CANP Fall '10 Gathering Update 9/25

Is there any interest in having a Fall gathering on the East Side of the Sierra?

In the past, we have gathered in the Mono Basin. I'd like to suggest a gathering in the southern part of the range this year. The basis of my suggestion arises from a desire to experience an area I haven't visited recently, the area is closer for the SoCal folks, and the weather may be more stable.

Here are some options...

Lone Pine/Alabama Hills region
Independence/Independence Creek area
Big Pine/Big Pine Creek Area

If none of these work, I am open to more suggestions.

The next piece of the puzzle is a date that works for most of us.

I am thinking the afternoon of Saturday, October 2, or the afternoon of Sunday, October 3 (best for me). These are the only options for me, so far. However, if the group decides on a different date, that's cool.

Let's use this thread to coordinate this endeavor. Please indicate where you would like to meet up, along with dates that will work.

Once we've come to consensus, we'll develop a plan.

Fall is coming! WaHooo!

--P

I'll be in the Bishop area with a couple of other photogs, won't be there until the 6th though but willing to meet up with anyone else there during the week of the 6th.

I like that idea, Preston. We could base out of Independence, the sweetest little town in America, and centrally located for many southern Sierra approaches with color. The historic Winneduma Hotel is there and some motels, Good camping nearby, and lot's of x4 roads to explore including the Inyo mountains, for a change. Camping in the Alabama hills is close by, too.

Hi,
I'm flexible with locations anywhere between Lee Vining, and lone Pine. I like the idea of going a bit further south too. Saturday is doable, but Sunday, October 3 is better for me. I just want time to pass so we can get out there!!!!!!!! One week later would also work, but I'm for whatever fits into the majority of everyone's schedules.

Chris

Preston,

Doesn't matter which place as I'm lucky enough to have lodging at Aberdeen. Ist weekend in October would eb fine as well. The power line road has recently been graded and there is one of the few groves of live oaks at the trailhead, I'm not sure if they color change like the red oaks in the San Jacinto's but they might and i was thinking of checkign that area out for fall color of a different type.

Paul

I'm probably going to pass up the east side this year unless some epic reports come in. Reason being is that I'm taking a trip up to Monterey the 2nd week of October.

Let's hope for some epic fall color!

Depending on what kind of fall color you want, early october might still be early for places like the Alabama Hills. The AH (and most of owens valley) get great color around thanksgiving, for example. For early october colors it's going to have to be higher up, where the aspens are.

Alabama Hills during Thanksgiving

Unfortunately I've got commitments for the first half of October already.

Thinking Saturday, October 2, or the afternoon of Sunday, October 3 will be best for me too.

I liked the June lake area because we had so much access to many different groves at different elevations. Of course Bishop has lot's of this but the crowds !

I also don't think us So Cal ians mind the drive up that way. Either way anything is fine with me.

Floris is probably correct. I wouldn't consider this a fall color weekend, but just a gathering. For those that really want to chase the color, this is not for you. However, the higher elevations are not that far a drive away....

Preston,

For starters, I'm not committed to being able to head over the hill this autumn, so take my response with a grain of salt.

Personally if I can go, it would be the following weekend 10/9-10. As inconsistent and unpredictable as weather and autumn color is, I know the last 3 years the first weekend in October was early. Now a different venue further south could make a difference. I don't know the area near as well as I do McGee creek and North, but up for a different spot.

But again, not sure if I'm going, so make your plans to your needs.

Lon

btw, I've always loved that image of yours.

Preston,
I have no problems with Lone Pine as the venue. But I do think the first weekend in Oct. Might be a little early. Since I'm coming over the hill via Tioga Pass, I'll probably hit the usual spots heading down the east side. Best Regards.

I plant to attend regardless of place and time. I had a blast last year adn am looking forward to another get together.

Roland

Update September 15...

OK kids, we need to start firming up a get together, since October is only two weeks out!

Does Sunday, October 3 in the Lone Pine/Independence area work for most of you?

Thoughts?

--P

Works for me...There are parks in both Lone Pine and Independence......

Paul

That could work for me. my only concern is the timing of the color. last year that was still kind of early. Any reason it couldn't be pushed back another week? I'm torn between wanting to be there for the get together, and wanting to time my trip with the colors too. Any updates on color anywhere in the area yet? I'm sure there will be color to be found somewhere in and around Lone Pine at that time. But last year in the june lake area, it was still kind od early.

Chris

Chris and all, I have suggestion.

For those of you who have more time, we could meet in Lone Pine on Sunday 10/3. You could then go back north along 395 for color.

Because of my wife's work schedule (and mine), the first week of October is all we can muster so that we can go together.

As far as color in the Lone Pine area goes, there may be changing willow, cottonwwod. and alder along Lone Pine Creek and Independence Creek; particularly at the high elevations.

--P

Sounds good to me so far (no wife discussion yet). Possible meeting places for chat and portfolio sharing are Alabama Hills, the end of the Whitney portal road at the picnic tables, the InterAgency Visitor Center, Keeler, or one of the parks in LP.

Personally, I am not approaching this as a fall color shoot. It's too early. But, I love the area and am hoping for good weather for shooting.

I drove through the Owens Valley over the weekend and it was pretty smoky due to the Sheep Fire. http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2059 The smoke was particularly bad between Independence and Bishop, but it was also smoky in Mammoth on Sunday morning. The fire is expected to burn well into October, so depending on the wind at the time, the air quality might not be very good in the Valley. Other then that, my schedule is pretty flexible and I plan on spending a lot of time in the area next month.

I'm up for it for a peek at 1st weekend fall color in Bishop creek, I posted a couple of images from that week on Bishop Creek from 06 on Harley's fall color thread not a prediction but just to show potential.

Paul

Paul,

You may not be too far off this season based on the latest report from Parcher's Resort as of yesterday (9/20):
http://www.parchersresort.net/FallColors.htm

It looks like the meetup may have some color decent color in this area in ~ week.

Derek

Hi All,

Based upon the feedback I have received, and the possibility of good color, I believe we should plan to meet farther north on the East Side.

Therefore, let's do this:

Where: Lee Vining, at the Mobile Station (Whoa Nellie Deli), at the corner of HWY 120 and US 395.

When: Sunday, October 3 at 1:00 PM

Bring prints to show, if you have them.

Let's get together and carry on the tradition!

--P

Wish I could be there to join you. I'll be doing Boulder Open Studios. Here's one from Peak to Peak Highway this morning.

- Dan.

Yes, a decision has been made. Good!

I'll be there, with photos. I'll be camping and shooting in the E. Sierra Oct. 3-9.

See y'all there!

Bummer man, wish I could be joining you all. Looks like this is the first year in many, many years I won't make the east side.... Oh well, think of all the money and film I'll be saving.

Great shooting everyone!

Lon

At this point I'm planning on making it. Just a note folks throw your rain gear in your bags chance of trhunderstorms all weekend long. Don't get turned into a crispy critter.


Paul

That's a big reason I'm going, Paul. Better than the brutal sunshine we've had in previous years. However as of Wed, the forecast is not looking that way.