Volcanic Tablelands

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. 

It is the dust and blood of our ancestors.

Chief Plenty Coups

The Volcanic Tablelands

The southern migrations of our dear friends, Denise and Tim, were coming to an end...time to head back home to Alaska. But one last rendezvous was yet to be had. When pigeon post dropped off a cryptic message to us, "Zephyr and WeBegone tryst at The Volcanic Tablelands"...we were there!

I have to believe the Paiute came to literally offer homage to these volcanic bluffs and hidden canyons. I have concluded this as I sit upon their revered ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. It must have been soothing for their skin to touch the warm earth and for the elders to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet upon their sacred earth. 

I imagine their dwellings were built among the canyon walls and their altars were made upon the "Bishop Tuff". And as the Tablelands have inspired me, I am sure these lands soothed, strengthened, cleansed and healed their souls. Standing upon this hallowed ground, embracing the life-giving forces of our earth, I can see more clearly the mysteries of life and have a closer understanding to the kinship of the lives that surround me. 

Formed over 700,000 years ago by the Long Valley caldera, the Volcanic Tablelands lies just north of Bishop, CA. A rock climbing paradise, this vast volcanic landscape is a dazzling high desert jewel showcasing the imposing Eastern Sierra Mountain Range, a grandiose landscape reflecting a history of extremes. For a select few, it is also a magical collection of perfectly chiseled Paiute-Shoshone Indian petroglyphs...Native American rock art.

With over 12,000 acres to explore...you can easily find a secluded boulder to bathe yourself with solitude and mountain panoramas. Campsites, an empty turnout, are aplenty and very free for 14 days. But no water, dump or trash bins...so pack it in, bring it out. 

Our neighborhood offered boundless waypoints to hike to, immeasurable time to relax, endless reasons to celebrate and best of all, vast appetites to feast.

One of our favorite grilling choices is a California Cut Tri-Tip bathed in "Brenda's Hawaiian inspired marinade" for two days. It has such a distinctive taste, many are tempted to slice a piece right off my grill...and they do. Here is the simple recipe for those of you who yearn to join the "Sear and Burn Club".

• 2/3 cup soy sauce (preferably "Aloha" Shoyu)
• 6 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 6 diced garlic gloves
• coarse black pepper
• 3 lbs of Tri-Tip

Put your tri-tip in a ziplock bag, add all the ingredients, shake well and refrigerate. Turn bag over every morning for 2-3 days until ready to grill. I prefer to trim my own tri-tip...leaving a thin fat cap as it will baste the meat and adds some extra flavor. I pull my roast off the grill rare, at about 120º, let it rest for about 10 minutes, slice it thin and serve.

Courtesy of Tim and Denise, you can stimulate your senses even more by perusing this wonderful piece, East of the Crest. They are awesome mountaineers, shutterbugs, videographers and Templars of the Order of the Tin Cup! Although we were sad to bid goodbye to these folks and their two huggie bears, Tuks and Lulu, we will always reflect on the many wondrous moments we had together and look forward to saying hello on our next rendezvous.

Notice our new pack member? Welcome our new little girl...Kiah!

Thanks Tim and Denise for the header, footer and the tri tip photos....masterfully done.

At Waypoint....Find It!