June 2, 2016 – We had driven by or stopped to explore many of the lakes in the area around Mammoth. However, though Schatz Bakery was a highlight to be explored again, it was the sadness and decimation of the Horseshoe Lake area that lured us for the afternoon. Recent geothermic activity had caused carbon dioxide gases to affect the trees, prompting officials to post multiple signs of warning to avoid the area. No cars were allowed 1/2 mile beyond the traffic block, but pedestrians could enter as long as they didn’t try to dig up the lake’s surrounding dirt.

We entered with our tripods and cameras, focused only on capturing pictures and marveling at the mass of dead trees that surround the diminishing lake.

[photo by Mary VanCott]