Dan's Outside

Wildflowers, Lake Six, Big Pine Creek

Wildflowers, Lake Six, Big Pine Creek. Sierra Nevada. August 11, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 28, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Wildflowers, Lake Six, Big Pine Creek

Cool Sierra Nevada Map

Tom Stienstra of SFGate says this is a Sierra Nevada map worth owning – http://imusgeographics.com/sierra.htm
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August 27, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Cool Sierra Nevada Map

It Is Starting!

Seen on the Calphoto email list:

Just got back from a trip up to Lee Vining and then Rock Creek Lake.
As I mentioned before, fall is beginning in the mountains. The signs
are everywhere up there. Brown meadows, willows changing even more
than last week, and then as we get to Rock Creek Lake, there before
our eyes, the first aspens beginning to turn gold.

Don’t believe me?

Then click this link and have a look for yourself:
http://www.sierravisions.com/1stfallcolor06.jpg

One of my photos from last year…

Aspens Near Silver Lake. October 8, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.
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August 26, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on It Is Starting!

It Is Fire Season in the Sierra

Smoke from late-season managed fire in Yosemite National Park. Date unknown. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

Yesterday’s story in SFGate (All 4 trails to top of El Capitan blocked as over 400 acres burn) and the very dry conditions I noticed on yesterday’s short Bay Area hike remind me that fire is a natural part of the California scene this time of year.

I’ve posted before about how much I love late season (end of August, September, early October) in the Sierra. Frankly, this is my favorite time in the Sierra – not that I exactly dislike the other seasons… ;-) But around and especially after Labor Day weekend many Good Things occur in the Sierra: crowds diminish, mosquitos disappear, foliage changes color, weather cools.

And the fires burn.

As we now understand more clearly, late-season fires are a natural and (mostly) healthy part of California’s environment. Although I was brought up with a Smokey the Bear notion that all fires are bad, I now understand and appreciate that having no fires would be much worse, and I’ve begun to see a certain beauty in the small, natural fires that should occur this time of year – and even to regard them as part of the magic of this season.
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August 23, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on It Is Fire Season in the Sierra

First Light, Temple Crag

First Light, Temple Crag. Sierra Nevada. August 12, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 21, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on First Light, Temple Crag

Peninsula, Big Pine Creek Lake Four

Peninsula, Big Pine Creek Lake Four. Sierra Nevada. August 9, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 19, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Peninsula, Big Pine Creek Lake Four

Moonset, Jigsaw Pass

Moonset, Jigsaw Pass. Summit Lake, Sierra Nevada. August 10, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 18, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Moonset, Jigsaw Pass

Temple Crag (black and white)

Temple Crag. Sierra Nevada Range. August 9, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 17, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Temple Crag (black and white)

Dawn Light, Palisades Ridge and Big Pine Creek Lake #4

Dawn light. Palisades Ridge and Big Pine Creek Lake #4. Sierra Nevada Range, California. August 12, 2006. © G Dan Mitchell.

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August 16, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Dawn Light, Palisades Ridge and Big Pine Creek Lake #4

Big Pine Lake #4

Sunrise, Big Pine Creek Lake #4. Sierra Nevada Range. August 12, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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August 14, 2006 Posted by gdanmitchell | Sierra Nevada | Comments Off on Big Pine Lake #4