Despite the 3 hour trek, family and friends graced us with their presence at the celebration of our 50th Wedding Annivsary at Boulder Creek RV Resort in Lone Pine.  Before the big party, we all gathered at the Lone Pine Movie Museum and caravaned through the Alabama Hills (pictured in this blog separately).  The night of the party, we ate, danced, embibed and had a wonderful time.  Sandy and the Country High band from Independance entertained as well as some talented family members.

With our children: Holiday & Jenner With our grandkids: TajBeau, Joseph, Sierra, Hailey & Kirra

 Alan with Sheri & Kathy A hug for Sierra Sandy and the Country High Band entertain… To the delight of the children  Grass isn’t the best dance floor, but that didn’t stop anyone. A re-enaction of the June 1964 wedding!  Cassidy & Kennedy Garrett 

The caterers did a great job: tri tip, ranch beans, cheese enchiladas, salad, etc.

                                                     Connie & Chris –

                                 Connie, Chris and Kimball 

Cindy and Cassidy More dancing….      The Heller family joins the band for a round of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.  Jenner & Erin, TajBeau and Kirra 

Jenner delivers a toast to the anniversary couple

(below) In honor of our mother, Kimball and Kirby sing a round of Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road.  No offence – it was mom’s favorite!  Kirby & Cindy  Kennedy and Kirby entertain.  Kennedy is about to start college at San Luis Obispo.  It’s no surprise that she has musical talents!  Kirra The McVey family  Kathy Molina and Pat DeRose  Jim Newton (my Hollywood High buddy, now residing in Lone Pine)  Linda Smith and Jim Newton. Nita Norgard, Chuck Tipple and Yolanda Bowers  Robby and Joseph  Robby, Kirby and Cindy TajBeau and Robby  Sheri, Alan & Kathy   Sisters: Sierra and Hailey Background: sisters Carie and Zoe Osburn    

Carie and Zoe entertain with Kirra (foreground) on the bongos.

IT WAS A FUN NIGHT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.  THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING OUT AND HELPING US CELEBRATE THE ADVENTURE WHICH STARTED AT HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ALL THOSE YEARS AGO!

California’s drought is obvious on the June Lake Loop.  Grant Lake is a series of ponds where a vast lake once graced the land.  Silverlake, however, has not yet dwindled much and waterfalls are trickling down.  When we arrived the campground was almost full, with about one spot left – the exact spot we wanted.  It is a double site with plenty of room for our group, and only feet from the lake.

  A short drive takes you to Mono Lake arrea Obsidian Mountain.  Heather checks out a chuck of the glassy volcanic rock.   Mono Lake (in the distance) is suffering, but is protected by a Supreme Court ruling.  Los Angeles must c ut back on stealing water from the tribuutaries if the lake level falls below a specified measurement.  If the level is too low, a landbridge appears, making it easy for preditors to cross onto an island where gulls nest.

This plaque and educational signs in the area tell of the logging that once dominated this area to the south of Mono Lake.

There are so many sights to enjoy between Silverlake and Mono Lake, that it is difficult to stay put.

Celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, we invited our friends and family to party with us in Lone Pine.  Early Saturday we all gathered at the Lone Pine Movie Museum and proceeded on a trek through the Alabama Hills. On  one stop everyone exited their cars and climbed the rocks – enjoying the lovely day and magnificent views!  Below Alan lectures on the history of the area. 

We descended the trail for a hike to an arch.

Found it!  Alan offers a dollar to the first person who spies the next arch on the trip.

Taj & Kirra throw a line into Whitney Portals pond.

Everyone loved the Alabama Hills and we were thrilled to share the experience with friends who had never visited the area!  After a day of adventure, we all rested up for the evening where we hosted a bbq dinner at Boulder Creek RV Park with entertainment by Sandy and the Country High.  It was a fun night of food, music, dancing  with family and friends to celebrate our 50 yearr marriage.