Ancient spirits, Volcano Domes and Tufa Towers
Do you sometimes have a week where you just have to get away from technology,
communications and all news media? When I have one of those weeks, Mono Lake is
one of my favorite places to retreat from the world and find peace.
The ancient lake which is known to have an age of at least 760,000 years, might actually date back to over 1 million years and is one of the oldest lakes in North America. With a level of 6378.9 feet asl (1,946 meters) and approximate volume of 2.6 million acre feet, Mono Lake is cradled among extinct volcano domes. The Sierra Nevada Mountains and the gateway to Yosemite rise up in the near distance.
Sitting in a quiet spot and gazing out over the salty, alkaline blue water, I feel a peaceful solitude.
Today, the ecosystem of the
lake is composed of algae, brine shrimp and alkali flies, which is a huge draw
for any number of breeding and migratory birds. However on this cold day, the
shores are still and the lake quiet from the repose of winter.
Tufa towers accent the shoreline, reminding me of rocks that represent the souls of ancestors.
Tufa are produced from the interaction of freshwater
springs and alkaline lake water, forming calcium-carbonate spires and knobs.
As I sit in my solitude and reminisce about the life and times of this primitive lake, the sun drops lower in the sky, signaling that it's time to be on my way. On my return home, I must travel the winding road through the 7626 feet (2324.4 m) Anchorite Pass and at night there is always the concern about hitting in to wildlife on the dark road.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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