Enroute to the Locked Gate

by Joe Schofield

Title

Enroute to the Locked Gate

Artist

Joe Schofield

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Photograph - Photography

Description

At 11,700 ft, the “locked gate” is essentially at the end of the dirt road as you head north up the White Mountains, past the ancient bristlecone pine forest.
This shot was taken approximately 1 1/2 miles before the gate. The sky was threatening, and the white you see are ice patches. Despite always being prepared and driving a 4x4 riding on appropriate tires, there is that nagging awareness of a having a flat in a bad place.

Beyond the gate the trail continues, leading to the Barcroft Research Center operated by the University of California, some 2 miles further at ~ 12,500 ft.
Geolocation: 37°34’59” N / 118°14’14” W
Elevation: 3800m (12,470’)

The station has been the site of much research in the physiological effects of high elevation, and was also used for a decade by Noble laureate, George Smoot, for research in cosmic background radiation.

The facilities at Barcroft include the Nello Pace Laboratory, which is the main station building, several nearby outbuildings housing research projects, the observatory dome which is 1/2 mile to the north up on Barcroft Plateau, and the well and pond which provide water for the station.

Uploaded

September 23rd, 2023

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