Mono Lake kayaking photos...

19-20 October 2002

A photographic record of a brilliant trip to Mono Lake and kayak over to the Island (Paoha) in the middle.

Paoha Island:
The youngest member of the Mono Basin volcanic family is Paoha, the white island in the middle of the lake, which formed only 300 years ago. An unusual volcanic formation, Paoha looks very different from the classic cindercone of Negit Island. White and rolling, it resembles more the sediment that covers that bottom of Mono Lake. And with good reason! Paoha is, indeed, exposed lake-bottom sediment, pushed up over the surface of the lake in a volcanic upheaval that lacked the momentum to fully erupt. Although there have been a few small lava flows on the north end of the island, Paoha has yet to let go in a full-scale eruption. Still, steam vents and fumeroles on the island indicate its potential for future activity!

Background info on volcanos in California and more specific info on Mono Lake.

As you view these photos you'll notice I'm not very good at holding the camera straight even though the lake was like glass the whole two days! Some of them came out pretty well though...

Note:
half size is about 60K - 100K and full size is about 700K. You've already downl oaded the half size images in viewing this page, so clicking on those will be quick. Full size should be good quality if printed at (say) 5x7",
full size images have now been removed to save webserver space...email me if you want any of them.
Hint: hit the back button on your browser after viewing each image to return to this page and select the next one...

Morning after camping near Tioga Pass
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Lake views from the shore
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Preparing the canoes
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and off we go!
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Osprey tufa
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Paddling over
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hot springs bay landing
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lunch
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checking out the hot springs
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Views from the hill
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Paddling off round the island
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Landing on the far side
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Views from the lava at sunset
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The kitchen
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Full moon rising
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Midnight escape
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Morning, first light
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Paddling off round the rest of the island
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South tufa
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Last view of Paoha island with Osprey tufa in foreground...
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Revision: 22nd October 2002