We left other-worldly Mono Lake and continued south on 395 along the eastern Sierra Nevadas to Mammoth Lakes. For those of us living to the west of these impressive mountains, the eastern side of the range is almost alien. The west is comprised of gently rolling hills that gradually work their way down to the flat lands of the central valley and an elevation of a couple hundred feet. The east is like taking a drive on the wild side. The mountains jut abruptly from the valley floor straight into the sky. Granted, they arise from a valley that's situated at 3,000 feet or more, but it's a flat valley none-the-less. It makes these mountains even more intimidating and their 10,000 to 11,000 foot heights even more dramatic.
It is here that my husband and I find one of our most favorite ski mountains ~ Mammoth. True to its name, it's a huge mountain that affords almost a 360 degree skiing adventure around its perimeter, but more on than later. For now, I just want to dwell on the majesty and cruelty of the magnificent eastern Sierras.
I say cruelty because as beautiful as these mountains are, they are also full of danger for the uninitiated who venture into their territory. Unexpected storms can strand a motorist or kill a hiker. The tall peaks greedily capture much of the moisture that falls, depriving the high desert valley below of bountiful snow or rain. And the surrounding land is more wild than it is tamed.
But this is what I love about God's creation. The yin and the yang of it. The life-giving and the life-taking. The beauty and the beast. I find this particular piece of earth incredibly breath-taking and soul-uplifting and yet grounding.
Thank You, Lord, for caring about us enough that You share the beauty and the power of You through geology, topography and geography. Amen.
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