Bulldog, our route was 99 south to Bakersfield, 58 east through Tehachapi, then 14/395 north to Lone Pine where we spent the night. We returned via Lake Isabella--beautiful in springtime! The wind was outrageous Saturday evening. There was a monster plume of dust starting at the north end of Owens Lake and growing southward. The air quality and visibility was the worst I have ever seen there.
But on Sunday morning, the air had cleared and the Owens Valley was back to normal, with only a strong cold breeze. On the ride Sunday, I didn't notice any wind at all.
Unfortunately, Bee, I think I walked a total half-mile on the trip. However, it is certainly an exercise experience keeping the machines upright on side slopes and handling the bumps due to the drifted snow. We had one tip-over, and a complete 360 rollover getting past the gate at Sierra View (fortunately only minor sled damage, and luckily no injury).
The snow-covered roads receive wind-blown snow, so the level plane that cars drive on is gone, and the path takes on nearly the same slope as the mountainside out of which it was cut. It's a challenge, just different from hiking.
Our camp was definitely was cold and forbidding -- after the sun went down. I think I crawled into the tent about 7 PM, didn't get out until after 6 AM. Inside the tent, condensation froze, so we had a little sprinkling of ice anytime the tent was jarred. We were warm enough, but it's really tough sleeping at 12,000 with no acclimation. (I was very glad to get up and "get out of Dodge" in the morning.)
Monday morning we were greeted by the howling of a coyote.
But it was such a good experience, we're already talking about going back again next year.
Lunch with Laura was enjoyable, of course. She was taking the day off and being good by wearing her sling. She fell on a telemark turn Sunday and messed up her shoulder. I am sure hoping it heals quickly!