Three Lakes, One Day

We were off!  Early!  Our goal was to scout North Lake, return to Sabrina and South Lakes and have a whole lot of fun.  Mission accomplished!

All three lakes are accessed from Bishop on Highway 168.  The road into North Lake was just opened and we were anxious to check it out.  If this scene looks familiar and you are a 'Mac' person you may recognize it as the opening screen on new Apple computers.  But the vivid color of fall that you see in that photo looks much more toned down in the spring before the aspen across the lake have even started leafing out.  You may notice the very thin layer of ice along the water's edge in this photograph.

The road to North Lke is partially paved and partially gravel and is narrow and winding. There is a small campground near the lake and fishing is very popular here.  Trailers and RVs, however, are prohibited.  In the spring and early summer it is reported that mosquitoes can be an annoyance but we did not have that problem this early in the season.

We are coming back to this area in the fall and we expect all this gray will be gold!

Local photographers are not happy that North Lake has become so well known as a photographic destination.  "Gets too crowded in the morning.  Can't get my favorite spot!"

This time Sabrina Lake was blue rather than covered in ice.  What a difference two weeks can make!  Very popular fishing area.

This guy had it going on!!  Four poles!  I cannot imagine how they keep from tangling up under the water.

I came so close to renting one.  Pick me up later, Tom!

We took a lunch break and returned to the lovely little cafe in Aspendell.  There was a group of artists and they were happy to share their art.  We did not even notice this pond on our last trip where the snow storm had covered this all up.

South Lake had more snow in the surrounding mountains.  I cannot get over how blue the skies and lakes are!

This family reported that they caught their limit of trout and were on there may home.  Lakes around here are stocked, starting in the spring, with rainbow and brown trout.

Thanks for hanging out with us.

Sabrina and South Lakes Trip

Lake Sabrina is a lake created by damming the middle fork of Bishop Creek.  The dam was built in 1907-8 to supply a constant flow of water to to hydraulic power plants. It is a popular recreational area with a small cafe and dock but on the day we visited there were almost no people and a lot of snow.  The cafe was open but not for much more than a cup of hot chocolate.  The roads were plowed and clear so as we headed back down towards Bishop we decided to visit South Lake, a short side trip.  South Lake is 170 acres of 'fishing paradise' at over 9,700 feet in elevation.  No surprise that it was still covered in ice and snow!  Both lakes warrant a return trip later this month and again in the fall when we return to the area.

From the deck of the cafe at Lake Sabrina.  Wind was strong and the hot chocolate welcome.  We did not stay long or hike around.

As we went up the mountain towards Lake Sabrina the snowfall was heavier.  Fortunately the snow plows were keeping it clear and we just took the road slowly, willing to turn around any time it got uncomfortable.

We crossed Bishop Creek. a couple of times.  In several places it was really roaring.

We drove through Aspen Glen, a nice little community with a great breakfast place that we tried out on the way back down and on our way to South Lake.

Folks in Alpen Glen have plans for the future!

One large pond made for some interesting photography.

Fishermen at South Lake.  Dedicated souls!!

This is really South Lake, even though it looks like White Lake!

South Lake covered in ice and snow.  Very cold.

South Lake from the parking lot above the lake.

Waterfall spotted on our way home.

Almost home!!  Wonderful day of experiencing Mother Nature in play.