This post was written by Lynette Villagomez, 2013 Project Specialist.
Last month, as usual, I logged onto the American Express website to perform the mundane task of paying my credit card bill. To my surprise I saw a photo of Mono Lake featured on the American Express website, as a place to “let your imagination take off.” I was so excited, I immediately took a screenshot of the webpage to show my co-workers, and almost forgot why I had originally signed onto the website!
The photo, taken by American Express card member Steven B., captures the lake during a still and tranquil moment. No matter how many times you visit Mono Lake and the Mono Basin, its changing shoreline and unpredictable weather always makes you feel like you’re seeing something new. What I love about this image in particular is that it reminds me of warm summer evenings when I would wrap up a 6:00pm South Tufa tour and take a moment to sit by the lake, unwind, and appreciate its beauty and spectacular Sierra backdrop. My imagination often runs wild when I observe the bizarre tufa formations. I wonder what children think when they see the numerous towering tufa; or how tiny creatures such as ants and spiders feel when ascending or descending the spires of calcium carbonate. If you get the opportunity to view Mono Lake in person, you’ll understand its curiosities and beauty, and in no time your imagination will take off too.