Tuesday 5th October - Lone Pine to Mammoth Lakes

Day two of the V2VOL commenced in Lone Pine, California with visibility somewhat improved with less smoke in the air. The view of the Sierras from the hotel promised well for the rest of the day.

A little after 8:30am we started out heading north on US-395 for just over 40 miles. Michael Jenkins had returned home with his E-Type on a tow truck overnight (due to the broken alternator bracket), and rejoined us later in the day in his black XK8. The morning's highlight was to be a visit to an ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. At the start of the drive into the mountains on CA-168 we regrouped and Kjell briefed us on what to expect of the 6,000 foot climb on twisty roads to an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Getting set for the climb to the Bristlecone Pines (a few cars not shown here)

The climb into the White Mountains on the well paved twisty road was very enjoyable, and the temperature dropped steadily as we approached the top. The cars handled the climb well and once at the summit we explored the Bristlecone Pine Forest. The forest is home to the oldest trees in the world. Some of the living trees are over 4,000 years old and exhibit spectacular forms with twisted and beautifully colored wood. A number of trails are laid out to explore the forest, accompanied by information plaques with lots of details.

Bristlecone Pines near one of the trails

The bleak conditions contribute to the pine's slow growth and longevity

These dead trees exhibit the characteristic twisted appearance

At 11:30am we started the descent back into the valley and smoke. It had been a wonderful visit to the White Mountains, and the clear blue sky was a real treat.

View across the valley with the far mountain summits above the smoke

From this point, we headed north on US-395 again into Bishop for lunch at Whiskey Creek. Following lunch and a fuel stop, we headed north again towards Mammoth Lakes where we were to spend the night. Kjell included a side trip to Rock Lake Creek to view some of the local Fall Colors. Unfortunately, as we were heading out of Bishop Kjell's alternator failed. As he lives locally, he decided to switch cars and rejoin us later, having sent us on our way. 

The group became separated on the drive out of Bishop and some experienced the Fall Color side trip, while others didn't. While fall colors weren't apparent at the lower altitudes, as we climbed into the Sierra the leaves changed to yellows, oranges and reds. 

It wasn't until the group that we were driving with arrived in Mammoth Lakes at the Hotel, that we heard from other members of the group that Kjell had been involved in an accident near Bishop and been taken to hospital. We understand that he escaped with minor injuries, but will stay in hospital overnight. Some members of the group came upon the scene of the accident after Kjell had been taken off in the ambulance and were able to retrieve belongings from the car (which was heavily damaged) thanks to a very helpful Police Officer. They then visited the hospital but did not see Kjell. Our thoughts are with Kjell for a rapid recovery from his injuries. He has put together a wonderful itinerary for the Oil Leak and will be thinking of him as we complete it over the coming days. Get well Kjell!