M for A-Z Challenge

M-Mammoth Lakes, California

 

 

 

 

 

The Town of Mammoth Lakes is a small area of only four square miles. It's full time population is only about 8,200 people but it gets 1.3 million visitors in the winter and 1.5 million visitors in the summer. That is an average of 2.8 million visitors each year! Well I don't think you have to guess what fuels this little area's economy.

There are more than 4,500 rental units in Mammoth Lakes here is one example...... 

 

 

The Village lodge in the summer

 

 The Village lodge in the winter

 and more that 64 restaurants with a variety of themes and menus from Traditional, American, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, German, Italian, Thai and French but the big money maker is the, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The 13% tax is added to the rental of any lodging facility and campgrounds for stays.

 

 

Of course in the winter it is all about skiing

 

but in the summer it becomes the Kamikaze biking challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devils post

A formation created by a lava flow, how many years ago is in dispute but anywhere from 100,000 to 760,000 years ago. 

 

 

Mono Lake

 

Is a large, shallow saline soda lake that was formed at least 760,000 years ago. There is no outlet to the ocean so high levels of salts accumulate in the lake. Believe it or not this alkaline lake has an unusually productive ecosystem based on brine shrimp that thrive in its waters

 

and provides habitat for two million annual migratory birds that feed on the shrimp. 



 

 

 

Rainbow Falls



 

 the San Joaquin River tumbles over an abrupt 101-foot drop, sending rainbows of color into the mist and making for perfect picture opportunities.

 

 

Listen if that high rental tax is a problem you can always do it the old fashion way...

 

Happy Trails