Last day Earthquake Fault/Manzanar

On the last day of our trip we wanted to visit the Earthquake Fault in Mammoth and Manzanar Relocation Center.

A view inside the Fault. There was snow down at the bottom. It was pretty deep.

Cool tree trunk!

Dave went inside the Fault and took some close shots.

Dave and I.

We stopped by this world famous Jerky shop.

We got some honey turkey jerky and some Elk smokehouse. I wasn't a big fan of the Elk...too tough.

We then stopped by Manzanar Relocation Center where 10,000 Japanese Americans were held during World War II.

So sad that they had to leave there possessions behind and have to relocate to an area where they had to live under such harsh circumstances.

Some artifacts the Japanese women made there.

The walls of the barracks were only wood and not in even insulated. They were covered with black tar paper. The winters were cold and the summers were very hot. And many families had to share a room. They put up sheets to have some privacy. They had to share showers.

A picture one of the children drew.

Self portrait of a boy there.

The mountains in the back ground.

One of the barracks.

Inside. They originally dismantled everything. And rebuilt it for historical purposes.

The auditorium where they would have church, meeting, dances and functions.

After a while they were able to beautify the property and they put ponds and gardens.

This is what is left of it. They are actually trying to restore it to its original state.

This area was called "Pleasure Park".

It was crazy, as we were walking the grounds. We met this lady called Mary and here daughter and daughter-in-law. Mary actually lived here as a teenager! She said she had fond memories of living here. She said she had more freedom here vs. she would have living at home. It was an honor to meet her.

The memorial they have at the cemetery there. 150 people died here at Manzanar but only 6 are buried there. Most were cremated or buried elsewhere.

People left Origami Cranes for those who perished there.

Also, leaving random items like these.

We left a bottle of Rum.

One of the guard towers there. I'm so glad I got to visit this place. I'd like to come back to see what other improvements they make on the place.

Mammoth Campout part 3

The next day we wanted to do some more hiking so we headed out to the Devils Postpile(a rock formation) but first we came here to check out this incredible view of the mountains still covered with SNOW!

You want to just run through the meadow! Like in The Sound of Music! LOL!

There were wild flowers all around.

One last family shot before we go!

We went over to take the bus to the Devils Postpile and waited. These gondolas take you up to the top of the mountain. Looks like a fun ride.

The big Mammoth statue in town.

We then got to the trail to the Devils Postpile. It was a nice trail and it was 1/2 mile. NO sweat!

Pretty.

The Devils Postpile. Wow pretty incredible rock formation. Look how it curves to the side.

You can really tell how big it is in this pic.

After the Devils Postpile there was another trail that takes you to Rainbow Falls. That hike was 2.5 miles there and back. I was feeling good and wanted to see the falls so off we went. There was a river along the way and we crossed this bridge which I thought was pretty neat.

Pretty powerful river.

We finally got down to Rainbow Falls which was totally worth the grueling hike. It was up and down hill, steep in some areas. I was dying. We took a break here at the falls and we had to go back 2.5 miles back. Little did we know there was a shortcut to a bus stop to take you back. LOL! Oh well I really need the exercise. Needless to say I was in pain all night. I was so sore.

Amazing! So we then walked back, got on the bus to go back to camp and it was pouring down rain!! Luckily no water got into our tent and we packed rain panchos. Not such good luck for my family's tents...water puddled on the top of their tents and got some of their cots and sleeping bags all wet. They went to a hotel while Dave and I roughed it. It was fun, I wish I would have taken pics of the rain but by that time I was sore and starving from the hike. The rain eventually stopped we nestled in our tent and slept like bears. Part 4 tomorrow.

Mammoth Campout part 2

The next day Dave and I decided to go for a hike around the lake.

Paradise!

Cheese!

There were all kinds of pretty cabins along the lake. Wonder how much they charge?

To the falls!!!!

We discovered a wet path that we thought would take us to the falls.

Getting closer?

YES! The path took us to the bottom of the falls. Couldn't take any closer pics of the falls because of the big bush on the right.

People were out there fishing and kayaking.

I wanna live here!

A CHIPMUNK! There on the rock! I've never seen one up close. There were a lot looking for food, as well as squirrels, blue jays, and we even spotted some deer.

Time for some fire, beers and FOOD! We had chili the 1st night and carnitas on this night! YUM!

And of course, you got to make SMORES out camping!! Dave had it down to a science!

blog part 3 tomorrow!

Mammoth Twin Lakes Family Campout

The family and Dave and I all went camping out in Mammoth area. The campsite was at Twin Lakes. It was so incredibly beautiful! I thought Big Bear was nice but Mammoth was just different. The trees, the high mountain peaks, people fishing, mountain biking, hiking all around.

Aw the lake was soooo so pretty. I was in heaven. Looks so inviting to swim in but the water was SO COLD. No one swam, people were fishing and kayaking and that was pretty much it.

The falls in the distance was amazing and so loud! There was still a lot of snow melting in the mountains.

So pretty. It was very powerful.

We got to our campsite finally and parked the car and set up our stuff.

Our tent. You really have to be cautious of bears so they had this big box you have to lock up your food and trash in there if you are not around. They also tell you to not have food in your tent or in your car! To be honest I was really freaked out the 1st day we got there and super paranoid about leaving any food around! But no bears...thank goodnes!

Frankie, Jackie and Ashley. It was cold at night. It got down to the 40's. It's pretty high elevation, I think it was around 7000 ft. During the day it was pretty hot. You have to dress in layers. And lots of bugs(mosquitos). I'm surprised they didn't really mess with me.

We were laying down on the ground star gazing. There were thousands of twinkling lights!

Later we all huddled by a nice fire and drank some beers. It was a great 1st day so far!!

Blog part 2 tomorrow...