We took a trip to June Lake, CA to take in the Fall colors a couple weeks ago. June Lake resides at an elevation of 7,654 feet above sea level. I love getting in the mountains when the tree colors are changing. The mountains are already beautiful but there is just something about the changing colors. Aspen trees all around us were showing their vibrant yellow and red colors.
The weather was absolutely terrific with cold temps at night and comfortable low to mid-60’s during the day. There were more people out enjoying the environment than normal and taking in the scenery. I figured there is more than enough to go around and share.
Friday, October 15th
We arrived in June Lake Friday night and visited the Double Eagle Lodge. My sister-in-law and fiancé were checking the venue out for a possible wedding reception location. Double Eagle Lodge is nestled along the edge of the mountains along the western side of the June Lake Loop. You will find several cabins, a store, restaurant and stocked fishing pond on the grounds. It is a beautiful setting nestled amongst the Aspen and Pine trees.
While visiting we encountered a couple of fly fishermen wetting some fly lines in the pond. One of them caught a nice sized pretty rainbow trout on a dry fly. He allowed me to take a photo of the fish.
Saturday, October 16th
The outside temps were quite cold when we got up and stepped outside, around 23 degrees. After eating breakfast we packed out gear and drove to Silver Lake to spend some time. When we arrived there were a lot of people already there. Many people from all over were visiting to take in the scenery.
We hiked around for a little while before finding a picnic table to relax and eat lunch. The Fall colors were turning and changing the landscape with vibrant colors. I was ready to start flying the drone to capture some new video and photos from above. There were a few others I ran across flying drones this day as well, the most I’ve encountered in one location. Most everyone flying drones just flew a few feet out over the water then returned.
I stopped filming to take a some photos during my flight around the lake to take in the colors. There was nearly no wind and comfortable temps making for a perfect day to fly. Below are some photos taken from above with the drone.
I took 2 flights around the lake and captured some great video to go along with the photos. Watch the video below to see for yourself.
After landing with a nearly dead battery in the drone I noticed my future brother-in-law taking photos nearby. He was taking photos of the Fall colors and looking for wildlife and captured some cool shots of my drone in flight. These are the first photos of my drone in flight. This is the drone capturing the videos and photos from above.
We made one last stop for the day at the Gull Lake park. There were many family’s enjoying the beautiful day together alongside the lake. I had one battery remaining so I took one last flight for the day. I conducted a sideways flight by the marina and captured a photo.
Sunday, October 17th
The final day of our weekend trip arrived and the weather was cold and windy. So much for any flights today. We packed our things and checked out of our room in the morning then drove to Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes resides at an elevation of 7,900 feet above sea level.
The new to be married couple checked out another destination to hold their wedding at the St. Joseph church. The backdrop where the reception would occur was a stunning view of the high mountains through tall windows. They really enjoyed this location, now they have to make their decision.
Since the wind was blowing quite heavily we decided to drive back down the mountain. On our way home we stopped to eat lunch at Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine along highway 395. The Copper Top BBQ cooks up some really great tasting tri-tip sandwiches and pork ribs. If you are driving through Big Pine you have to stop and try them out for yourself.
After filling our bellies we headed back home to end the weekend!
Photo & Video Equipment
- Photos on the ground were taken with Samsung Galaxy A52 phone
- Photos and videos in the air were taken with the DJI Mavic Air 2