Beyond the Alabama Hills, seen here in the foreground, the Whitney Portal Road heads west. At the end of the road, about 10 miles from Highway 395 and Lone Pine, are hiking trails leading into mountains over 14,000 feet above sea level. On the left, Mt. Muir at 14,012', center - Mt. Whitney at 14,494', and Mt. Russell on the right 14,088'.
Mt. Russell was named after the Wheeler Survey; he was a member of, and geology professor from Michigan.
After the Civil War the U.S. turned its attention West. In 1869 the U.S. Congress approved a survey of the West beyond the 100th meridian. From 1869 until 1879, the main goal was to make topographic maps of the southwest, and the leader was First Lieutenant and later Captain George Montague Wheeler.
"In addition he was to ascertain everything related to the physical features of the region; discover the numbers, habits, and disposition of Indians in the section, select sites for future military installations; determine facilities available for making rail or common roads; and note mineral resources, climate, geology, vegetation, water sources, and agricultural potential."
The Wheeler Survey after 1879 evolved into the United States Geological Survey.
Critiques | Translate
serp2000 (44726) 2014-06-12 8:08
Impressive landscape, this is not typical California in my mind but I really surprised with this view. Well seen.
I know I can give the 20 points per day only. And I want to give my smiles to this photo too.
Best wishes from Russia!
drweizy (540) 2014-06-12 8:51
stone, soil, and trees, blue, white, yellow, and green, high and low, cold and warm, close and distance, all in the photo. good point of view. regards
Noel_Byrne (32108) 2014-06-12 9:00
I like all the variation in this, as it goes through so many colors and ones which looks so surprisingly well together. The depth is excellent from how you have created layers from the foreground trees to the mid rocks to the vast mountains. The three peaks beyond remind me almost of judges sitting there passing rule over the landscape around them. Very cool distinct feeling between the upper and lower parts of the scene.
Thanks as always,
fabbs99 (17167) 2014-06-12 11:28
Wonderful image of the mountain tops filled with snow.Excellent image quality with great clarity and sharpness. TFS.
tenretin (2609) 2014-06-12 13:55
I like your photo ... the view, natural colors and theme too.
It is a cliché that in many ways is technically perfect.
jhm (155358) 2014-06-13 4:26
Great panorama view about these area
Good composition, good presentation too.
Incredible nice perspective and depth picture.
Colours and sharpness make these picture attractive.
Very well done, TFS.
Have a nice weekend,
PaulVDV (29871) 2014-06-13 11:39
An attractive composition with the diffferent horizontal layers, all in a different colour.
A surprising view of California.
Best regards, Paul