We left the lingering ghosts in the hot Nevada desert and headed toward Inyo National Forest in Northern California. The road climbed into the high desert wilderness. Sandstone formations looked like giant rock men ready to hurl huge boulders on any who dared enter their domain. Mountains appeared in the distance even though we were already at the top of the world. A dirt road leading deeper into the mountains and forests beckoned us to follow.
As the golden hour approached, we were anxious to find a camping spot. We turned down another road and a large alpine meadow dissected by a small lazy stream came into view. Bordering the meadow was a perfect campsite tucked among a stand of tall evergreens.
The air was pure, clean, cool and clear. At 9500 feet, we could touch the sky. Stars lit up the black expanse. It looked as if we could have walked across the Milky Way along the celestial road into another galaxy. The Inyo Forest was aptly named, meaning “dwelling place of the great spirit.”
Night turned to day. The cold was quickly burned off by the morning sun. I took a deep breath and let it fill my senses – the sight of this wondrous creation, the sound of the forest, the smell of the evergreens, the taste of the morning air, the touch of the warming sun.
We reluctantly left the high desert sanctuary. The descent into the desert displayed a beauty all its own as mountains cascaded into valleys. With the vow to return one day and walk across the Milky Way once again, the sun set on another day.
Descending into the valley 
Mono Lake 
Mono Lake