Found: Lost. Lost Peak That Is.

We had a day in Inyokern because I was called for jury duty and that was a flailing disaster.  How big a disaster you may ask, from the court's website:

The Kern Superior Court continues to closely monitor the evolving coronavirus situation.  The court is following guidance provided by the Judicial Council of California, Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of the virus.

Yes, it is always good to take, as your first source of information on a pandemic, the guidance of a Judicial Council -- yes, lawyers for advice on a medical problem.  I guess that is why lawyers can do their appearance via videoconferencing, but jurors have to show up in person.  I wrote some pointed answers to their questionnaire, and received a phone call that said in effect, since you are such a sissy and don't want this virus and think letting a hundred mask wearing people traipse through the courthouse without even doing the basic step of taking temperatures is a lame idea you will be called again in December as punishment, but hey, you don't have to show up again now.  I followed it up with a really pointed email on their fails, and received no response at all to that.  So, Californians, your state wants you to die for the judiciary, or at least that is my interpretation of events.

Moving along here, we used our free day to do some exploration.  I pulled up my handy dandy map, and said where can we go that is within an hour of home, that is likely to be cooler than here, and someplace we have never been.  It jumped off the page at me -- Lost Peak, five or so miles round trip, 1500' or so elevation gain, no trail, no people.  Let's do it.

It was an interesting hike.  Some of the biggest, most stunning, junipers I have ever seen with a few huge Jeffery pines and firs.  There was also lots of brush, which made for slow going as we pushed our way through while attempting to follow the smart deer and bear.

What were our rewards, first would be a Peregrine Falcon that is probably nesting as it repeatedly stooped on us as were on a cliff face.  Second, would be the views from the top, giving us views from Domelands to Mount Whitney.  Third, we discovered an actual trail that we have never walked.  Something to explore this winter.

Bob pushing through some brush as we follow a deer trail.

One of many huge junipers.

You go Vanna!

Paintbrush

Bob and some big Jeffery Pines.

I think this is Death Camas.

Phlox

Violet

Honestly, someone had to chain saw some of the trees down.  Sigh.

They didn't get them all.

We are getting close to Lost.

Still getting close.

We found Lost.

From left to right -- Pine Mountain, Black Knob in front of the Domelands, Bald Mountain.

A semi-alive fir.  Most of the fir are dying.

Can't get enough of these huge junipers.

Old growth mountain mahogany.

The only problem with deer trails, is they can fit under some low bushes.

Lupine.

An actual view of Lost Peak.  It is the high point on the right, and hidden from most angles.