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Bishop (Pop 3,700
- Elevation 4110 feet) is the largest town located
directly on the 395 between Victorville in the south and Minden/Gardnerville
in Nevada to the north. That is a distance of almost 400 miles. It is the
only incorporated city in Inyo County. Bishop is
located in the upper Owens Valley directly between the two tallest mountain
ranges in California, the Sierra Nevada & White Mountains. The tallest
mountain in the lower 48 states is Mt. Whitney at 14,495 feet and
the tallest mountain in the White mountains is White Mountain 14,246
ft.
Photo to left is of Lake Sabrina - about 22 miles
east on the 168 from downtown Bishop. The section of 395 from Mono Lake in the North to Lone Pine in the
South is one of Dave's favorite travel destinations in the state of
California. There are many natural sights to see and with the exception of
Mammoth Lakes (LA's vacation get-away) the region is relatively un-crowded. |
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This town is the recreational hub for this part of the Eastern Sierras. It
is a central location for driving down to Lone Pine, Mt. Whitney, the
filming locations of the Alabama Hills, Bristlecone Pine Forest, Mono Lake,
Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile and a plethora of other natural sights and
attractions within several hours driving distance.
NOTE: See
our article on the Mt. Whitney area on Dave's main
travel page for more information about the area in the Owens Valley to the
south of Bishop.
Highlighted Stores in Bishop
Bishop is a bustling town spread out for several miles along the
395. There are many interesting shops along main street including
art galleries, antiques, |
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jewelry stores, fishing shops
and other novelty shops.
It is well worth your time to park near the center
of town and walk along both sides of 395.
Some of the stores we have visited
include:
Bishop Coins is owned by Bill and Norma Elwell and is located at 106
N. Main Street. They have a good selection of older and new mint coins, as
well as many interesting antiques and other unique novelty items you won't
find elsewhere. For more information email
biscoin@schat.com or call (760)
872-3968
Brock's Fly Fishing Specialists is located at 100 N. Main Street
right next to Bishop Coins. If you are into fly fishing be sure to stop
here. A local author sometimes works here and is a good source for local
area information as well as fishing locales. Visit:
www.brocksflyfish.com
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Erik Schats Bakery is a local desert and gift shop. Some of the best Apple pies in
California can be found here. This store is well-known and can be a very
bustling place on popular holidays and weekends. Be sure to try some of
their many varieties of breads. Parking is in the rear and on the side, they
are located on the west side of N. Main Street near the
intersection of the 395 and Elm Street. Website:
www.erickschatsbakery.com
Visiting Mountain Light Gallery is an out of body spiritual
experience. This is a must visit as the photography here is exquisite. To
absorb the photos taken by Galen Rowell from his many round the world trips
you need at least 45 minutes to an hour if not more to walk around the rooms
in the gallery. Galen and his wife traveled the world taking photographs -
aside from the photographs available in several sizes, many of their books
are also for sale in the gallery. Galen and his wife Barbara died in a plane
crash near their hometown of Bishop. Its ironic for all the mountain
climbing and round the world adventure trips this couple took that they
would die in a plane crash mere miles from their home. There is an
incredible feeling of sadness when you walk through this gallery looking at
the inspirational works of art knowing that this couple was cut short in the
prime of their life. Aside from the fine art prints, books, calendars, and
apparel this gallery also hosts workshops with well known photographers,
guest exhibits and special events. If you are a private pilot be sure to
pick up a copy of Barbara's book about her solo flight down the west side of
South America and back up the east side piloting a private light plane. This
gallery is located on the corner at 106 S. Main Street. Look for the bold
name on green awning that says Mountain Light Gallery. Its on the east side
of S. Main street as you head out of Bishop driving south. Barbara and Galen
Rowell now have their names on an Adopt-A- Highway (Highway 168) heading west
of town.
For more
information please visit:
www.mountainlight.com
For photographers: Galen used these
Sing-Ray filters and often did his printing with
Color Folio.
Galen and Barbara were heavily involved in the Rowell Fund for Tibet. Visit
www.savetibet.org for
more information.
Lastly a telling quote from Galen Rowell heavily mirroring his own work:
"Humanity is all better for it when creative individuals succeed in
communicating their life's most important visions in to the minds of
others". ~ Galen Rowell
Smoked Meats is located on the north side of the 395, (2345 Sierra
Highway) as you head north on the outskirts of town. This small
smokehouse/store carries a large variety flavors of smoked venison as well
as other smoked meats. The smoked meat is not cheap at all, so be sure to
try some small samples before you buy. Visit and shop online at their
website:
www.smokedmeats.com
Vern Clevenger has a new Gallery located at 905 N. Main Street. He
is a prolific photographer of outdoor scenery with some stunning shots
of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Be sure to stop in at his gallery the next
time you are in Bishop. Visit:
www.vernclevenger.com
for more information.
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