September 22, 2011 – Mono Lake

There is that feeling one gets near the end of a long trip when something familiar comes into view. It may be a freeway exit, a large building near home or in my case the Bay Bridge. There is that moment when you pass through the tunnel on Yerba Buena Island and there it is, San Francisco. It always looks extra special from that view. On the way back to San Francisco there is another familiar sign that you’re almost home — Mono Lake.

After one of those long flights across the continent, I love when Mono Lake appears out the window thousands of feet below. As soon as we pass over the lake I know I am back home in California. From there it’s a quick zip across Yosemite, head towards San Jose, turn right at Mount Hamilton and before you can say turn off your electronic devices you’re back at SFO.

Then there is the other approach to Mono Lake. It’s about 235 miles of driving and, if you do it right, it takes most of the day after poking around the Tioga Pass and Toulumne Meadows in Yosemite. You descend down the back of the Sierra into a hot dry landscape, and there is the blue shimmer of Mono Lake.

Mono Lake has gotten smaller over the years. The 60 year old map I used in this piece shows a lake that was much bigger. Los Angeles started tapping the water and the lake level dropped. There is one advantage of the lower water level. It has exposed the tufa formations created by geothermal heated springs under the lakebed. The lakeshore has a wonderful what-planet-is-this look about it. I’ve been photographing and painting the lake over the years.

Now might be the time to hurry and see the lake up close. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is on the list of 70 state parks that California is threatening to close due to budget problems. I still can’t get my mind around the idea of closing a state park. It’s nice to see the lake as I fly home, but even better up close and personal.

August 18, 2011 – Tioga Afternoon

"Tioga Afternoon" - mixed media, photo collage, on canvas, 4"x4"

In summertime the quickest way to Mono Lake is straight to Yosemite and then up and over the Tioga Pass. It’s not all that quick and still takes about 6 hours. Not that there is any rush, it is one of my favorite road trips. There are plenty of places to pull off the road along the pass. A wander through Tuolomne Meadows is a requirement for the journey. I’ve done the trip many times and it has inspired more than a few paintings over the years. The timing of the trip means that I always get there for the afternoon light. The way some of the streams glow in that golden light is worth the trip itself.

I grew up with a manual focus, 35mm camera. Never knowing if the picture turned out. Photography included the waiting, the cost to develop film, etc. I always feel a bit like I am cheating with a digital camera. But I don’t regret the device at all. It is the ideal tool for capturing the brilliant mix of light and water on a Tioga afternoon.

June 30, 2011 – The Adventure People

Because today was such a nice day, it seemed right to take the Adventure People out for a little photo shoot. Until last summer, they were lost in an attic on Cape Cod. The Fisher-Price Adventure People finally made it to the West Coast where they can go hiking in their sensible shoes and have, well, adventures. The Adventure People were Carter-Era toys that looked suspiciously like the Village People. Back from the days when they saved endangered species, joined the Peace Corps and put up solar panels. It was an era when Barbie learned math and GI Joe had a beard.

More photos from their adventures can be seen here.

April 21, 2011 – John Muir

We owe a big thank you to John Muir. He was born on this day in 1838 and during the course of his life he grew to love and appreciate many of the places we take for granted as national parks. For example, if it wasn’t for John Muir, it’s hard to imagine what Yosemite would look like today. Yes, Yosemite Valley would still be a beautiful setting, but would it be packed with resorts, shops and a golf course? In other words, would Yosemite be Sedona?

Many have followed in Muir’s footsteps and continue his work to preserve some of the world’s most important natural places. There is still plenty to be done. For this particular day, it’s a time to remember his perseverance and dedication. John Muir is the epitome of the good that can happen when one dedicated individual sets his or her mind to making the world a better place for us all.

March 21, 2011 – Melt

The recent winter blast of rain and snow has put the Sierra snow pack over the top. I know how good it is for all us of us in California to have that water dense, snow pack. But, what I am really excited about is the melt. Before San Francisco, I lived in a lot of wintery places. Waiting for the melt and for winter to end, seemed endless most every March. And just when you’d think spring had arrived, it was snowing again. It was gray days with crocuses poking through snow — herring waiting to run. Here in San Francisco, there is no such thing. But I wait for the melt in Yosemite. It’ll still be a while at that high elevation. There is nothing like the rush of water into Yosemite Valley during the melt. The first time I experienced it was back in May 2005. That started me painting moving water, something I had avoided beforehand. I have about six weeks to go, but I am already planning the trip.