Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
We spent last weekend visiting the ghost town of Bodie and surrounding area. We often pass through the area with our East Side adventures. When I learned that the state park would be open until 10pm for "ghost tours", I saw the opportunity to take some dusk and dark sky photos.
We extended the weekend by leaving Friday after work. It became a longish drive after dark, and we missed some favorite views, but adding the extra night out really extends the weekend. Part of my strategy was to land at Travertine springs late for a quiet soak.
The Milky Way was following Scorpius up into the south-eastern sky. There was no moon, but the starlight was so strong the Sierra and Bridgeport valley were illuminated. Our soak was a perfect way to shrug off the drive and get into the wandering spirit. We spent the rest of the night nearby on a dead end spur. I was too tired to break out the camera/tripod.
Morning came all too soon and I asked Susan if we could drop into town to have breakfast at Hayes Street Cafe, a seasonal favorite. A big omelette for me and oatmeal for her, while reading the latest edition of the Mono County Historical Society Newsletter, which they offer in the foyer. I heard a waitress say the owners are ready to sell.
I wanted to investigate the possibility of kayaking Bridgeport Res., so we took a little detour off the Sweetwater Rd. to check out the boat ramp. It was a good find. They have a tidy little park with grass and shade, and running water and clean restrooms. We were able to drive down onto the shore, where we found some good birding while letting Callie run. We met a lady with a jack russell and Callie had a great romp.
American white pelican
Gadswall ducks
Willet
A tern, that I looked up as Forster's Tern
Doing a little trout fishing
Showing off the catch
They are amazing birds in flight, but have these funny little legs. http://www.lighthawkphoto.com/Nature/Birds/18797249_sF5prj#!i=3354788486&k=hMT57fb&lb=1&s=A
Follow along for the next installment: Bodie after dark
We extended the weekend by leaving Friday after work. It became a longish drive after dark, and we missed some favorite views, but adding the extra night out really extends the weekend. Part of my strategy was to land at Travertine springs late for a quiet soak.
The Milky Way was following Scorpius up into the south-eastern sky. There was no moon, but the starlight was so strong the Sierra and Bridgeport valley were illuminated. Our soak was a perfect way to shrug off the drive and get into the wandering spirit. We spent the rest of the night nearby on a dead end spur. I was too tired to break out the camera/tripod.
Morning came all too soon and I asked Susan if we could drop into town to have breakfast at Hayes Street Cafe, a seasonal favorite. A big omelette for me and oatmeal for her, while reading the latest edition of the Mono County Historical Society Newsletter, which they offer in the foyer. I heard a waitress say the owners are ready to sell.
I wanted to investigate the possibility of kayaking Bridgeport Res., so we took a little detour off the Sweetwater Rd. to check out the boat ramp. It was a good find. They have a tidy little park with grass and shade, and running water and clean restrooms. We were able to drive down onto the shore, where we found some good birding while letting Callie run. We met a lady with a jack russell and Callie had a great romp.
American white pelican
Gadswall ducks
Willet
A tern, that I looked up as Forster's Tern
Doing a little trout fishing
Showing off the catch
They are amazing birds in flight, but have these funny little legs. http://www.lighthawkphoto.com/Nature/Birds/18797249_sF5prj#!i=3354788486&k=hMT57fb&lb=1&s=A
Follow along for the next installment: Bodie after dark