Turner Forte Photography Blog » Eastern Sierras

Lava Beds National Monument photography

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:46:23 +0000

While on my way to Idaho last month for a river rafting trip I had a chance to stop at Lava Beds National Monument. The NPS.gov site describes it best:

Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!

visitor emerges from Skull cave at Lava Beds National Monument

head lamps and flashlights are used to illuminate your path and the caves. Skull Cave

stairways have been put in place in some caves to ease your entry, Skull cave.

a family looking around in the bottom Skull Cave.

ice forms in the back of some caves where water is.

Sam expores the inside of Valentine cave which had these cool formations in the ceiling

painting with light in the cave became a routine, Valentine cave

this lava tube Valentine cave is completed illuminated by my lantern with a little help

another lava tube illuminated by lantern, Valentine cave

Eastern Sierras Fishing & Kayaking Photos

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:36:35 +0000

Here are some recent photos from a trip up to Bishop Creek Canyon in the Eastern Sierras. Even on a busy weekend, we were able to find an incredible campsite right next to Bishop Creek. We relaxed by the campfire and even caught some trout 10 feet from our site. We fished at Intake II and North Lake while making a kayak excursion on South Lake. We had incredible cool mountain weather and could see hints of fall colors. Enjoy!

Campground at night

Fishing for trout on South Lake

What are the trout biting?

Picking out a fly on South Lake

Kayaks on South Lake, Biship Creek Canyon

Kayaking on South Lake

Exploring South Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon

Fly-fishing North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon

Fly-fishing a trout stream

Bishop Creek Campground at night (painting with light)

Eastern Sierras, Mono Lake, and Bodie Photography

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:35:21 +0000

On a recent photo trip to Bodie State Historic Park, James took pictures along Highway 395. Stops included Owens Valley, Virginia Lakes, Mono Lake, the mountains above Bridgeport. Bodie is the largest ghost town in America with over 100 buildings that are in an ‘arrested decay.’ During the gold rush of 1879, it was once the second largest city in California behind San Francisco. James had special access to video and photograph the interior of many buildings as well! Check out the photos…

Sunset over the Owens Valley.

Mono Lake from the North

Inyo Mountains above Bridgeport, California.

Bodie is a ghost town that resulted from the California Gold Rush.

The Standard Mine and Mill which yielded so much money, it caused the 1878 rush to Bodie.

The view north along Main Street including (L to R) the Dechambeau Hotel & Post Office, I.O.O.F. Hall, Miners Union Hall, and the Morgue which still has caskets inside.

The Campana House, Bodie

House of Lottie Johl, who begain her career as a 'lady of the night.'

Pearson Springs which may be the original site of the cabin of W.S. Bodey, one of the three prospectors who originally found gold here in 1859.

Eastern Sierras

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:06:59 +0000

A recent adventure took us to the mountain streams and lakes of the Eastern Sierras, California. Our timing was right to see the trees exploding with brilliant yellows and oranges. Under the canopy of snow peak mountains and blue skies that city dwellers dream about, we fished for trout and alpers. Bishop Creek Canyon is only 15 minutes above Bishop, but a whole new world and season 8,500+ feet above the adventure town. This time of year the cold nights keep hoards of tourists away, so we had the campground to ourselves. The trip was an ideal get-away and probably would meet most anyone’s desire to escape to nature and to experience its refreshing qualities. Here is a small sample of the photos. Enjoy!

Eastern Sierras