Labor Day Weekend Trip to Mammoth Lakes

We went to Mammoth Lakes for Labor Day weekend again. The trip didn't start off so well. 

The alternator and water pump belt broke about ten miles south of Lone Pine. We got towed (love AAA) to town. Nate brought every bike tool he owned, but somehow failed to bring anything to work on the truck. The tow truck driver suggested a mechanic (Casey's auto repair) in town and dropped us off there.  Being a small tourist town and a holiday weekend, their shop was very busy trying to help other folks in similar situations to ours. These guys were awesome though! They told Nate that if he could find a belt, he could use any of their tools to fix it himself. Nate called the local Napa auto parts and found a belt for the truck (they had one left). These guys were so good to us, they even wheeled their enormous tool box across the shop so that the tools would be closer to our truck. So, Nate took things apart, while I walked a couple blocks to the auto part store and picked up a new belt. When I got back to him, he was ready for the part. He put the new belt on and bought the guys at the shop lunch and we were on our way! 

The best part was while he was fixing the car, I had a perfect view of Mt. Whitney. 

Getting towed to Lone Pine.

After our little mishap, we finally made it to to our campsite.

the kids hanging out

The next morning Nate and I woke up early, so we decided to go check out a lake that was down a long dirt road. I even learned how to use the four wheel drive. 

We got out at the lake, but it was very windy and cold. Nate pulled out his fishing pole, but we couldn't  bear the cold so we headed back. 

Nate almost fishing.

The plan for the rest of the day was to take the bus down into Devil's Postpile area. We had to wait for the bus at the ski resort. The wind was blowing and it was cold, so the kids bundled up in Nate's clothes to keep warm until the bus arrived. 

J-Lo wearing Nate's pants and Gabby wearing his jacket.

Savannah's turn for some warmth. 

We planned on hiking down to Rainbow Falls. Jessica was concerned that she wouldn't be able to make it because she recently had knee surgery. After assuring her that the boys would find someway to get her down there if she couldn't make it on her own, she decided to come along. 

She did a good job hiking with her crutches. 

When her knee started hurting, the boys put her on a cot and carried her.

What good friends!

Rainbow Falls

Nate in the cold water.

The way back

Grandpa Bob made sure we had plenty of firewood. 

Miranda making s'mores. 

Levi loved being outside.

Grandma Elly making bacon.

m&m stuffed marshmallow wrapped in bacon.

Levi getting a skating lesson.

Gabby, J-Lo, Miranda, Eme

We went to the branch again. There were so many people there this year that they had people sitting down the hallways!

Miranda found some horses.

It was a great trip!