Uploaded April 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
#allterrainfamily #vanlife #monolake
0:00 Introduction
0:57 Getting to the Black Point Trailhead
3:50 Hiking to Mono Fissures
4:40 Exploring Mono Fissures
6:39 Did we get the van stuck?
10:17 Outro
The concept of preparedness versus spontaneity is often discussed, with some valuing being ready for anything while others prioritize embracing new experiences. This story centers around vanlife, a nomadic lifestyle focused on both preparedness and spontaneity. The travelers have everything they need in their van for a 10-day trip to anywhere they want to go. They end up at Mono Lake in California, a place that is often overlooked due to its harsh and stark appearance.
The trip is about discovering new things in familiar places, and the family hears about something new to explore at Mono Lake: the Mono Fissures. These are expansion cracks caused by the pressure of volcanism that formed Black Point, a dark dome visible from the Visitor Center. The family parks too far away and starts walking towards the summit of Black Point through the sandy sage, as there is no established trail.
Lightning Dragon decides to turn back and wait with the van, while the rest of the family continues the slow hike to the top. The views are spectacular, but the wind is strong and the air is cold. The fissures cut a north/south line just west of the summit, and visitors can approach from the lake side or go around to either side. Despite the lack of a trail and the challenges of the terrain, the family is rewarded with a unique and memorable experience.
#allterrainfamily #vanlife #monolake
0:00 Introduction
0:57 Getting to the Black Point Trailhead
3:50 Hiking to Mono Fissures
4:40 Exploring Mono Fissures
6:39 Did we get the van stuck?
10:17 Outro
The concept of preparedness versus spontaneity is often discussed, with some valuing being ready for anything while others prioritize embracing new experiences. This story centers around vanlife, a nomadic lifestyle focused on both preparedness and spontaneity. The travelers have everything they need in their van for a 10-day trip to anywhere they want to go. They end up at Mono Lake in California, a place that is often overlooked due to its harsh and stark appearance.
The trip is about discovering new things in familiar places, and the family hears about something new to explore at Mono Lake: the Mono Fissures. These are expansion cracks caused by the pressure of volcanism that formed Black Point, a dark dome visible from the Visitor Center. The family parks too far away and starts walking towards the summit of Black Point through the sandy sage, as there is no established trail.
Lightning Dragon decides to turn back and wait with the van, while the rest of the family continues the slow hike to the top. The views are spectacular, but the wind is strong and the air is cold. The fissures cut a north/south line just west of the summit, and visitors can approach from the lake side or go around to either side. Despite the lack of a trail and the challenges of the terrain, the family is rewarded with a unique and memorable experience.
