Lake Sabrina, South Lake and Silver Lake

California Highway 395 -- Day 3, Bishop to Silver Lake

May 19, 2021 (Wednesday)

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This morning, we left the RV park in Bishop next to the bakery at around 9:30 in the morning. Our plan was to go to the two lakes up in the mountains about 20 miles west of Bishop. There are many lakes of different sizes up in the Sierra mountains, but most of them are not accessible and with our RV, we can get to the two that are reachable with good roads. 

After driving about 15 miles, we arrived at the little resort town of Aspendell. We did not make a stop there but about a mile up, we spotted a pretty village down in the valley. A turn-off was right by the roadside, making it a good spot for our views. 

Such pretty sights!

The village down in the valley with a lake nearby.

Bishop Creek

We reached the trail head of Lake Sabrina at around 16 miles from Bishop. In front of us was a bridge with signs and we were not sure if we should drive over to the other side. We thought maybe we should just walk the rest of the way to the lake. But, we realized that it was way too far for a walk up there and the bridge looked OK for the RV. Right by the trailhead is the beautiful Bishop Creek, where we spent a few minutes admiring the serene surrounding with colorful birds.

Such a serene place to be!

Lake Sabrina

Yes, it was alright for us to drive up to the parking lot and there were plenty of parking spaces since it was not a holiday or weekend. In fact, there are two parking lots which seemed to be sufficient to hold all the vehicles that would be there even on busy days. 

The lake did look dried up because of the drought and a couple of people also arrived to do some fishing. The trail was not visible from where we were and we had no idea where we should go except to walk up to the dam. The water from the lake would provide water-power for the hydraulic system here but not sure what they would do since there is not much water left this year.

I am sure the lake would be much prettier when it is filled with water.

There is a restaurant/cafe/gift shop type of set up by the parking lot. We later found the trail which is behind the trailers parked next to the cafe.

Spacious parking lot.

Only a small part of Lake Sabrina.

Still beautiful!

Looking down from the dam.

We finally found the trail where we could get closer and higher up.

Looking back at the dam from the trail.

It was a little disappointing to see the lake in such condition but not regretting our visit there. After a short hike on the trail, which was a little challenging for us, we decided to get on our way to the next destination--South Lake.

We saw the huge sign for the turn onto South Lake Road when coming up from Bishop, and expecting the same sign would be on the opposite direction also. Not so! There was no such sign as we drove past South Lake Road and missed that turn. Fortunately, there was a turn-out not to far away for us to make an easy turnaround. From that turn-out by the road side, we could see an amazing campground down there which I believe is a government managed dry-camping area. There were hardly anyone there. It must be awfully nice to be camping in such a place. It just that we do not usually dry camp, we need our water, electricity and sewer systems even on the road.

Making a turn around here.

A beautiful campground below.

South Lake

Apparently, South Lake is a favorite spot for fishermen! I have considered staying at a RV park on South Lake Road which is frequent by fishermen. Then decided that it wouldn't be as convenient as staying in town and what if we arrive here in the dark? That would make things even more complicated. 

It was a slow climb for the RV going up to South Lake, which is at the elevation of over 9,000 feet. Fortunately, there were not much traffic and we were not slowing down anyone. The sight was beautiful all along the way as we were chugging along. 

Finally, after passing by a couple of smaller parking areas, we arrived at the top parking lot with spacious parking for everyone. It was kind of quiet on that day with only a few visitors.

Huge parking lot.

I suppose people come here to see wildlife at night?

Signs at the trail head. I was particularly cautious of the 'Bear' warnings. This is bear country and I just prayed for no bear sightings while on this hike.

After a short hike, we stopped here for the gorgeous view of the lake.

This is the trail that I believe wraps around the lake.

These mountains are over 10,000 feet.

Just loved this sight!

A good hike that we could handle.

Enjoying our lunch of sandwiches made with fresh bread from Schat's Bakkery. 

Exceptionally fresh and delicious!

Lunch with a view!

After lunch and taking a short nap inside the RV, we continued our drive back to Bishop. Filled our tank and headed up north on 395. We will be spending the night at the Silver Lake Resort/RV park on the June Lake Loop this evening.

Stopping at the view point by the road side for the breathtaking views of the mountains.

Another stop at Crowley Lake Lookout.

There are unbelievable stone columns at Crowley Lake but it's located in an area where it is very difficult to get to. Not attempting to get there in our RV!

Lake Crowley

Continuing our drive to June Lake Loop.

Silver Lake Resort

There are four lakes on the June Lake Loop drive. Once we turned onto June Lake Loop (Highway 158), we reached June Lake about two miles in. We decided not to make any stop since we were not interested in shopping or seeing anything particular in the village. Gull Lake is right next to June Lake, which is the smallest of the four. Then we arrived at Silver Lake where we would be spending the night.

We made the mistaking of turning into the resort but were able to get to the RV park just a couple of yards down the road. 

Silver Lake Resort is a 100-year old family-owned and run resort right across from Silver Lake. Again, it seemed like that it's a favorite for the fishermen. We saw people coming back with good catches early the next morning even before we started our day! It's a convenient spot to spend the night close to the lake.

Cute sign probably with lots of history.

Entrance to the park.

One side of the RV park.

Sign on the other side.

June Lake Loop, Hwy 158

Boat launch just across the highway from the RV park.

This is one beautiful lake!

It was cold and windy because of the wind storm that day.

Quite wavy!

We did not stay out too long that afternoon and evening because of the cold wind. After enjoying a nice 'home-cooked' dinner, we called it a day. We will drive around June Lake Loop tomorrow and then continue on visiting some amazing sites!

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin."   -- Matthew 6:28

Alabama Hills, Manzanar, and Bishop

California Highway 395 -- Day 2, Lone Pine to Bishop

May 18, 2021 (Tuesday)

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After having a cup of complimentary coffee and some muffins at Boulder Creek RV park, we left the campground at around 10:00 in the morning. We will be spending the morning in Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, before continuing our drive north to Bishop for the night.

We intended to pick up some maps from the Visitor Center not far from the RV Park, but found it closed. So we just went straight into town and made a turn at the lone traffic light for Alabama Hills.

Nightmare Rock, Alabama Hills

Just a short drive up from Lone Hill.

With the view of Mt. Whitney.

We found Nightmare Rock by the road side.

It looked like they have given this rock a fresh coat of paint and changed the shape of its mouth.

Other than that particular rock, there are also quite a few interesting rocks in various shapes in the same vicinity. Just have to use your imagination to decide what they look like.

We have missed the turn-off by the rock, so we had to park across the other side of the highway.

This boulder was like just being placed there.

Enjoying the amazing sights.

Movie Flat Road and Mobius Arch

From Nightmare Rock, we continued our drive and made a right turn onto Movie Road. It was named because there were many film productions using this area as their location. I am not a movie person so not sure what all those films were but I am sure it would not be hard to get information at the Visitor Center. The only problem was that after about a mile into Movie Road, the drive turned a little bumpy because it's mainly an unpaved but maintained road. Many campers like to set up camps here if they don't mind boondocking, or dry-camping. And one would have to get here early to grab a good site. This is an excellent place for star-gazing but I assume quite windy at night.

We wanted to get to Mobius Arch and there is a small parking lot at the Arch Trail head. It is a loop trail but it seemed that it is easier to get to the arch from the entry on the left side of the parking lot and that was where we begun.

We took the trail down from the parking lot. It was about a 15-minute walk until...

we were met with some interesting rock formations.

And, the Mobius Arch which took some efforts to get up to for us oldies.

It can be a little crowded also, and may not be easy to have the place for a good photo.

He was able to get up there and took an amazing video of the arch with Mt. Whitney in the background.

Now, walking back to the parking lot on the other side of the loop trail.

I believe this is called the Heart Arch. The hole looked like the shape of Taiwan up close...

but at another angle, it's like a heart.

Rocks for miles around!

After Alabama Hills, we went back to Lone Pine and found the famous food truck for lunch.

Tacos Los Hermanos is parked on a side street right in town with excellent reviews.

We ordered our tacos and then parked at the city park for a delicious lunch because there is no parking for vehicles over 7 feet tall on the streets. As least that was what the signs said.

Great fish and shrimp tacos!

Beef burritos, huge!

Cheeks tacos, very good also.

Manzanar Internment Camp

"In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where the US government incarcerated Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship and Japanese American citizens during World War II." -- https://www.nps.gov/manz/index.htm

This is a dark side of U.S. History that we should not forget or repeat. On this bright, sunny afternoon, we came to Manzanar to explore the history and learn more about the situation many years ago.

Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed to visitors on that day but we were able to do a self-guided auto tour of the grounds.

Fire Department--this building was built recently to keep the old fire engine on site.

I believe Block 14 was the only area where visitors can walk around to see the exhibitions.

This was where we spent most of our time that afternoon.

Signs at the entrance of Block 14.

Only a few buildings remained on the vast piece of land.

One of the mass halls that is still standing.

Inside the mass hall.

Photo of residence lining up for meals.

At the very back of the camp, there is a cemetery with a memorial to remember those who had died here.

Only a few of the graves are left here with most of them being moved away.

After leaving Manzanar, we went past the town of Big Pine. A quaint little town.

J Diamond Mobile Ranch, Bishop

I have purposely booked our site for the night right in town so that we could walk around town easily without having to find parking for the RV. We were fortunate that a spot was available when I contacted them. This park is right in town on Hwy 395, next to the famous Erik Shat's Bakery where we planned on visiting. Making this a very convenient location for the night. 

Cute office for checking in.

There seemed to be many permanent or long-term residence here but the park is being well-kept.

A little stream was right behind our spot.

The tightest space I have ever seen for RVs but OK for one night.

Nice!

Erik Schat's Bakkery

I think this is the most popular attraction in town! All visitors would make a stop here for their famous fresh bread. And I must say, they were really good, especially their original Sheepherders Bread. 

Bakery and RV park right next to each other.

No RV parking here. Must park at the city park parking lot across the street which is quite a walk away.

All kinds of baked goods inside the store.

They even have a sandwich bar making fresh sandwiches.

Cute sign at the entrance. Matthew 4:4

Molcajetes Fusion Seafood

As for dinner, the lady at the RV park recommend Holy Smoke BBQ across the street, but unfortunately, they were not opened on that day. Son found this restaurant just a block away that looks interesting and worth a try. A little on the pricey side but really good food!

We still did not want to dine in, so we ordered to go and enjoyed our dinner inside the RV.

Walking back after getting our dinner. Holy Smoke across the street and we ended having our lunch there a couple of days later on our way home. Highly recommending!

Seafood Ceviche

Fish and shrimp plate, excellent!

Ended our day with a great seafood dinner. 

We will continue with our travel up to June Lake tomorrow!

"It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."  -- Matthew 4:4