We arrived
in the Black Point area mid morning and resumed our fissure search adventure,
Since Black Point erupted beneath Mono Lake's surface, sudden cooling of the rock
produced cracks in the surface. Now we know you suspect, for a second attempt,
we'd know exactly where to go. Yes, we had done our homework.
It is amazing to wind around inside these cracks and then venture back up to
the surface.
One fissure
is kind of the star attraction, fifty feet deep, narrow, cold, and dark; an
into the bowels of the earth feeling.
Yes, we
jumped back and forth over the deep fissure, a visitation requirement. We also
surprised a young German couple on their second day of adventures in the US. How
in the world did they choose and find this amazing spot to visit?
The Lady
told me we were only allowed so many jumps across the crack or we would appear
to be abusing the honor of visiting here and she suggested we move on and explore the entire
crest of Black Point.
"I love
to weave through the sage!" she told me, out in the lead, thoroughly
enjoying being here. I am convinced that in a previous life she was a jack
rabbit.
After arriving
back at the truck, where to go next?
"Let's
go look at Panum Crater again!" the Lady suggested. "It's been a long
time since we visited there!"
"April
1988," I added. She just stared at me.
Panum Crater is a very recent volcanic addition to the Mono Lake Basin landscape, erupting only 600 or so years ago. Another in
the series of volcanic eruptions that includes Black Point, it is a classic
plug dome rising inside the outer rim of the first violent explosion.
The views
are expansive, especially on a clear, cool Spring day.
I followed
the jack rabbit completely around the rim of the crater and then we climbed up
on the central dome.
The view to
the south down the line of craters is awe inspiring.
Amazing
displays of obsidian are all about.
Although the
CalTrans website and all the signage on 395 and 120 said that highway 120 was
closed east of 395, something drew us to drive over to the gate. It was open.
As we drove east evidence showed that the road had been plowed some time ago
and only patches of snow remained up on Sagehen Summit.
"Do you
think we can camp at our favorite place in the Granite Mountains? the Lady
asked. "That would be a treat. A real treat!"
She got the
usual response. "We'll find out."
We pulled
into our spot on the edge of the granite.
The Lady popped
up the camper top and I turned on the propane and attached the grey water drain
system to the sink.
"Feral
horses are across the valley," I mentioned to the Lady as I completed my
chores.
She was
instantly out of the camper with her see mores. "We have horses!" she
said and flashed a smile over at me. She knows exactly how I feel about these
invasives.
"Where
are our horses?" she asked as camp was all set up.
"They
disappeared down the valley," I said and looked that way.
"Let's
circle around through the rocks and see if we can intercept them!"
We were on
our way.
"There's
our horses!" she said and smiled.
The sun
dropped low into the west as we walked after dinner, washing its light across
the landscape.
It dropped
down to 23° overnight but the sun was gloriously warm Saturday morning on our
faces. There was hardly a breeze. We relaxed with a leisurely breakfast. I
cooked.
We explored
secret places on Saturday, staying off of pavement as much as possible.
Since
reading about Mono Diggings, Monoville, the water ditch system, I have wanted
to see the Sinnamon Cut, a massive placer mining cut made possible by bringing
water all the way from Virginia Creek and the East Walker River. James Sinnamon
was one of the gold rush's success stories. He pulled his gold out of the
ground here and used it to develop ranchland in the Bridgeport area becoming
one of the first permanent settlers. Sinnamon Meadows are the vast grasslands
along Dunderberg Meadows Road.
We camped
high above Mono Lake near the terminus of part of the ditch system.
We hiked
above camp and looked back.
The Sinnamon
Cut encircles the northern slopes of the knoll on the left.
Here are two
closers shots.
The Mono
Diggings are extensive in Rattlesnake Gulch, Bacon Gulch, and Rancheria Gulch.
We explored the high ground and then worked our way back to the camper. A
Sierra Wave was building.
After supper
the Lady wanted to play on all that granite she saw below us. I couldn't resist
either.
A marvelous place
to have all to ourselves.
Far below, last light worked across the old Conway Ranch.
We walked
until dark and returned for another quiet night in our cozy camper. We are
addicted to quiet open places.
Morning came
quickly. I got kicked out of the camper with the
camera...........................
........................and
the Lady tended to her morning fussing that ends with the reward of steaming
mugs of Peets Coffee and a long walk in the morning light.
Intoxicated
and restored with the sweet scent of sage, we returned home.
