We have bid a sad farewell to the Sierra Nevadas and moved on from the Alabama Hills due to the threat of a high-wind warning. Our original plans were to leave a few days hence anyway, so we thought erring on the side of caution was prudent for us. Our friends Nina and Paul had plans to stay another week, so hopefully the high winds bypassed the Alabamas and we will all be treated instead to some of Nina’s fabulous photography of snow-capped peaks in an upcoming post.
All four of us had planned a second hike before our departure, sadly not to be, but fortunately we did hike the Whitney Portal Trail to Lone Pine Lake, which was spectacular for viewing soaring granite walls, stunning fall colors, and a lovely lake at the end. It was rather exciting to think that we were trekking up the same trail that those summiting Mount Whitney hike, although our journey was a much abbreviated version – 2.5 miles vs. 13 miles to the summit.
Whitney Portal is one of the busiest trailheads in the Sierra Nevadas and is most often hiked by those going the full distance. Our 5-miler round-trip began at 8365 feet with a 1500 foot elevation gain to Lone Pine Lake, a far cry from the 6100 foot gain required to summit. It is a well-maintained trail and a hike that we highly recommend if you are in the area.
Although our time here was cut short, we soaked in a lot of natural beauty and enjoyed a breathtaking hike, sharing some good times with friends along the way. It’s no wonder we are bidding a sad farewell to this magical place.
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Paint Your Landscape 
Ooh that last picture is breathtaking
I love lenticular clouds! 🙂
Wonderful photos, again. The local chambers of commerce should be paying you. Every blog you post makes people want to flock there. This one really made my heart skip a beat. Thqnk you!!!
This one is a must for you someday Joan. 🙂
I just had to tell you that I like that photo, of those trees in their Autumn colors in the canyon, so much that I have made it my desktop background.
I am honored Joan. Thanks! 🙂
What a wonderful place with beautiful views. Hopefully your friends are okay.
Thanks for sharing this with us LuAnn
I think the storm may have bypassed them somewhat and they are hardy souls! Thanks for the warm thoughts Alastair. 🙂
That’s a bonus then 😉
You’re welcome
Absolutely gorgeous! Can see why it would be hard to leave.
Had wind heading off the Kaibab Plateau yesterday and all the way to Flagstaff, where it’s still windy.
Tis the season I suppose. 🙂
13 miles… Yikes! These views have abundance of wonderful beauties enough to satisfy your senses …and ours.
I have been really wondering why WP hasn’t Freshly Pressed this blog yet.
You are too kind! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous , excellent!
Thanks Stefan. 🙂
Absolutely stunning! That cloud is amazing. I hope you get back there soon. 🙂
I do love lenticular clouds and this was a sign of an upcoming weather front. 🙂
I am a new blog follower of yours. I learned of your site through following Nina & Pauls, and RVSue and crew. Hoping one day to do what all of you are doing, I am learning a wealth of information through all of your experiences. I have a love of photography and must tell you how much I enjoy your photos. Beautiful! Looking forward to seeing where you go next.
Thanks so much for your kind words Beverly and for stopping by. I hope you are able to live this lifestyle someday. There is so much beauty out here. 🙂
Looks beautiful. I was watching the weather and wondering how it would affect you, just rain here. Looking forward to seeing your next spot.
We are headed down to Carlsbad tomorrow. How are you two doing?
Stunning fall colors is an understatement! You have a gift for photography my dear!
Thanks Marsha. I am working on it and still think it’s more luck than anything else! 🙂
I am a big fan of your photos (and words!) but that last photo was more stunning than usual. Brilliant post.
Thanks so much. I love those lenticular clouds. 🙂
I think we’re about even now. I am so jealous of you catching that lenticular cloud. I think they are so beautiful, but I’ve only seen them in photos. A couple of summers ago there were some really spectacular ones over Mt Hood and St Helens. I was only a few miles away, but didn’t get to see them. I would have gone out of my way had I known…
Stay safe in your travels. It does seem to be getting that time of year when things start to get a bit dicey in so many places. We’re finally getting the rain, but much of it is falling during the night. The overcast skies will probably limit the colorful sunsets some, though…. 🙂
I couldn’t believe just as we were leaving hanging over the Alabama Hills sat a lenticular cloud. Don’t think I did it justice as I had to take a few quick shots but wasn’t going to let a rare opportunity pass me by. 🙂
I see no reason to apologize for that shot. It’s spectacular! What a treat to catch it.
It certainly was. 🙂
One of my favorite places!
Simply gorgeous area of the country! 🙂
Since it is only a couple hours away from where I live it is a favorite place of mine!
Lucky you! 🙂
What a beautiful place! I love the first and last pictures a lot. Stunning views. 🙂
Thanks Arindam. It is a beautiful place for sure. 🙂
i wonder if one could bicycle those paths
We did not see any bicyclers and most of the trail was a series of switchbacks, which could make it a bit dicey for anything but hiking.
Beautiful pictures! Nice job!
Thanks! 🙂
The scenery speaks for itself! Gorgeous shot of the Lenticular cloud. Happy travel!
Thanks Amy! 🙂
We are so jealous you are catching all the beauty in the Sierras. Gorgeous pics especially the fall colors in the canyon. We are still stuck (in a good way) visiting family and friends in the Bay Area. Hopefully the beauty remains as we head down 395 next week.
I will be hoping the same for you both. Safe travels! 🙂
What an amazing place! And your photos – yes the last one in particular – do it justice 🙂
I quickly shot that last photo as we were pulling out. Storms were on the way so I did not have much time. I love lenticular clouds… so very interesting. 🙂
Yup gotta go with the group, the last one is gorgeous. The whole place looked and I’m sure was beautiful, sigh!
It certainly was. 🙂