Monache Meadows, INF - "lightning crackled between the clouds"

 We drove to the beginning of the Monache Meadows Jeep Road.

 A short while later Clark, Jo Ann and the goats arrived.

The weather was good as we began our drive to the meadows but soon everything began to change.

 About two miles from the meadows lightning crackled between the clouds and rain began to fall.

 We pulled into one of our favorite campsites and quickly made camp.

 Later in the evening the rain stopped and we wandered down to the Kern River.

 Sunrise over the Kern River.

 Looking back at our camp amongst the trees.

 A few minutes later shadowy shapes began to move in the mist past our camp.

 Relaxing in camp after breakfast.

 Later in the day we walked down to the river for some goat training. It seems that goats are uncomfortable crossing water and the more experience they have doing it the better. Bosco seemed to be relatively relaxed about the whole river crossing thing.

 After much encouragement the remaining goats crossed to the other side.

 Soon it was a goat, dog, human extravaganza.

 Bosco napping in the warm sun after a romp in the river.

 Olancha Peak across the broad expanse of Monache Meadows.

 Later in the afternoon a rowdy goat was sentenced to a timeout.

 Bosco lamenting that his owner won't let him play with the cattle, "gee-sh, I'm half Australian Cattle Dog and Bill makes me stay here in camp with cows just 200 yards away."

 Sunset.

 Dawn at a bend of the Kern.

 Another misty dawn photograph.

 One more misty dawn photograph looking north with Jo Ann and the goats center right.

 After lunch Clark, Jo Ann and the goats headed for home.

 Jan and I stayed another night and were rewarded with a fine sunset.

 The early light of sunrise warming the summit of Monache Mountain. About ten years ago I finally answered the call of that peak and hiked to the top. Not much up there but if you enjoy a grind up a moderate incline this mountain will punch your ticket.

 Dawn pushing through the trees into our camp.

 Later in the morning we once again walked down to the river.

 So Bosco could pose for a photo.

 And have one last splash in the Kern.

 Leaving Monache Meadows.

 Crossing the bridge over Snake Creek.

 We stopped at Powell Meadow to walk through the wild flowers .

After a quick refreshing wash at the tank we began our drive home.