Sonora Pass Report

[John Kasaian]

Just got back from Hwy 108 which is open across the Sierra Nevada range in California. There is still plenty of snow (8-9' I'm guessing) at the top where it squeezes through the Immigrant Wilderness. BTW the road was in excellent shape and dry as a bone) There are lots of seasonal waterfalls cooking right now, as is Eagle Creek---some of the seasonal falls I found quite spectacular. It is still green at the higher elevations(above 4,000') the camp grounds were almost vacant and not much traffic at all going over 108---Hwy 49 OTOH is almost gridlocked going through the town of Sonora, no doubt a sign of whats to be expected over the 4th of July weekend. There were several prescribed burns going on so the air was hazy until I got above 7,000' where the sky was blue and the air squeaky clean with a few late afternoon clouds to add a little drama (alas, I was shooting some rock formations and didn't get to include much atmospherics today!)

If you're looking for quick mountain fix in Central California and want to avoid the national parks or the casinos in Tahoe, it might be worth looking into.

[Ralph Barker]

Thanks for the report, John.

[kjsphotography]

Also I just recieved word yesterday that Tioga Pass is scheduled to open Saturday 6/17 at 8am. Call ahead to make sure. I was just up there yesterday and I saw a bunch of Park vehicles coming in and off of the pass.

[John Kasaian]

If you take Tioga PAss don't forget to stop in at the Whoa Nellie Deli at the junction of hwy 395---lobster taquitos and mango margaritas & the best seared ahi tuna salad I've ever had. Maybe someone will be performing on the trapeze!

[kjsphotography]

If you take Tioga PAss don't forget to stop in at the Whoa Nellie Deli at the junction of hwy 395---lobster taquitos and mango margaritas & the best seared ahi tuna salad I've ever had. Maybe someone will be performing on the trapeze!

Where abouts is this? Sounds like a place to check out. If you go to the bottom of 120 where 395 meets do you go left or rigth?

[Keith S. Walklet]

Whoa Nellie Deli = Mobil Mini Mart at the junction of 120 and 395. It really shook things up in Lee Vining when they started offering edible fast food. For years it was slim pickings for photographers, but things are slooowly getting better in Lee Vining proper for eats. You can even get a mid-summer dinner AFTER sunset now in town at Bodie Mikes. And don't forget the Mono Inn!

[John Kasaian]

The Whoa Nellie Deli will be on your right as you're heading toward 395. You can't miss it---there is a full size circus trapeze out front on one of the few green lawns in Lee Vining. Its a great place for breakfast too! Last year they even had a summer concert series in the parking lot. It is a gem of a place (especially if you're a Kansas City Royals fan)

The Mono Inn is North on 395 past the commercial part of town and would be on your left. It is owned by Ansel Adams' family and is a first class place in every respect.