WATCH OUT FOR DEER!!!!!!

 

IT’S THAT TIME –

WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

 

The Café is closed for the season. The Store and Boat Rentals are available thru October 13th at 1:00pm when Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will close for the season. Fishing season ends at midnight on November 15, 2019.

 

It’s definitely been a wild couple of weeks with wind, snow, and power and water issues. Juror duty was cancelled and as I was in the middle of the weekly report, the power went out – turns out there was an electrical pole that was ready to drop, thus the power outage. With the power out and the Café already closed, Rick and I took off for our place in Nevada. We came back to a bad water test and no time to have it retested, thus the Café is closed for the season.  

 

With all the wind in lately, not many are fishing, but it does look like fishing might be picking up. NightCrawlers at one of the Inlets is what was working for those still fishing. Tasmanian Devils were the hot ticket trolling, but don’t forget the Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant. We did get another DFW stocking a week ago Thursday.

 

There’s a new ‘eyes on the dam’ project to monitor weather, water level and terrorist attacks – cameras at both ends and in the middle. Please be careful and try and stay out of the workers way.

 

The colors are starting to change – the following is a report from Jared at Parchers Resort. This report is from 9-29-19 – we have had a lot of wind and cold temps since this report and have lost quite a few leaves.

 

Fall Color Report

Bishop Creek Canyon Fall Color Report – Round THREE!!

Report & Photos Updated 9-29-19

 

Welcome to round three of the Parchers Resort fall color report. Things are really lighting up all over the canyon and the difference from just one week ago is remarkable. We seem to have weathered the weekend storm quite well all things considered. The impact of the extremely high winds was pretty minimal in my opinion, and while the temps did drop into the low 20’s up high in the canyon, I didn’t see much evidence of burnt leaves, at least not today. As is the case the majority of the time, the aspen don’t all pop at once so we have plenty of color left to go and I’m quite excited for the next couple weeks to see how things continue to develop and to see how long the existing color sticks around. Gauging color up here is quite subjective, but I’ll do my best to give you my appraisal of how the color looks today. As always, there is no promise of how it will look tomorrow, next week or next month.

 

So on with the report......

 

​Bishop Creek Canyon Overall Color Above 8500ft Elevation – Peak (75%-100%) Go Now!

What a difference a week makes huh? Patchy color around my neighborhood exploded into gorgeous fall color increasing in brilliance day by day. It should be noted that it was very difficult to summarize the upper elevations of the canyon as a whole into one rating, but for the purposes of this report I would consider the upper elevations, especially anywhere over 9000ft, just barely in the “peak color” zone. If that range starts at 75%, I would say we’re at 76%. There is too much green in too many places to consider this the apex of the season; but too much color peaking in too many places not to consider it in the peak color zone.  Anyhow, things look extraordinary so if you can, you should make time to get up here now and if not now, soon.

 

Overall Conditions Below 8500ft Elevation - Patchy (10-50%)

Plenty of yellow going off in patches all over the canyon, especially above the 8000ft mark. None of the lower locations have been overtaken by yellow, but its showing among a sea of green. Having seen the rapid onset of color over the past 7 days, I would guess that we’ll have near peak color in several locations by the next report. Some of these lower elevation locations can be spectacular, which bodes well for canyon visitors who can’t make it up until mid October or even later.

 

Location Reports

 

Sabrina Campground to Sabrina Dam (9000ft) - Peak (75%-100%) Go Now!

This area was especially hard to grade since the full peak color is stunning along Hwy 168 near the entrance to the campground but green & light yellow dominates between the big bridge and the dam. Having said that, it’s just too gorgeous not to go now. Red, orange and gold are the primary hues on the aspen not only along the highway but also within the campground and along the stream. This area cannot be missed when driving up the middle fork of the Bishop Creek Canyon. This barely makes my peak rating, but that area by Sabrina campground is just off the charts so I was swayed. Because of the variance between peak color areas and green areas, this may remain at a peak rating longer than anywhere in the canyon as the peak color works its way up from the campground to the lake.

 

KEEPING THESE ITEMS FROM LAST WEEK

It’s a pet peeve of mine that if you catch a big fish or a limit just to have your picture taken for the webpage and then try and give your fish away – we won’t post your picture, but then again we may post it as ‘WASTER OF A PERFECTLY GOOD FISH TO EAT’! Crimp down your barbs, take a picture on the boat and release it for another day.

 

The Skeeters are still NO longer an issue - yay! Just remember though when usinge bug juice or sunscreen, try not to get it on your hands – you’ll transfer it to your bait and the fish just don’t like bug juice or sunscreen or lotion or cologne or perfume. Wash your hands in the stream or Lake to get it off, and then use some fish attractant on your hands. If you’re coming to the Lake, don’t forget sunscreen and dark glasses –the snow and sun makes it pretty bright against the blue sky. DON’T FORGET THAT JACKET. 

 

Fishing etiquette is once again becoming a bit of a problem at the Lake and we don’t like problems. If you come upon someone fishing, please don’t fish right next to them – take a bit of hike farther down and don’t cast over into their spot. Same at the Inlet, there are so many areas to fish on this Lake go find another ‘soon to be’ favorite spot.

 

Hikers:

IT’S HIKING SEASON – BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!

 

Inyo County Sheriff’s Office with a Search and Rescue Update:

 

Inyo Search and Rescue Update

INYO COUNTY, CA. August 29 – Inyo County Search and Rescue and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office want to remind our recreating public that backcountry experiences inherently come with risks, and that proper planning and good judgement can reduce the number of call-outs for rescue personnel.

From June 2019 through the release date of this press update, there have been over 80 search and rescue incidents and an additional five deaths. This has put extreme strain on our all-volunteer team and other resources. Each year SAR experiences an increase in seasonal rescues and recoveries – this year is no exception. The Inyo SAR team has compiled a list of precautions for the recreating public:

• Do not hike alone or split up from your group
• Always share your itinerary with someone responsible – make sure they know where you and your group will be and what time you will return
• Be prepared for potential medical emergencies by being equipped with basic first aid gear
• Check local weather often and be prepared for sudden hazardous changes
• Know how to use your gear ahead of time; including: crampons, ice ax, ropes, etc.
• DO NOT USE SEARCH AND RESCUE AS YOUR BACKUP PLAN – Search and rescue is for emergencies only
• Safety is YOUR responsibility

Lastly, helicopters are dangerous, especially in the mountains. Use of helicopters increases risk for all involved, and damages the wilderness experience for other backcountry users. Do not assume a helicopter will be able to assist you. Weather conditions such as heat and wind can limit the ability to fly. Furthermore, other missions might take priority over yours. The bottom line – recreate responsibly

 

Sounds pretty much like what we’ve been saying!

If you’re planning on hiking – PLEASE BE PREPARED – hike with a buddy – leave a note on where you’re headed – when you’re expected back – what you’re wearing – take plenty of water & food – dress in layers – you’ll start out cool, but will probably warm up – CHECK THE WEATHER! Not only is your life on the line, so are the Search and Rescue Teams. Also, if you meet stock on the trail, please go to the low-side, that way if the mules are startled they’ll go to the high side and not down the canyon.

 

It looks like after the breezes we have to day blow out, the weather’s just going to get nicer.  Here is the forecast for the week from www.weather.gov (enter Aspendell, CA in the search and scroll down to see the temps).

 

 

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 16 to 21 mph becoming north northwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

 

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.

 

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

 

Saturday Night

Clear, with a low around 38. East wind 6 to 8 mph.

 

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 63. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

 

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

 

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

 

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

 

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

 

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

 

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 62.

 

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 35.

Sunny, with a high near 58.

 

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN BISHOP THAN FISHING AND HIKING

 

FALL COLORS CRUISE & CAR SHOW

OCTOBER 4 - OCTOBER 6

FREE EVENT FOR VISITORS

Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. Show & Shine, music, Altrusa’s Fine Art Show & Sale,  Arts & Crafts Fair, and more.

A weekend full of events at the Tri County Fairgrounds in Bishop

Open to 1974 and older classics, street rods, customs, trucks, and special interest vehicles.

Hosted by the Owens Valley Cruisers. Show & Shine, Poker Run, Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and more.  Come enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Sierra and the magnificent Fall Colors. Early registration begins Friday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. in the Vons/KMart Parking Lot on North Main St. The Show & Shine begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. A Main Street Parade will follow the Show & Shine. The Sunday morning Poker Run will give you a breathtaking view of the Fall Colors in the high country.

 

OWENS VALLEY CRUISERS FALL COLORS CAR SHOW

OCTOBER 4

Show & Shine

Pancake Breakfast

Goodie Bags – Cruisin’ Parade

Poker Run

Dash Plaques – Vendors

Raffles & Awards

NO LIMIT ON ENTRIES

FREE EVENT FOR VISITORS

Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. Show & Shine, music, Altrusa’s Fine Art Show & Sale, Arts & Crafts Fair, and more.

A weekend full of events at the Tri County Fairgrounds in Bishop

Open to 1974 and older classics, street rods, customs, trucks, and special interest vehicles.

Hosted by the Owens Valley Cruisers. Show & Shine, Poker Run, Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and more. Come enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Sierra and the magnificent Fall Colors. Early registration begins Friday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. in the Vons/KMart Parking Lot on North Main St. The Show & Shine begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. A Main Street Parade will follow the Show & Shine. The Sunday morning Poker Run will give you a breathtaking view of the Fall Colors in the high country.

 

CHOO CHOO SWAP MEET

OCTOBER 5 @ Noon @ the Tri-County FairGrounds

Like 100 yard sales in one location!  Contact Laws Railroad Museum for more information (760)873-5950 or visit http://www.lawsmuseum.org

Activity, Food & Drink, Shopping, Visitor

 

NITE RIDER- provided by Eastern Sierra Transit

Stay safe if you have a couple of drinks at night while in town. This shuttle takes you anywhere around town in Bishop on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to 2:30am for $4.25 per person each way.

Number: 760-873-7173 or 760-872-1901 x22

Price $4.25  person

Find us on Facebook @ Nite Rider (Bishop, CA)

 

If you’re looking for something to do while in Bishop, check out the Bishop Chamber of Commerce Website at https://www.bishopvisitor.com/ for lots of fun things to do for all ages. 

 

Bishop Chamber of Commerce is on top of the Fall Colors. Check out their ‘Fall Color Leaf Peeper’ info!

 

Dear Fall Color Leaf Peeper:

 

Congratulations!  This fall color guide will help you discover and monitor elusive and overlooked fall colors in the Eastern Sierra quickly and easily.  Many visitors read the information below and tell us they benefit greatly from it.  Like other fall leaf peepers, you can benefit as well.

 

Basically, botanical experts will tell you that fall colors are difficult to predict any given year.  Much depends on how low temperatures drop in the high country.  Aspens have a biological clock geared toward day length and nighttime temperature.  Typically with the weather getting warmer, it seems that fall colors in the high country now begin in early September, maybe a bit earlier.  Generally, the first week or two of October is a good bet to come up for high country colors but there are no guarantees with nature.

 

Also, fall colors are not necessarily uniform in the Eastern Sierra.  For example, fall colors may be at or close to peak color at one geographic location while another spot elsewhere may be just beginning to change color.  For example, a place like Rock Creek Lake may have brilliant peak color while South lake is just beginning to turn color.  Commit yourself to consistently check the information below and you will find beautiful photogenic fall color.

 

Typically, the trees lose their leaves later in October as color moves down into the valley extending the fall colors season into November.  But, an Indian Summer can extend high country foliage longer.  Wind plays a role as well in how fast the leaves drop.

 

Many fall leaf peepers read the fall color social media posts on our website and find the area’s best color locations after reading them.  The posts will enhance your experience greatly.  Here is the link to them:

                

          https://www.bishopvisitor.com/tag/fall-colors-1/

 

Most importantly, we recommend you monitor the progression of fall colors digitally on the websites below beginning by September 1st; then when color looks good at locations you desire to visit, drive up to the area immediately before the color ends.  Experienced fall foliage guests use the following links which gives you real time fall colors information so you can come up when the colors are best:

 

        http://www.californiafallcolor.com/

 

         https://www.monocounty.org/things-to-do/fall-colors/

 

Attached is a link to our fall color guide which will be quite helpful to answering your questions:

 

          https://www.bishopvisitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FallColorMap2017.pdf

 

You may also like this link to a nice video about fall colors:

 

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwA1QVsbD6g

 

We recommend you stop at our chamber office when you come to town to pick up a complimentary fall color guide in print and treasure map.  It can save you some time since we attempt to keep up with fall colors as they change.  We are located at 690 N. Main, in the A frame building across from Carl’s Junior Drive In.  When you are here, take a few minutes to look at an awesome new book entitled California Fall Color.  We have read it and it is outstanding!  It guides you to the fall color locations along Highway 395, Yosemite, and around South Lake Tahoe.  Fall color enthusiasts love this book.  We have a display copy available for guests to review.

 

If you need anything else, please let us know.

 

The Bishop Visitor Center Hosts

 

Hope to see you soon!

Juanita, Rick, Patti, Dwayne, Bob, Matt and Thomas