This rocky setting is typical of the Alabama Hills. The Hills have been used since the 1920's as a movie location. Every major Western Star has made a movie there. I'm told parts of "Iron Man" were filmed here. http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... +locations
The scenery is outstanding.
In addition to a beautiful view of the Sierras, you could see many miles North and South along Hwy 395 from this hilltop.
Pit Stop in the Alabama Hills......just like the movie stars.
After poking around the rocky formations, we found this place called the "Alabama Squeeze" A couple of the wider buggies just barely fit.
I paced off the width of this gap before I felt comfortable going through it.
Since the roads to Whitney Portal and Horseshoe Meadow were closed for the season, on Friday, we drove to the Eastern edge of the valley to look at some mines and old Railway Tracks.
Just snooping around....
We are on our way to the Reward Mine near Kearsarge, Ca. http://ghosttowns.com/states/ca/kearsarge.html
The parking accommodations at the mine were outstanding.
Those who chose to go inside found many passageways and ladders. I kept watch on the buggies.
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/reward.htm
Friday night, the weather wasn't looking good for Saturday.
Despite the cloudy sky and the cold temperature, the "Show and Shine" drew a crowd.
Bruce and Stu enjoying the morning.
This is the group who went on the trip to Cerra Gordo. http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/cerrogordo.html
We were in good company on the trip up the mountain.
Art brought his Boss along again. He even bent his long tie rod just to show us how easy it is to straighten one out.
Mike brought this former Playboy Bunny. I hope his wife doesn't see this.
As we traveled up the trail, the snow became deeper.
When the snow forced us to turn around near the top of the ridge, the poor conditions and the narrow trail helped to cause this damage to Joseph's buggy. Trees and fiberglass don't mix.
Knowing Joseph, this will be repaired in short order.
This is where Art gave us the tie rod straightening lesson.
Enjoying the view at the end of the day.
Sunday morning dawned a clear new day. The morning run was stimulating.
Thanks to Bob Hunter and all of those who helped to make this another good outing.
