Back at the beginning of the month, Josh and I took a little vacation to go paddle in some lakes we've been talking about for quite some time. We first visited Mono Lake a few years back, and when we found out that it's open for paddling, we were determined to go. It's one of the most unique experiences-- the water has an incredibly high salt and mineral content, making it even more buoyant than the ocean, and leaving a crusty, oily residue all over everything. It's also crystal clear, and teeming with teensy tiny brine shrimp, one of only two organisms that can live in Mono Lake. To add to the moon-like feel of the place, there are the tufa (that's "too-fah."). The tufa are large mineral formations that form on the bottom of the lake, and grow upwards. Some are huge, breaking the surface of the water and rising up like a jagged lunar mountain range. Others can only be seen through the water. All this, right in the middle of a rather stark desert basin.
On the morning we paddled in Mono Lake, the winds were calm, and the water was placid, creating a stunningly reflective surface. We paddled in and out of the tufa fields, and were the only boats on the water until early afternoon, when we saw a small kayak tour near the South Tufa. It was pure solitude in an otherworldly atmosphere, and I definitely recommend it, even if your boats, all your gear, and yourself need to go through a carwash afterwards!
Now, the moment I know you've been waiting for.... the photos!
Occasionally, Josh paddles into my photos. In some cases, I like the effect-- the shape of a kayak is really elegant, and lends a sense of scale and solitude to the image.
Other times, I wait for him to paddle through the frame... On really calm water, you can see that kayaks actually leave a wake.
Happy Thursday!
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