Owens River Traverse

We spent the night of the 9th in a spot around the corner from Big Springs Campground which was, fortunately, still closed. In the morning the ranger came by to put up a NO CAMPING sign and shoo us away.

Targeting a couple of canyons on the east side of Owens River, I lead to what looked like, on Garmin, as public property. But this is Californy and most every inch is private. Unable to gain access from the west side, we camped next to the fence and the NO TRESSPASSING sign.

Today, the 11th, we ambled on, looking for river access.

What with hail and heavy clouds, by Whitmore Springs we gave up. 

We backtracked to get out of the hail.

Low on energy,  we stoppef at Tom's Place where she had her homemade tuscan-bean soup while I had a couple of sardine sandwiches.

We rested, then, with spliffoes grazing the ground, we resupplied and began the search for camp. 

Our first attempt, down a lengthy washboard, brought us up at a locked gate. The swarming mosquitoes and signs prohibiting camping, stoves and campfires sent us on. Later, after we were settled, we discovered we'd each thought of getting a room; the Creekside Inn was recommended by family, but with a passing motorist's encouragement, we'd found our way home.