Bishop, CA

Sep 09     Pahrump, NV - Bishop, CA     213 miles     4 hours 45 minutes

We drove from Pahrump to Bishop, CA. This is the eastern side of California. The plan is to travel on Hwy 395 up to Lee Vining. The route we took was north on 95, hwy 266, then hwy 168 to hwy 395. We went through 3 mountain passes. We were not expecting that. We knew there was one on hwy 266, the summit over 7000 feet. The other 2 was unexpected and they were over 7000 feet also. It was a very long drive today, Joe didn't stop for any breaks.

One lane road over the pass

We're staying at the Bishop RV Park at Tri-County Fairgrounds. $35 per night for full hook ups. Nothing fancy here but good location to see the sights.

After having lunch and settling in, we went to the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and visitors center. The man that helped us gave us a lot of good information on the area. Looks like we'll be spending a few days here.

Then we walked to Schat's Bakkery. A European-style bakery and deli offering sweets, specialty breads and sandwiches. We bought their famous apple strudel, a pumpkin loaf, and cheese bread. All very good.

Sep 10   Bishop Creek Canyon

This morning we got an early start and took a drive to Bishop Creek Canyon. From downtown Bishop we climbed over 15 miles into the mountains from the valley floor to elevations over 9,000 feet on a well maintained highway. 

First stop was North Lake. Located several miles off the main highway. Steep climb up the mountain on a dirt road. When we got there, was a small lake with some people fishing. 

Was kind of cold

Next was Lake Sabrina, a lake created by damming the middle fork of Bishop Creek.  Beautiful lake, very scenic with lots of people fishing. We walked along the edge of the dam. 

Lake Sabrina

Last stop was South Lake. The drive up Bishop Creek Canyon to South Lake is mesmerizing. Quaking Aspen, Lodgepole pine and willows carpet the canyon floor and hillsides. We're a little early for the fall colors but it's still very scenic. We did a short hike up the side of a mountain, both of us gasping....the altitude plus being out of shape!  

We were back at camp by 11am to watch some football.