Yes, it was beautiful driving up to Mammoth.
I'd been here a few years ago on a "climb Mt. Whitney, find hot springs" trip with my friend Steve Zilber. It was September, and there was no snow. Today was different. I found the dirt road past the green church to the hot springs, except it wasn't a dirt road today. More of a snow road. Other 4WD's had blazed the path before me, so I went for it.
And arrived at the first hot spring tub...
Only to discover there was a gap in the hose from the spring to the tub. It was empty, and beyond my ability to fix. Bummer.
Found a great lodging deal at the Holiday Haus in Mammoth. New hotel room, fake gas fireplace. Went to Grumpy's bar and watched Monday night football. Talked to a ski patrolman who told me lifts 3 and 5 will open at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow with lots of fresh powder. I'm all over it.