Stop 1 • Convict Lake
Spent a lot of my growing-up years vacationing here at Convict Lake.
Later, starting when I was 11, I started going into the back country, first with my dad,
and later with friends, and eventually with some of my own children.
Today we wanted to capture some of the fall color, before it was gone for the season.
↓ All the pics ↓
Stop 2 • Rock Creek Lake
Over 9 miles up into the canyon, you come to this lake. We wanted to get on the south side,
but the road was closed, so we had to settle for the north side.
↓ All the pics ↓
Stop 3 • Lower Rock Creek Road
This was the old road that you had to take to get to the top of the Sherwin Grade.
Now it's just a scenic bypass to the main highway.
↓ All the pics ↓
Stop 4 • The entrance to Cerro Gordo
→ Never been to Cerro Gordo, and probably never will.
→ It's 8 miles of treacherous dirt road suitable to vehicles other than what I have access to.
→ But it's a fascinating place.
→ Purchased by Brent Underwood about 6 years ago, he lives year round at this abandoned silver mine.
→ Learn more on his YouTube channel...
On another point...
I posted on Facebook some pics of gas prices that I paid in various places in California.
I wasn't trying to make a political statement - I just wanted some of my family and friends to appreciate what we pay in the Midwest for gas. I was shocked at some of the responses. They were all over the place. At the time I'm posting this on my website, I've received 154 reactions (specifically to the one with the highest price, which I paid in Lee Vining, CA), 435 comments, and 17 shares. Who knew that what I thought was a cute little posting would energize so many people to interact. Most weren't even interacting with me, but with other people who commented. So here are the pics...
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2026
Bishop, CA
10/15/2026
Lee Vining, CA
10/16/2026
Mammoth Lakes, CA
10/17/2026