When you move from the Rocky mountains to California, you are blindsided to the existing landscapes inland of the Pacific ocean. I previously resided in Santa Barbara/ Ventura area of California and now I am living alongside the redwoods and coast in Santa Cruz. What a trip to hike through ancient forests and end with a a gorgeous cove sunset.
When I first arrived into Santa Cruz, my close friends invited me to stay at their cabin in June Lake. As far as getting there, I really thought nothing of it. Due to the Detwiler wildfire, we decided to drive north of Yosemite to dodge all the smoke. Besides a few grades nearby Yosemite, I imagined a flat highway, straight shot there. I was terribly mistaken as we began our route over Sonora pass, hwy 108. The craziest mountain pass I’ve yet to experience. Comparable to some of the mountain passes in CO. The grades increased to 26 percent and my Subaru was practically vertical! We pulled over on the side of the road where we saw some others having a snowball fight and trekked through at least 4 ft of snow to stand on top a rock. Although the lighting was wonky, snapping a photo was a must! The best part was, I had shorts on!
June Lake was unreal. Snowcapped peaks, turquoise water and eighty degrees outside. Talk about expanding our horizons! The cabin was everything we could ask for during our short getaway to the mountains. Annnd, the evidence!
elysemmitchell photography 