Horseshoe Lake

Day two of skiing and this was the highlight. Previously I had been frightened by its designation as a "CO2 Hazard Area", but was assured that it's now safe. The naturally occurring CO2 killed some of trees along the lake, as can be seen in the photos below. At 8,950 feet this was probably my highest elevation of the trip. At 7,881 feet Mammoth Lakes is generally considered the highest town in California.

 

our famous breakfast table

After a brief intermission, we got our famous breakfast table back. This allowed us to alternate brief morning walks while the other stayed put and sipped coffee, tea or Wordle. It was a different routine from home, but it worked.

The Eatery revisited

 

This first time we came here I was a bit underwhelmed by the food. This time it was much better. Which goes to show - it's a good to give a place a second chance. You never know when something or someone will shine.

2026 aprés ski

2026 skiing continued

 

Melting ice, bear warnings, buried lodges and bathrooms.

Lake Mary 2026

My second circumnavigation of Lake Mary on cross country skis. The famous crag hovering over the lake is still known as Crystal Crag. Crystal Crag Lodge was still half buried.

X-country skiing 2026

Conditions alternated between powdery in the sun (good) and icy in the shade (bad). I only occasionally lost control. From the point of view of cardio exercise however it was great.