I recently went on two camping trips in Northern California, where we are blessed with much natural beauty. 

Traffic light on the long drive north

(except for construction before Weaverville)

Outside temp over 100

Great conversations,

in the car, along the trail, and at the waterholes

Familiar faces and friendly new ones

Tents scattered through spacious campground

Dried leaves and pine needles

Slivers of water visible through the trees

Scramble down to Trinity Lake, one third full due to drought

A flotilla of houseboats in the distance, water warm,

aroma of motor oil and the sound of jet skies

Full moon at sunset, reflected on the water

From my topless tent, trees silhouetted

and a few stars in the dimly lit sky

Long drives to trailheads at cooler altitudes

A doe and fawn cross the bumpy dirt road

Glimpses of Shasta through the haze

Refreshing swims in bowls of granite

Some wildflowers in bloom

Distant thunder, a few sprinkles

  

Cicadas turning on and off

The chirps and twill of birds

Beautiful silence

  

First Saturday in Weaverville

Food, music, and art at Our Space Gallery

What more do I need?

No fireworks and follies light

Enjoy the night

Heat Heat Heat

I had a wonderful long weekend kayaking, hiking and swimming in the Sierras with Blue Water Ventures. We loaded up our kayaks at Loon Lake, just west of Desolation Wilderness, and paddled to a boat-in campsite at the north end, called Pleasant Lake. Fortunately there was a slab of granite near the launch site so we could get our gear down to the water, about 30’ below it’s pre-drought level. I paddled to camp with Anne, learning to steer without a rudder.

Our group of 13 women, four of whom I knew in advance, was catered to by a half dozen staff and volunteers. We received kayaking instruction (I learned how to rescue and be rescued from a flipped boat) and were served delicious meals. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip with great company and perfect weather.