Mono Lake -- oasis in the desert

Leaving Yosemite at 9900 feet elevation, we drove down over part of the Sierra Nevadas and immediately felt like we were in a desert.  Soon we were among sage brush and dry, rounder mountains, and then came upon Mono Lake -- a salty blue lake in the middle of a desert.  Gold was once mined in the area.  Fascinating calcium deposits formed funky pillars called tufas. Surprised to see seagulls flying around, feeding on the brine shrimp.