Ep. 308: Bishop/Mammoth, California | RV travel camping boondocking Sierra hiking kayaking

[@GrandAdventure]

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[@geraldsouthard7092]

It is great to have such a large reference library to research an area just before you visit it. I first commented on this report 10 months ago. Just took a last minute “refresher”. Thanks…again, Marc. Safe travels this season.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much, Gerald, and same to you!

[@nahoku03]

Thank you Marc…you have helped us decide!!! My darling husband and I have been in a quandary as to where we should go for our next Grand Adventure. We’ve had many wonderful adventures in the eastern Sierras along Rt 395 years ago…Mammoth, Bishop, Lone Pine, Mono Lake, Lee Vining, etc. It’s time to revisit our favorites again. Thanks again Marc…keep the fabulous videos coming too! Have fun, enjoy, relax, be safe!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you JL! We're very happy to have been part of your decision-making process. Safe travels to you as well.

[@laughingram7287]

You folks had a great view of the Sierras; the Sierras are so pretty to look at from that side. We have been wanting to travel down 395. There is a pretty cool ghost town called Bodie not to far from where you were at. It is a state historical park. Convict Lake looked awesome with the mountains around it. Thanks for sharing! Ram 👍🏼👍🏾

[@GrandAdventure]

Yep, we were impressed by Bodie when we visited a number of years ago, Ram. It was just so incredibly busy while we were there. We hadn't really planned to return to Bodie as we had already filmed it for an earlier episode, but we would not have been able to even if we wanted, as the road to Bodie was closed due to flooding during our visit.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

That's a very cool area off Hwy 395. That area of California is beautiful. Thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

No doubt that it is visually spectacular.

[@najruqwi7008]

Beautiful! You are a brave man kayaking into that snow Meglt fridges waters

[@GrandAdventure]

Just don't roll it. 😄

[@najruqwi7008]

🥶🥶🥶

[@rexcarlson3464]

Cool area

[@GrandAdventure]

No doubt.

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Great report Marc. Great footage on Convict Lake.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Gerald!

[@eddiebrady6351]

Well done!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Eddie!

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks Marc. I'll be traveling 395 south this Fall.

[@GrandAdventure]

There's so much to see and do, Joe. You'll love it.

[@blippacg]

Hwy 395 is spectacular. I spent a week camping and fly fishing on the Owens River there near Bishop. Absolutely loved it. Would like to take my kids on a trip up 395 someday (although they're older now, late teens, so we'll see).

[@pauladams7344]

Do it now or the opportunity passes forever....

[@GrandAdventure]

@@pauladams7344 +1. Brian, as Paul said, do it now.

[@blippacg]

@@pauladams7344 Yep, just gotta pull the trigger. At that point in life where I want to bail on the job if for no other reason than the kids are getting more and more independent. Don't want the job to be the reason I miss out on exciting experiences with the kids.

[@garymann5998]

Good video Marc. The snow on the mountains in the background was cool looking, your campground circle was interesting, my wife was hoping for a drive through Bishop, she went there several times we she was at Vandenberg AFB. Travel safe

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Gary as always! We would have filmed a Bishop drive through, but it seemed like every time we went there it was early evening with difficult lighting.

[@jimlee8785]

What a unique and beautiful area. You made it home alive.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much, Jim!

[@tats4ever]

Great video! I lived in mammoth 10+ years.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! A great place to live.

[@stephanielevings696]

Thanks for another Great Adventure❣️

[@GrandAdventure]

And thank YOU for cming along, Stephanie!

[@RamblinRalph]

Great video of my favorite part of California, the Eastern Sierra! Been fishing and camping there for over 50 years, between Lone Pine and Bridgeport.. Been to most of the places you showed. However, never noticed your boondocking spot. Will have to look for it the next time I'm in that area. Keep up the great videos!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much, Ralph! It's a gorgeous area, I can understand why you've returned year after year.

[@k-mparker]

Simpleeee spectacular footage Mark!!!! Added to our boondocking list. 👍😃🍻

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much, Mike!

[@lorih379]

Looks pretty ideal to me. Beautiful backdrop and few people. No leash rules 😂

[@GrandAdventure]

Yeah, you just couldn't look too closely, Lori. LOL

[@davepritchard4101]

Your videography amazes me when you hit that edge between the dessert, Sierras in snow and water. You put it in contrast, so evident in more than one way. I hope to get to see and experience that, maybe next after the eclipse. So far from the Delaware River area out my back door. I'm more inclined to do that drive which we've done for the past three winters and am planning more. I so hard to pull out of this beauty that so different from you shared and equally beautiful albeit more lush.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much, Dave! I know your area well; in fact, both of my parents were from very near Delaware Water Gap. I spent many summers with grandparents in tiny Pen Argyl, PA. Beauty may be found everywhere; it may be different, and more hidden in some areas than others, but it's always evident for those willing to look.

[@davepritchard4101]

@Grand Adventure Wow, that I didn't know! If you ever get back in the area it's changed due to dense housing, commercial and warehouse development on the vast prime farmlands near the interstates. There are some great breweries and cider too! If you ever venture east, there are some decent dispersed camping in the PA St. Forests for the effort of applying for a permit. I hope to shake your hand some day while we're in Q. We've been there and the general area the past 3 years but timing as it is it hasn't happened yet. Cary on!!

[@GrandAdventure]

@@davepritchard4101 I certainly appreciate those tips about the Pennsylvania State Forests! The Northeast is a big blank on our camping map, we have to rectify that someday.

[@debbiemiller8018]

My absolute first place on Earth in California second most absolute place is Maui I spent 23 years in the High Sierras fishing absolutely loves Twin Lakes Bridgeport

[@GrandAdventure]

It's definitely a gorgeous area, Debbie.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

Great episode once again. Another place that goes on our bucket list to visit. Nice looking Kayak by the way. As always, safe travels......

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Shawn! Finding that Eddyline Fathom last year used in Bend, OR was the best thing that ever happened to my kayaking. However, we also picked up a little something this spring to accompany it, and this Wednesday's episode is dedicated to getting that new purchase out on the water for the first time to evaluate its utility for RV travelers.

[@outdoorsadventurer]

You brought back some childhood memories with this one! My Grandfather took me to Convict Lake and Lake Crowley. I remember the famous German Brown Trout fishing. I had forgotten how small Convict Lake is compared to the others. Crowley wasn't near as full as your video shows about 3 years ago when I was last at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport. The Eastern Sierra is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Thanks for the memories!

[@GrandAdventure]

We are most happy to bring you back, Chris. Thank you so much for watching and for leaving your experiences here in the comments section!

[@moretoliving2236]

This one video is exactly why I fell in love with "out west". Literally a little bit of driving this way or that way and you get anything from a sweltering desert with canyons and red rock to a snow covered mountain with lakes to hike around. One of the most unique experiences I have had with a hot spring (in yellowstone) was being able to sit in ice cold river with hot water spring warming it up just so. Nature makes these life experiences fall in love with it even more. What a beautiful area!

[@GrandAdventure]

It sure is, and the varying ecosystems you describe are in far closer proximity to each other in the Eastern Sierra than they are in many other parts of the West.

[@sheepdawg6946]

It is not a former rest area but a current DOT mixing table.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@melodyassaro]

This was spectacular.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Melody!

[@jesib7526]

Hot Creek looks like a great springtime getaway for peace and quiet.

[@GrandAdventure]

It was definitely quiet while we were there, Jesi.

[@camperbum]

I love it up there, when I was younger lol, I used to take my kids up there, now it's a long drive from Missouri. June loop is pretty cool to see.

[@GrandAdventure]

Yes it is Dave! And thank you very much for watching. We did the June Lake loop about 4 years ago in one of our episodes, so we didn't want to repeat it here if we didn't have to.

[@camperbum]

@@GrandAdventure I know, I have it saved, never know if we'll get back out there. Anyway thanks again, we're camping on Bull Shoals lake this memorial weekend, the weather is great here. I can't remember, have you been to Bridgeport yet?

[@GrandAdventure]

@@camperbum enjoy Bull Shoals and have a terrific holiday! We've been to/through Bridgeport a number of times, but haven't filmed there yet. Tavertine Hot Springs is on my list.

[@camperbum]

@@GrandAdventure that's a neat place, enjoy your trip there, so much to see.

[@janelewis8143]

So amazing...as always!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much Jane!

[@larrywiddis470]

Stunning photography. Clear narration. TY

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Larry!

[@EK-mx7zb]

I’m doing similar active travel while doing remote computer work. Some big differences in my rig, budget, and location (I’m on the east coast right now). I hike, bike, and kayak and keep moving to explore new places. So in this video the kayaking caught my eye! I’ve spent 6 months exploring the SE coast and swamps. I naturally see myself heading west eventually and appreciate seeing someone making use of a kayak in the landlocked mountains, it gives me ideas for when I get out there. One tip on your forward stroke, that I had to unlearn too, don’t bend your elbows, and engage your core! Google info about the recommended technique, it will help you paddle farther and longer. Thanks for putting the time into an informative and interesting video -

[@GrandAdventure]

That's fantastic, EK! There's wonderful paddling anywhere in this country if you're willing to look for it. And for what it's worth, I've got hundreds if not thousands of miles of paddling under my belt, but I'm always monkeying around with trying to perfect my stroke, so thanks for noticing that. Wishing you safe travels!

[@user-iz2du6tk3w]

Great video! We've been traveling fulltime for 8 years as doing MRI around the country. Headed to Bishop next and wanted to see the area first. You did a fantastic job with this video and we will be following you in the future. Subscribed. Oh.. we are looking for a new mattress too so theres that. :)

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much!! We're thrilled to have you along, and wish you the best for your upcoming stint in Bishop. A friend and sometimes traveling companion does the same for traveling work.

[@rudymartinez4195]

Great video - love the area and visit every year and have one planned this summer. Never did the petroglyphs or hot springs, guess we’ll have to take a drive this summer. Bodie ghost town is also fun to see if you’re in the area.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Rudy! Yep, we visited Bodie back in 2018: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6alonuqg86ngpY Right now, however, the road to Bodie is closed due to flooding.

[@rudymartinez4195]

@@GrandAdventure amazing how much snow is out there this late in the season!

[@GrandAdventure]

@@rudymartinez4195 yep, and everyone who uses water is grateful.

[@cbingham40]

Your videos are awesome and partly why I bought my pro master van 3 weeks ago. Wife and our Boston terrier can’t wait to get out more. Super hard to figure out where to go,though. 😂😂

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much! Trust me, the more you get out there, the easier finding locations becomes. It's a skill acquired through patience and perseverence.

[@PeeWeeHenson]

SEE ANY ELK??? WHEN I'D GO THRU BISHOP AT NIGHT I'D STOP ON THE EDGE OF TOWN AND LISTEN TO THE BUGLING.

[@GrandAdventure]

We didn't see any this trip.

[@aaronchandler2380]

Thank you for another amazing video. Your amazing video quality is definitely appreciated. We’ve marked convict lake as another place we’d like to go. Thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU, Aaron!

[@douglasdowns4846]

What a generous person you are! You captured the magnificence of that area. Some great artists have captured on canvas what you have chosen for us to see.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Douglas! We don't deserve that comparison as we're just a hack with a camera 😄 but we appreciate it nevertheless.

[@Thomas-sp1pp]

Totally enjoyed this, excellent job. As always. Thomas

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU as always, Thomas!

[@gorrdd]

Wow, Marc... look at the snow pack on those mountains. It looks like it's still winter up there. That looks like a huge place to visit😅. Looking forward to tonight's episode. Thanks... Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Gord. I had expected that snowpack to create problems early summer, especially, and my predictions have unfortunately come true. Too hot to stay low, and everything is still buried up high where it's cooler. The old squeeze play.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Marc, I assume then that there are no higher elevations without snow right now. And where there is snow melt, there is the danger of mud slides. That tends to limit your possibilities. This is where onboard power generation comes in handy. I'm referring to the Ford F150 Powerboost with 7.2kw onboard that would power your AC.. Even when the truck is running and generating, it is as quiet as a whisper. But I know it's not heavy duty enough to handle your rig. But, if they put that system into the F250 it would be a viable alternative. Just projecting here. Even so, this year is the exception. As the summer rolls on, it will only get warmer and the ice packs and mud slides will still not likely allow boondocking at higher elevations. You may need to rethink how this is going to affect your program for this year. The mountains may not be accessible until later this summer. And even then, how many roads will still remain blocked due to prior mudslides. This looks like it might stymie you a bit, in terms of staying out of the heat. Just saying... Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd thanks. We've already digested the impact it has, and we're altering what little plans we actually had accordingly. Mudslides aren't a concern. What's a concern is the snowpack itself that's keeping Forest Roads gated and closed, and even after the snow melts they'll need to thoroughly dry out before the USFS will unlock the gates, to prevent rutting. It's going to be at least six more weeks, more in some places.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Roger that... Marc. Six weeks is a month and a half delay. What about heading to the Pacific coast and touring much of the coast line. Doesn't the coastal range offer some relief? Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd you're very perceptive. 😉

[@reneepowell8541]

Great video Marc! Brought back many fond memories of our time there a couple years ago although there wasn’t nearly so much snow then! It’s been an epic year for snowfall all over the west. If you’re ever back in that area and haven’t hiked the Little Lakes Valley trail, I highly recommend it! Right now it’s probably still under a few feet of snow! Take care!

[@GrandAdventure]

We will remember that Renee, thank you!

[@randolphjones2658]

So much to see and do there (except shop), lived there 28 years. I could smell the Jeffrey Pines just by watching!

[@GrandAdventure]

Happy to bring you back, Randolph! And yeah, the shopping is a bit on the thin side. 😄

[@MrMikewojo]

I just spent last weekend in the Mono Lake, Mammoth Lake area. After watching this episode- I have to go back this weekend. You showed us some hidden gems that aren't very well known. Always a pleasure watching your videos, Marc.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Michael, our pleasure!

[@bobanddangsjourney]

Another great video! We love that area - I lived up there for a number of years back in the '80s and have been visiting regularly ever since - . yet surprisingly have never come across that camp area. Great drone work as well - we always love seeing that. I think our trip up this year is going to be quite late in the year due to the snowpack. Thanks for another entertaining and informative video!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much! Yep, it's going to take a while for things to melt out and dry out.

[@daviscrt]

Awesome adventure. Thanks Don

[@GrandAdventure]

Very happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Don. Thank you!

[@mickster1780]

great stuff! hmmm, i wonder how Wild Willy's Hot springs got it's name???...

[@GrandAdventure]

Well, we can draw some inferences. 😄

[@tljlucy31]

Great job of showing the area. Thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Tammy, and thanks for watching!

[@mccarthy7566]

I enjoyed the hot springs footage. I even noticed that Mrs. Grand Adventure didn't make you edit her out of the Wild Willy's scene!😄

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Pete! I think that she realized that would've been hard to do.

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

Yet another must see. We will be full timing until we are 170 years old! 😂

[@GrandAdventure]

🤣

[@pvf1799]

Another great video. I must say the music your using this season at least for the first half of this video is not as relaxing or comforting like the second half. Seems you changed this year. Softer and less nerve jarring is better for the types of scenes you shoot. Love your videos.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks for the feedback! We like to experiment with different types of music and it all depends on matching the mood of the video in a particular segment, but your feedback is nevertheless well taken.

[@gypsymountaineers3215]

You should have had your skis…..😊

[@GrandAdventure]

No doubt, Sue. My friends Tony & Patrick skied Mammoth this week, but Tony wouldn't take "no" for an answer about joining them. I kept telling him, I have no skis, no boots, no gloves, no clothes, no helmet. But that didn't discourage him the way that it did me. It's just too much trouble, space and weight bringing that stuff along on the off chance that I might use it once.

[@scotty92028]

Great neck of the woods Marc!! Thanks for capturing its grandeur❤️ I believe the area you’re camped at was once a “pay to stay” BLM campground if my memory serves me correctly.

[@GrandAdventure]

Interesting about that campsite, thanks for that and thanks for watching! Safe travels back home to you and Mary.

[@Yellow.Dog.]

Excellent video, Marc! Is that a chinese balloon at 17:25? Haha That sure is a lot of snow. Pretty part of the world.

[@GrandAdventure]

😄 Thank you William, and it certainly is. We appreciate you watching.

[@robertnasser9937]

Been there, sometimes I wish my KZ was a little smaller 382MBQ, not

[@GrandAdventure]

Even ours was too big for most spots in the area, Bob, as they're better suited for van camping. That's how we ended up at "the loop".

[@gorrdd]

Great episode, Marc. Beautiful area to visit. And this year, with that much snowpack, the backdrop of the mountains was picture perfect. Glad you found a spot that was as ideal as possible. What was the temperature of the water you were kayaking in? It looks like it might have been very chipper 🧊🥶🧊 based upon the huge icepack right against the shoreline. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks bud! I didn't stick a thermometer in that lake, but trust me it was nippy. Pure snowmelt.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure That's what I figured. It's just that you were so composed throughout, the chill wasn't apparent by your actions.🤔 Gord

[@Markpatrickrich]

I’m new to your channel I enjoy your videos all your tips and information. I’m preparing to go full time. I’m interested on how you haul your kayak on your roof with a fifth wheel I’m hoping to bring mine with. Thank you again safe travels 🙏🏼❤️🤙🏼

[@GrandAdventure]

Welcome to the channel, Mark! Funny you should ask. Our previous truck, a Toyota Tundra, was too short to carry the kayak on the roof alone while there truck was hitched to the fifth wheel, so we used this method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGGUe5uropd1iqc . We traveled all over the United States like that for 2 years, and had no issues at all with the way we mounted the kayak. Our new truck, a Ford F-350 crew cab long bed, is long enough that the roof rack alone is sufficient, even with our 16-foot boat. Everything we use, including what we used in the Tundra and what we use now, is showcased here: www.amazon.com/shop/grandadventure/list/3C8T2PJYB8SG6?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsflist_aipsfgrandadventure_ED2RR9FGJT6FBV7E1B3H

[@sgtwrench69]

God's Earth

[@GrandAdventure]

Indeed. Thanks so much for watching.

[@SevenBears1]

Crowley cleared up ? It was completely covered in ice and snow couple weeks back.. Thanks for taking us to these great places GA. Was that Zoe cam on the trail ?

[@GrandAdventure]

LOL! ZoeCam™ is a lot shakier, although we haven't done that in a while. We should, thanks for the reminder. As for Lake Crowley, it sounds like it must've iced out really quickly this year, for there was no trace of anything on the ground there, and there were many fishermen on the water.

[@SevenBears1]

@@GrandAdventure may 1st it was covered. No boats allowed.

[@innovationsurvival]

Nice coverage. Using Google satellite view, I located your BLM circle and may use it. Thank you.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! We probably could have saved you some time, however, as we always put a Google Maps pin to each of our camp locations in each video description. Hope it works out well for you!

[@sgtwrench69]

Now next month California will say they have a drought

[@GrandAdventure]

Well, it is a long-term drought decades in the making. It's the same in our home state of Utah, where even this record-setting winter could only put a dent in it, not erase it.

[@akgobears]

Wonder how the Alabama Hills are looking at present ....your bout an hr. north of there where you are here....With summer just around the corner , got to believe your heading north from the Bishop area after your stay there....?? I know there are a couple of pay campgrounds in the Mammoth area but not sure if they are even open yet...Lookin forward to whats next, North eastern Calif ????? lol....Travel safe, be well....

[@GrandAdventure]

We are indeed northbound, but I hear that the Alabama Hills are looking well right now. Just too toasty for us at that elevation. Most campgrounds in the Mammoth/June Lakes area have yet to open, or just did. We did NE CA last year, looking for a change of pace this time, so stay tuned.

[@akgobears]

@@GrandAdventure Couple nice state parks in Southern Oregon Crater lake area like Joseph H. Stewart state park comes to mind...There is also a nice paved SNO PARK called Annie Creek thats really close to Crater lake...Free stay

[@GrandAdventure]

@@akgobears thanks for the tips!

[@Betonrg]

​@@akgobears thanks for the tip.

[@marvelousmarv-marvelousper4886]

It's nice to see you get the kayak out and on such a beautiful calm lake. I didn't even see you hesitate to get your feet into the water. Wasn't the water pretty cold?

[@GrandAdventure]

It was mighty nippy, Marv! Thanks so much for coming along.

[@annweymouth7588]

Your video was awesome as usual. We love the scenery that you show and have snagged some of your boondocking sites over the years. I heard you mention a “new” joint FS & BLM app at the beginning of the video. Is this the USFS & BLM Campgrounds App? If not would you like to share the name of the App? 😊 TIA

[@GrandAdventure]

It's an app just for the Eastern Sierra, to show areas that are legal and illegal. Here's the Android version play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsforcauses.easternsierracamping , and an iPhone version is available as well. And thank you very much for your kind words, Ann!

[@AllenManor]

Great video! We are going up to Mammoth Lakes to do some camping starting July 14. We would like to drive up the evening before our reservation to beat the heat and your Sherwin Grade location looks perfect as a place to sleep at. I wonder if I call the Ranger district if they can give an idea of availability so we don't pull in to a packed loop?

[@GrandAdventure]

They may be able to give you an idea, Allen, but my thoughts are leaning away from them being able to. I don't think you'd have a problem getting a spot.

[@AllenManor]

@@GrandAdventure We will give it a try! We will pull in after 8:30 and will just need enough room. For our Casita trailer. Probably won't even unhitch, just walk the dog and go to bed and be gone by 10 am.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@AllenManor I truly believe you will not have an issue.

[@AllenManor]

@@GrandAdventure Just circling back to report that we stayed at "The Loop" on July 13. We got there about 10:30 pm and there were maybe 4 other RVs there. It's so big that I cannot imagine there ever being a situation where someone couldn't get a spot. It was perfect as a stopover place and we greatly enjoyed it. Did a short hike and some rockhounding as well.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@AllenManor excellent! We're thrilled that it worked out well for you.

[@dianabalto]

Very nice video but what is the exit off US 395 to that great boondocking ?

[@GrandAdventure]

Diana, there's a Google Maps pin to the exact location right in the video description. Enjoy!

[@bertkelly7650]

What memory card does a gopro use and how much memory do you use in yours?

[@GrandAdventure]

It uses a microSD, Bert. We run 128 GB cards in ours. It's a lot of space for running the cameras continuously, but we offload our cameras frequently.

[@bertkelly7650]

@@GrandAdventure

[@jimlee8785]

What a unique and beautiful area. You made it home alive.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much, Jim!