One IMPORTANT note in the Mammoth areas....lots of bears, BIG ones.� Since there is so much civilization nearby with all the condos and restaurants for the ski area, the bears have learned it's easy pickin's in the campgrounds and trash bins.� USE THE BEAR LOCKERS!

Last time I was there, on Labor Day, I had put all the food and good smelling stuff in the bear locker, but had forgotten about the trash bag hanging from the passenger side mirror (which all Vanagon campers do, right?).� In the middle of the night, Mr. Bear comes around and we are awoken by his claws attacking the bag.� Wakes you up to shine your flashlight in the eyes of a several hundred pound bear inches away from you!� I won't make that mistake again.

Rich
85 Vanagon GL
San Diego

--- On Thu, 7/23/09, Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Tent camping in the Mammoth Lakes area
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009, 10:27 AM

Robert,

If you go through Inyokern during business hours, you might enjoy
stopping at the Indian Wells Brewing Co., about five or six miles west
of 395 on 14. You can pick up some Death Valley root beer for the
kids, and some Blackout Stout for yourself, in case you think you'll
need it! They have a window where you can look in at the clattering
bottling line when it's running.

As far as driving tips go, maybe stop in Bishop and make sure your
coolant tank isn't empty and you've sprung no new leaks - - that's a
pretty good grade ahead. Pick up some doughnuts at the bakery!

Enjoy Mammoth Lakes, it's great camping up there! And if you're so
inclined, you can take a bike (your own or a rental), take it to the
top of Mammoth Mountain on the fundicular, and ride down one of the
bike trails.

Gary

> Date:� � Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:52:30 -0700
> From:� � Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
> Subject: Tent camping in the Mammoth Lakes area
>
> ... with three kids and a dog.
>