San Dimas High School, 800 W. Covina Blvd. San Dimas, CA
Mono Lake Writings
The Majestic Mono Lake
M |
illions of brine shrimp inhabit the lake. |
O |
utstanding canoe trips take us from tufa to tufa. |
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o matter where you happen to look you will find pure beauty. |
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nce a lake that flourished to the hills. |
L |
ovely owls nest in the tufa. |
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mazing birds migrate to the lake to feast on the surplus of food. |
K |
ids venture to explore the rare beauty of this great lake. |
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veryone enjoys snacking on the scrumptious brime shrimp. |
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Janelle and Isaac, 2000
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Journals
Day 1
Josh, 2000
Day 2
Sonny, 2000
It is our second day here and we have done a lot. Today,
we have gone canoeing, hiking, visited two information centers, and
climbed to the top of a volcano. The volcanic was an amazing thing.
We could see the whole basin and all of Mono Lake. Today, was an exciting
day and I actually had fun.
Chris A, 2000.
Day 3
. . . Right now sitting out here all I can think about
is how beautiful it is. The cool breeze flowing through the hills. With
nothing but the sounds of rushing sage brush . . . The crystal blue
lake off in the distance then just a turn to the right, snow covered
peaks. There are different colors all around me even though it is mainly
shades of green and blue. It is still so unique. It is like no other
thing I've seen with only scattered trees and rocks. I take one look
around and wonder why we have to go home tomorrow.
Amanda, 2000
On our last day of sight seeing we went to Bodie. The
best part of the day today to me was when one of the tour guides told
me how they used to play baseball there, and he showed me where. When
I was alone I pictured the field in my head. In my imagination the field
kind of looked like the Polo Grounds. The funniest part was when Erin
got pooped on by a bird.
Scott, 2000.
It was very neat at Bodie to see so many buildings still
remaining from when they were built in the late 1880's and early 1900's.
We went on a tour of a stamp mine pretending like we were going to work
there in 1905. We also went to Bodie Cemetery. It was sad to see the
grave of a three year old who was killed in an accident with an ax.
We also saw Rosa May's grave, but it wasn't inside the fence of the
cemetery because she was not a "respectable women". . . Tonight,
around the campfire we shared our opinions. . . We said that before
we were not really sure about going on the trip, but we are really glad
we came because we all had fun.
Erin, 2000
From my experiences in the Boy Scouts, I learned a bit about nature.
Then I thought nature was just the forest. I am seeing the big picture
now. Nature is not just the forest. It is the sky above you. It is the
animals and the birds. It is Mono Lake that many work endlessly to protect.
What if this was a city? The sky above you would be blanketed with thick
smog. The ground below you would be a freeway or littered with garbage.
You would not hear the harmonious songs of the birds but the honks and
engines of cars. When the city spreads it scars the beautiful face of
nature, instead of helping it.
Josh's campfire comments, 2000.
Day 4
I am really going to miss this experience and I will never forget it. It gave me a new perspective on nature and the real issues that are important in our lives. I feel a little ashamed of myself for feeling self-pity, while a whole ecosystem is dying away. Just now, after seeing the actual impact of water diversions, do I actually understand what is happening and how much help it needs.
Last night, when we gathered around the campfire for the
last time, I began to see what everyone else was really thinking. As
everyone revealed their emotions, I felt comfort in knowing others appreciated
the trip as much as I did.
Brian Y., 2000.
Poetry: Haikus
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A soft breeze flowing Over the beautiful lake Crystal blue soft tides. Amanda, 2000 |
Bothersome bushes Poke me along the trail My leg is bleeding. Isaac, 2000 |
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Looking at Tufas Watching Brime Shrimp have their fun, A day of good times. Sonny, 2000 |
We went to Mono We went out on the Canoes We came in first place. Barry, 2000 |
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Brine Shrimp Casserole Mono lakes Waters So Calm yet so full of life Are thriving once more. Janelle, 2000 |
Canoeing at Mono Gilding across Blue Gaining Speed, Gaining Control Mr. O yells, "Stop!" Brian Y, 2000 |
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Charming Mono Lake In the valley of fire It shows it's old ways. Josh, 2000 |
I see the Brime Shrimp They mate & swim in the lake It is amazing. Chris A, 2000 |
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It is beautiful Interesting and salty Here in Mono Lake. The Mono Crater So beautiful so windy But what a hike up. Mining in Bodie Was so very long ago But yet still standing. |
Rosa May was a Lady who was nice and cared But had no respect. Let's go to June Lake As we get in we all yell Oh my gosh, its cold. We describe Mono Lake While sitting around the fire We want to come back. |
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Erin, 2000 |
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"Mono Lake O" Rap
Mono Lake is clear and Blue,
we traveled on it in steel canoes.
Larvae and shrimp are what the Pauite eat,
who knows it can be the next white meat.
Bodie is a scary ghost town,
it has gold and saloons all around.
At the campfire as spirits rise,
in comes Warhurst in disguise.
Here is the part that you must see,
Happy Birthday Mr. McGeeeeeee.
We went through cold nights and hot days,
sayin, "it's hot in here", was just a craze.
Snow topped Mountains, dry desert sands,
all their fates are in our hands.
It was so hard to get away,
we wanted to stay for another day.
This trip had many memories to make,
so all we can say now is good-bye Mono Lake!
Writers / Rappers: "Sun Dawg" AKA Sonny and "Gangsta Cracka Jax" AKA Josh.