 

A selfie with Horseshoe Lake in background. 

A stop at Mammoth Brewery for a quick drink, then back to Ida for a rest. 

July 25 - Mammoth Lakes

Morning hike around Horseshoe Lake. Breathtaking scenery. 

Yes there was snow on the trail as Carl promised. 



Walking along the trail, the air was crisp 

Changing Arlo along the way 

Forging a little stream carrying a stroller. Carl makes it look easy. Took all I could do to manage myself and Banjo. 


Carl just had to check out a rock to see if  it was climbable.