We took a trip down the Eastern Sierras to the Alabama Hills to celebrate my 60th birthday. The Alabama Hills are on BLM land at the base of the Whitney Portal. Here is where the standard route begins for climbing Mt. Whitney (14,505′), the highest peak in the continental US.
We arrived in mid-afternoon and had to do a bit of searching to find a suitable camp spot as the area is very popular for dispersed camping. We struggled against a gusty wind and blowing sand to get camp set up and prepare dinner. After dinner, the wind died down as the sun set over the mountains, and I took the opportunity to take some photos.
The following morning I was up before sunrise to bring in the start of my seventh decade and capture some photos of the alpenglow as it lit up Mt. Whitney and the surrounding peaks of the High Sierras. There were no clouds to add drama to the scene, but then again the mountains themselves are pretty dramatic on their own.
After the sunrise shoot we made a delicious big breakfast and decided to hike the nearby Arch Loop trail. Not quite as impressive as Arches National Park in Utah, but still some very interesting fin canyons and small arches. Here I captured Lone Pine Peak framed by the much photographed Mobius Arch. This would make an amazing image if shot with the alpenglow on the peak. Maybe next time…
We spent the last evening kicked back at camp stargazing, and our husky Dakoda seemed to enjoy it as much as we did!
Thanks for the email alert that a new post was on your site. Enjoyed the gallery and it was kind of neat where you set up a panorama using separate shots. – Dad
Thanks Dad!
Wow, Kennard! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Love & miss you!
Thank you Aunt Peggy! Miss you too!