The beginning of our three day journey into the mountains ...

The sky was filled with smoke from the fires in the neighboring forests but there was still beauty to be found. This first shot is taken at Shaver Lake.Shaver Lake Formation While the trees at Portal Forebay were filled with smoke they still offered a certain type of beauty that I enjoyed.

The morning was beautiful and warm. Pines and sequoias at Portal Forebay ... something I never tire of seeing.

Florence Lake Florence Lake ... the drive was treacherous ... a long cliff on one side ... but incredible views of the mountains to the east.

Portal Forebay Portal Forebay looking north east.

Nature takes it's twists and turns offering art in many forms.

We stood looking out at these mountains talking about what it would be like to walk across ... an adventure that sounds so much fun to take!

Kaiser Pass ... so incredibly beautiful!