Colors of My Heart

/Home › › U.S. Route 395 U.S. Route 395, which runs through the Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes region, is often described as a “scenic corridor” that cuts through the grand landscapes of the Eastern Sierra.  The stretch from Lee Vining to Mammoth Lakes offers a succession of striking views—desolate high-desert plains, the snow‑capped Sierra Nevada, and dramatic volcanic formations—making the drive itself feel like a journey through a living panorama. Near Mono Lake, the iconic tufa towers rising along the southern shore create an otherworldly scene, and their pale limestone silhouettes can even be glimpsed from the highway. Because the area sits at an elevation of roughly 1,900 meters, strong winds and sudden drops in temperature are not uncommon in winter, so checking weather conditions is essential before setting out. In contrast, the Mammoth Lakes area carries the atmosphere of an alpine resort, where tranquil meadows, lakes, and forested slopes unfold in a gentle...

/Home › › Mono Lake Mono Lake, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in eastern California, is an ancient lake covering roughly 70 square miles and is known for its exceptionally high salinity and alkalinity.  The lake supports vast populations of brine shrimp and alkali flies, which in turn attract millions of migratory birds, creating a unique and vibrant ecosystem.  Along the shoreline stand striking limestone formations called “tufa,” created by the interaction between freshwater springs and the lake’s mineral-rich water, giving the landscape an almost otherworldly beauty. Last time, I shared photos taken on film, but this time I am posting images captured with a digital camera. What surprises me most is how impressive the image quality is, even though the camera is from about nineteen years ago. It only has 10.2 megapixels, yet the color reproduction of its now‑uncommon CCD sensor is remarkably beautiful. I hope to continue using it with care for as ...

Mono Lake Tufa Towers Mono Lake Tufa Towers are unique geological formations located within Mono Lake in eastern California, known for their natural beauty and remarkable rock formations. These limestone pillars, called "tufas", rise from the lake and create a stunningly impressive landscape for visitors. Mono Lake itself is an ancient saline lake at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, with a history of approximately 760,000 years. The lake's water has an extremely high salt concentration, making it uninhabitable for freshwater fish. This unique environment supports a limited biodiversity, with specialized microorganisms and salt-tolerant plants and animals thriving in the ecosystem. Tufa Tufa refers to natural limestone pillars formed underwater through the precipitation of minerals. When calcium dissolved in the lake water mixes with freshwater springs beneath the lake, these limestone towers gradually grow over time. The fluctuating water levels cont...