Finding a courtesy car available at O26 I decided that a quick drive for a closer look would be worthwhile. In no time I realized that this area required me to devote the entire day to exploration. I found a modestly priced, clean room and got pointers from the locals on where to go and what to see.
Alabama Hills.
Movies have been filmed here from the early days of Bogart, Hop Along Cassidy, and John Wayne to Mel Gibson and Clint Eastwood. There is a museum/theatre in town that does festivals of films made in Lone Pine. Unfortunately it was closed the day I was there. Driving into and among the hills, I kept taking photos of the rock formations and would say “no more” until around a corner would be another view I just had to try and capture.
I came across a film crew but my curiosity was NOT appreciated, and they shooed me away after admitting it was a car commercial being filmed. I had snapped this photo before they accosted me, and figure it’s long enough ago that my sharing now couldn’t make any difference. Anyone recognize what kind of car this is?
Mt. Whitney.
I snapped this mountain when driving out of the airport.
It was later in the day that I was told it’s very popular with climbers and extreme hikers. Oh, that explains all those buff young men in town! 
Directed to the road leading to Whitney I drove up and up on a narrow, just barely two-lane strip cut out of the side of the foot-mountains (too big to be foothills). One mistake here and it’s goodbye – no guard rails and a long way down.
To put a perfect end on the day I took myself out to the local upscale dinner house, Seasons. Table cloths, candlelight and food every bit as delicious as the scenery I’d taken in all day. Chocolate mousse cheesecake for dessert.
This is a place I intend to re-visit when I’m traveling with my camper so I can stay and explore to my heart’s content.
