Fall in Eastern Sierra

by Jan Chamberlain
(janchamberlain.com in Homewood, CA)

Celebrating 20 years of marriage seemed like a good excuse for a road trip! Living at Tahoe is always glorious which is why there are times in the year I just don't want to go anywhere else. But 20 years calls for celebration. Both John and I have been so busy with work, I wanted to find somewhere that is only a few hours drive. He wanted to go fishing and I wanted a spa so Double Eagle Resort in June Lake was just the ticket! We stayed there 8 years ago after a week of backpacking and it was wonderful then. So, with a room and 2 massages booked, off we went.

Like I said, we live in a glorious place and fall in our West Shore neighborhood is vibrant. Our street is lined with cottonwood trees and the streets are showered with golden leaves. And of course the drive around Emerald Bay is always amazingly beautiful. We decided to skip the drive over Monitor Pass as my car wants a transmission service!

As we approached Topaz Lake, it was like a mirror of glass reflecting the blue sky. Then driving beside Walker River there are splashes of yellow everywhere hidden in the mountainous rock. Once we arrive to Bridgeport, the Sawtooth Mountains always capture my attention. I love that I have been in the wilderness of these mountains which is even more dramatic than seeing them from the road.

At the Bodie State Park turnoff, the sign says the payment ends in 9 miles, the State Park, 12. The scenery is typical of Great Basin with the sage brush and scrub dotted along rock formations. Sure enough, the road ended before we arrived at the State Park. We decided to skip going any further as one of my tires has been repaired twice. John and I both had flashbacks of driving in Saline Valley (Death Valley National Park) on dirt roads when our friends had two flat tires. So, still we have not seen Bodie!

So to make up for that, back on 395, the aspen colors are peaking. We couldn't resist stopping roadside and taking photos. It was spectacular!!

But onward to June Lake! The road threads through even more aspen groves and hugs Silver Lake. The Lodge is tucked into a granite valley. Our room was as nice as I remembered and views divine. We relaxed a bit and headed to the spa.

First we soaked in the hot tub. The theme of the spa was Bodie so it didn't feel like we missed out! Our treatments were absolutely relaxing. Then off to dinner for the best trout I have ever had! Breakfast the next morning was equally good. This quick trip was just perfect for us.