Week One in our California Happy Place

Behold the three crested crown of Mammoth, for it signals awesome outdoor adventures in the Eastern Sierras. And Mammoth is the first stop on what is very likely our last Covid freedom trip before a more permanent in-person in-office location is required.

Mammoth Mountain, at 11,053 ft elevation, is the big one. Skiing mecca in the winter, and mountain bikers’ paradise in the summer, thanks to the multiple chairlifts and cable car. And then there’s the little known Mammoth Mountain Trail, which weaves its way up 2,200 ft to the top, a trail for hikers only. That’ll be me then.

There was welcome shade from the Tamarack pines on the lower section of the trail, and I had to be extra cautious about bikes whizzing past at various criss-cross intersections. As I climbed higher, the terrain became more exposed, and the panoramic views more jaw dropping by the step.

As I was hiking up, Darren took the easier way up the mountain on the gondola, and whizzed down on his mountain bike. Bumped into each other about half way.

I kept on the lookout for bears or deer but nothing doing. And then I heard the tell tale tinkle of a cowbell. At our campsite, we’d come across some goats with tinkling bells around their necks – presumably the goats were deliberately placed there to help keep the grass in check. So I assumed they must need the grass grazing up here too. Hmm… which was funny because it was already pretty short. I scouted eagerly for goats or cows. How stoopid did I feel when I realized the bells were just from the mountain bikes!

The last time we were in Mammoth was right at the end of our first Covid escape trip, back in September 2020. But July gives us more daylight to play with, meaning we can do stuff after work (especially when we’re too lazy to do it in the morning).

A lot of bang for your buck gorgeousness on the Convict Lake loop walk:

The Mammoth Rock trail isn’t bad either:

And then there’s cycling round the bike paths in Mammoth…

… which predictably finished up at Mammoth Brewing.

Camping was split between an in-town campsite at Mammoth, a lovely open National Forest campground at Convict Lake, and a secluded forest boondocking spot.

The Fort, Mammoth, boasted not just one but two co-working options: one downtown, handy for the coffee shop and brewery. And the other up near the Mammoth Mountain ski lift. Spent most of our time there trying not to look out at the mid-week bikers and hikers and drool.

June Lake rounded off our Eastern Sierra week. Darren’s paddleboard got an early airing and my legs got a huge shock to the system, the first run I’ve done since Hawaii. It felt amazing, I was on fire (listening to Robbie Williams and the Spice Girls). In the same way you think your dancing is way cool after a few beers.

And then we celebrated my 50th plus one week birthday, with an awesome meal at Bleu. Because why not.