Yosmite! 


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Lost 
Where am I? Do you know?


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White Winter Wedding 2013-2014 The Perfect Venue 
White Winter Weddings in Mammoth

For your special day, why not be in a canopy of freshly fallen snow in one of the most beautiful places in the world? White Winter Weddings in Mammoth Mountain are truly spectacular events that will make your special day as enchanting as you have ever dreamed. With views overlooking snowy mountaintops, Mammoth is perfect for those couples who enjoy breathtaking scenery. It is not just a place for skiing and snowboarding anymore. Its magical!

Mammoth Mountain is an 11,000-foot summit, making it one of the highest peaks in California. Getting married here is an experience of a lifetime. After saying, “I do”, why not take all your guests for a gondola ride for a birds-eye view of the town below? Your wedding guests will be ecstatic about the views that Mammoth has to offer. Or enjoy skiing down the mountain with your better half as your first adventure as a couple. Reciting your vows for the first time in front of your loved ones is a very special event. Why not make it one to remember at Mammoth Mountain?

Venues at Mammoth include the Top of Mammoth Mountain, Forest Chapel, the Top of the Sierra, McCoy Sundeck, the Mill Sundeck, Dry Creek Sundeck, Sierra Star Golf Course, and the June Mountain Overlook. Whatever venue you choose, it is sure to be a day to remember as you embark on an adventure of a lifetime with your loved ones.

The snow in Mammoth is like no other place in the world. The plush snowflakes make it the perfect place to say “I do.” The possibilities for exploration are endless, and what better what to unite your family, than by going to a place of the utmost exquisiteness.

After the nuptial, be sure to stay in Mammoth for skiing, snowboarding, camping, fishing, and hiking! Mammoth is one of the most unique places to get married, so be sure to book your date soon!

For accommodations for your guests and yourself visit MammothRentalByOwner.com or give us a call at (818)883-2488


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Bird Watching what to expect 
Birdwatching (birding called by most) is the observation of birds for recreational purposes. Although most people bird watch for entertainment there are some who study birds for more scientific reasons (ornithologists).
Bird watching can be done with the naked eye, or using visual enhancement devices such as binoculars or telescopes, or even by listening to bird sounds. What may not be known is that birdwatching often involves a significant auditory (listening) component, since many bird species are more easily detected by the ear than the eye.

The earliest interest in observing birds mainly for their aesthetic value can be traced to the late 18th century. Before, people were only interested in collecting birds for their eggs and skins. Wealthy collectors would make use of their connections to obtain specimens from around the world. Because of such actions, in the 19th century the call for bird protection became necessary and this lead to the rising popularity of observations on living birds.
Birding in North America was focused in the early and mid-20th century. The organization and networking of those interested in birds began through organizations like the Audubon Society that was against the killing of birds. With the rising popularity of the car this increased the mobility of birdwatchers and this made new locations accessible to those interested in birds.

Today many dedicated bird watchers find prestige in knowing the variation of bird species. There are 5.8 million bird watchers in the U.S. (more than the number of residents in Wisconsin). This is a huge army of trackers decked out in sturdy hiking boots and nylon rain gear, consulting their smartphones to identify or imitate a particular quarry.

Where to plan your next bird watching adventure-
For a truly wonderful experience Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra offers spectacular beauty and fantastic birding opportunities. You may even get an opportunity to see a Bald Eagle in flight or catching a fish. Other birds popular to the area are: Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallows, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hummingbirds, Mountain Bluebird, American Goldfinch, and the ever popular Steller’s Jay. These are just a few of the amazing species that you will get a chance to see and admire.

Mono Lake is ideal when it comes to birding. It is a salty, alkaline inland sea home to brine shrimp, alkali flies, and the millions of birds that feed on them. One of the best-known birds is the California Gull. Mono Lake is home to the second largest California Gull rookery in North America (Great Salt Lake is the largest). Approximately 50,000 California Gulls arrive in spring and will feed, mate, select a nest site and lay their eggs. One of the most amazing experiences you will ever have!

Bird watching is a relatively inexpensive activity. There are only a few basic tools that are needed to give you a good start, clothing, field guide, and binoculars.
Birders can dress in any clothes they wish and they will still see birds, but choosing the right attire to wear while birding can help you see more birds more easily. Savvy birders plan their field wardrobe carefully to maximize their birding.There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing your birdwatching clothes:

Comfort- clothing should be comfortable, this will encourage you to stay in the field longer. Clothes should also be well worn to avoid chafing and blisters.
Function- clothing that is functional is a must. Clothes with pockets (i.e., cargo pants) to hold field guides, notebook and other useful tools are highly recommended. Shoes especially should have good ankle support.
Color- when out in the field, it is important to wear clothes that blend into the environment. Birds frighten easily so wearing camouflage colors will allow you to explore and better enjoy the birds in their habitat.
Beautiful birds are often small or too far away to see well without the help of quality birding equipment.

Binoculars-the most important tool a birder will have is a binocular. A high quality binocular will allow you to see feather details and identify birds from hundreds of feet away.

Bird Spotting Scopes- A spotting scope is a compact telescope is designed to enhance magnifications beyond the range of a typical binocular. Spotting scopes are ideally suited for such activities as long distance birdwatching and nature studies.

Field Guide-of course every birder needs a good field guide. A guide will help (especially novice birders) identify certain bird’s species with details and illustrations.

Birds can be seen all year round, but there are certain times of year that are more productive for birders interested in seeing a wide range of easily identified species.

Spring and fall migration are two of the best times to see many birds. During migration, gregarious species gather in large groups that are easier to see. Birders can also be treated to roaming birds that have become disoriented along their migration routes, and depending on a species' individual route, it may pause between its breeding and wintering ranges in areas that make it very accessible to many birders far outside the bird's typical ranges.

While many bird species migrate and may not be around during the winter months, that action can easily work in birders' favor. Northern species, including Arctic birds, may move south due to weather interruptions that will bring them easily into birders' home ranges, providing unique opportunities to see species that may otherwise be out of reach. Other species on view specifically during the winter are the pine siskin, which feasts on pine cone seeds, the white-winged cross­bill and the snow bunting, a mostly white sparrow-type bird.
So no matter what season it is--summer, fall, winter or spring --opportunities await to view many species of birds.

Need a comfy place to stay after a day of bird watching? Visit MammothRentalByOwner.com and have a restful evening. Give us a call at (818)883-2488

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdwatching
http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasi ... irding.htm

Yes we have seagulls in Mammoth Lakes



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Snowshoeing and Beyond 
Snowshoeing is a winter sport in which participants wear specially designed gear on their feet which distributes their weight, allowing them to walk on snow without breaking through it. Fans of snowshoeing often say that “if you can walk, you can snowshoe,” illustrating how easy the sport is, and people of all ages can be found snowshoeing in winter recreation areas all over the world. One reason many people like the sport is that in addition to being easy, snowshoeing does not require any special equipment, beyond the snowshoes and clothing which is appropriate for winter weather.

How did it get started?
While snowshoeing has gained in popularity recently, it is believed to have originated more than 6,000 years ago in Central Asia. Our ancestors relied on snowshoes as a means of survival, to forage and move from one hunting ground to the next when the ground was covered by deep snow. By distributing a person’s weight over a wider surface area, snowshoes provided mobility and flotation in packed, dense snow, without sinking in. Thus they became a critical tool in both survival and migration as people explored and settled onto the varied landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere.

What you need?
Traditional snowshoes have a hardwood frame with rawhide lacings. Some modern snowshoes are similar, but most are made of materials such as lightweight metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. In addition to distributing the weight, snowshoes are generally raised at the toe for maneuverability. They must not accumulate snow, hence the latticework, and require bindings to attach them to the feet. Most types of footwear can be worn with snowshoes, although hiking boots are the preferred choice among most recreational users.

It’s fun-
Today, snowshoeing has never been more popular, with roughly 5.5 million participants in the United States alone. Easy, accessible snowshoes have opened up a whole new world of winter, from snowshoe trail centers at ski areas and local parks to quiet hiking trails and distant snow-capped peaks with incredible vistas. Snowshoeing has come a long way from its early designs and uses, but there's never been a better time to explore winter. Snowshoeing extends your hiking or running season into winter. It lets you enjoy winter solitude and can be a social activity. All ages and ability levels can enjoy the sport together.

Where to purchase Snowshoes-
Looking to purchase your own set of snowshoes? There are multiple manufactures.
For the modern snowshoe:
Atlas Snowshoes-
The Atlas story began in 1990 when founder Perry Klebahn, who was looking to snowshoeing to help recover from a motorcycle injury, became frustrated with the designs of the time. Klebahn soon developed his own ideas, and created a revolutionary new snowshoe.

Redfeather Snowshoes-
Redfeather Snowshoes are manufactured and owned by ORC Industries, a not-for-profit company whose sole organizational mission is to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities. And one of those opportunities is to make the best snowshoes in the world. About 75 percent of our workforce is comprised of people who have a physical or mental disability. ORC trains these individuals, and provides vocational counseling, nutritional counseling, wellness training, and life skills with the goal of outplacing these folks in the general workforce at large.

For the vintage snowshoe:
Kaufmann-
Snow-resilient ash wood that steps silently. Hand-laced rawhide. Lasts forever. Pointed tails keeps strides straight for long cross-country treks. Iverson’s beavertail snowshoes are made for going far afield and breaking a trail. They are made for soft virgin snow and float better than aluminum snowshoes. The open rawhide lacing lets the snow filter through so your snowshoes don’t turn into shovels. The extended tail acts like a rudder as you cut through the snow, keeping your stride straight in long cross-country hikes.

Vermont’s Barre Army/Navy Store-
Traditional snowshoes are constructed from wooden frames, allowing for reduced noise and better buoyancy on the ice and snow than aluminum and plastic varieties. They are available in diverse lengths, widths and style preferences. Laced varieties can be easily maintained and become a keepsake item for generations over time.

For the ultimate experience that will leave you stress and anxiety free try a snowshoeing picnic. Pack a picnic and go for a hike in the snow. Find that ultimate spot in the forest with a spot of sunlight.Find a fallen tree, brush the snow off and open up your picnic and enjoy your stress free lunch in the peacefulness and serenity of the forest.

For an equally stress free vacation rental experience visit Mammoth Rental By Owner.com or call us at (818)883-2488





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