Autumn at Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in the Western Hemisphere, eeriely beautiful with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain reflected in it's blue waters. The 70 square-mile inland sea is an ancient lake estimated to be over one million years old, and has no outlet.

It was said to be a dying lake, due to the fact that starting in 1941, and continuing for many years, the Los Angeles Water and Power diverted the streams and creeks that once fed into the lake causing a 40 foot drop in the water level. The National Audubon Society and other government departments, were able to stop this and in 1944 the level of the water in the lake was raised, restoring the shoreline and wildlife habitat.

Visitors interested in learning more about the lake can visit the Mono Lake Committe Center in "Lee Vining" the closest large town.

Through it's long existence, salts and minerals have washed into the lake and as the freshwater evaporates every year from the lake, this has caused the lake to be twice as salty as the oceans and very alkaline. The Tufa Towers were formed when calcium-rich freshwater springs, mixed with the carbonate saturated alkaline lake waters, forming the unusual limestoneTufa Spires - one of the main attractions at the lake - and which are best seen in the south area, gained by hiking a short interpretive trail.

The South Tufa Trail goes past landlocked tufa formations, then along the lakeshore, for views of the tufa protruding from the midst of Mono Lake. The reward is, it continues to one of the best swimming beaches on the lake - Navy Beach.

In the "South Tufa Scenic area" exploring the mile long self-guided interpretive trail, one can see the most dramaticTufa Towers on the lake and can also walk among them.

Mona Lake is a vital habitat for migratory and nesting birds, about 2 million come to feed and rest each year, their primary food being, the brine shrimp that thrive in the waters of the lake.

In the summer about 800,000 Eared Grebes - duck-like diving birds - visit Mono Lake, which also attracts the Red-necked Phalarope, who come from their regular habitats in South America to stay until the Fall when they migrate back.

In late summer, bird-watchers come to Mono Lake where they see a variety of birds, who stop for awhile, on their migration to the wintering grounds in South America . The County Park takes visitors - every Friday and Sunday - on bird-walks, during which time they hope to see some of the birds visiting at the lake. Among them are - Shorebirds, Terns, Forsters, Plovers, Dowitchers, Godwits, and Calidris Sandpipers - just a few of the many species that can be observed and photographed on these walks, or when canoeing across the lake.

There are very few places, right at the lake, where one can stay. One such place is Tioga Lodge, historically known as Hammond Station it was originally built over 100 years ago as a Toll Station. Consisting of two historical buildings, which houses a restaurant and business center, it was originally located in the gold mining town of Bodie before beingmoved, restored and updated, about ten years ago - in keeping with the rustic old world charm of the past. It now offers comfortable accommodations to those who wish to stay, as close to the lake as possible. The rooms are decorated to portray a bit of history, giving guests an experience of what it was like, for the early settlers - there are no TV's, telephones, or air-conditioning, but they do provide direct access to the shoreline of Mono Lake, and to the gourmet restaurant.

The original Hammond Station Restaurant opened in Mono Lake in 1918, it was very "exclusive" - waiters wore tuxedos and diners dressed formally. Today's Hammond Station Restaurant has patio seating in the garden, views of the volcanic islands - Negit and Paoha - and in the back, a Saloon with sand floors, rustic wood ceilings and old stone walls. To round out the decor, old western movie posters hang on the walls, but one of it's best features, one can always get a cold beer or enjoy wine tasting.

There are more places to stay in nearby Lee Vining, while they are mainly motels and one RV Park there is the Lakeview Lodge which is open year round, and is located not far from Mono Lake. It sits among mature trees and expansive lawns, the bright flowers, comfortable cozy rooms, and garden coffee shop - which serves espresso, cappuccino and fresh baked pastry - makjes it one of the favorite for those vising Mono Lake. There are chairs on the lawn where one can watch the sunrise over the Lake, watch the flutter of beautiful butterflies, or hear the trill of a song bird. Accommodations include either motel style rooms - with wireless Internet connections and Direct TV; or cottages with full kitchen appliances, pots, dishes and coffee makers.

While in the Mono Lake area, one of the many day trips recommended to the surrounding area, is the old mining town of Bodie. Gold was discovered in Bodie in 1859, and within a few years the town had had grown to having - 3 breweries and 65 saloons and dance halls. Drinking, gambling and shooting was the favorite pasttimes of the citizens, killings were almost daily events, and robberies, stage coach holdups, and street fights, were regular occurances, for the 10,000 residents that filled the town, by 1879. Then the gold ran out, mining ceased, and the people left. An easy day trip, from Mono Lake, it is only 32 miles to Bodie State Historical Park from the Lake View Lodge. This is a true California gold-mining ghost town, where visitors can walk down the deserted streets, where 10,000 people once trod. The town was named for Waterman S. Bodie who discovered the first gold nuggets in the hills behind Mono Lake. Today only a small part of the town remains, preserved for posterity, with the - interiors of buildings still stocked as they were with goods. The town was designated as a "National Historic site and a State Historic Park" in 1962, now this once thriving mining town draws over 200,000 visitors each each year, many come in hopes of seeing the reputed ghosts who are said to still reside there.

The town csn be reached bu using the turn of of State highway 395, and going 13 miles down a dusty, bumpy road.

Besides the unique Tufa of Mona Lake; the large invasion of Migratory birds each Fall, as they head to the warmer climes in South America; the swimming, kayaking, hiking and boating that can be enjoyed; Mono Lakes appeal, is also, the many activities to be had in the high desert, east of Yosemite park and the spectacular beauty of the area.

In 2011 Jerry Brown earmarked the "Mono Lake Tufa State National Reserve" as one of 70 state parks to be closed in 2012. However a non-profit group, known as the Bodie Foundation has had the park removed from the list by agreeing to collect the fees necessary to keep the lake and surrounding facilities open and operating. This has been welcome news to - not only residents of the state - but all who enjoy visiting Mono Lake.

The roads to Mono Lake are well maintained, it is located just north of US 395, north of Lee Vining, and 13 miles East of Yosemite National Park. Plan a visit soon, in today's economic climate, here in California, one never knowns when the pleasure of visiting Mono Lake will be removed, by it's once again being earmarked for closure. When you come, do not leave the camera behind, the area is great for dramatic photos, with "sunrise and sunset" the best time for spectacular shots of the lake and mountains.

Check out these links for more in-depth info resulting in a greater enjoyment of your visit.
http://www.monolake.org/visit/brochurenathistenglish.pdf
http://www.bwlakeviewlodge.com/birdwatching.php
http://www.bodie.com/