Category Archives: California

California Camping

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

Trinity Alps (July 2-5)

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

Loon Lake (July 16-19)

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.

: Trinity Lake, low due to drought

: Boulder Lake

: Post-hike reward

: Swimming hole on Stuart Fork

: An aquatic Garter Snake

: Launch point at Loon Lake

: This goose stopped by looking for a handout. We saw several others, but no loons.

: Spider Lake, about an hour hike from camp

: Karen and Patrizia at Spider Lake

: Someone must have spent quite a bit of time building this stone arch

: I took a kayak ride with Linda around the many fingers of Pleasant Lake

: Kerry and Alex

: View from my kayak

: These cliffs are usually under water

: Our campsite

: Kim Powell, our wonderful guide

: Lake bed

: Anne above camp

: Pleasant Lake in the foreground, Loon Lake in back

: Moonset at Sunset

: Starry starry night

Home Again

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We’re back in the land of drinkable water and reliable WiFi. I no longer need to carry T.P. in my pocket or remember not to put it in the toilet (until my next trip to a developing country). Our trip home was uneventful, though it took almost 19 hours, door to door. Much as I love to travel, it always feels good to return home. Zelda greeted me at the door and the cats came to sniff the luggage. I spent yesterday doing laundry, stocking up on groceries, and replacing my cell phone. I already miss quinoa soup, banana chips and bread (I was able to eat baked good with no negative affects, demonstrating that something is wrong with our gluten-filled food industry).

Why am I hooked on travel? When I’m away from home, especially in a location as remote as the Salkantay pass or as foreign as the rainforest, everything non-essential is stripped away. I live more fully in the moment and let go of things that don’t really matter. Seeing how other people live expands my worldview and shows that our similarities are far greater than our differences. And another vague spot on the map becomes tangible; no matter how much I read or how many videos I see, nothing compares to actually being on location with all senses engaged.

In spite of a few travails, I thoroughly enjoyed our four weeks in Peru and Ecuador, my first trip south of the border. I would definitely like to return, perhaps starting with a Spanish immersion course. Thank you Karen, Joanne, and Nancy for joining me on this adventure; I thoroughly enjoyed your company.

Acclimatization Weekend

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My first big trip will include trekking at high altitude in the Andes. This is going to be a challenge, especially coming from sea level. To give our bodies a jump-start on acclimatization, one of my fellow travelers, Karen, and I spent three nights up in the Sierras. Another friend, Cyndi, joined us. At 7800’, Kirkwood was one of the highest places we could find to stay at this time of year. We virtually had the resort to ourselves as the ski lifts were shut down and the summer tourists haven’t yet arrive. Our hikes were limited due to snow on the trails, so we mostly lounged around our spacious condo and fixed delicious meals. To our surprise, it was snowing when we left. I’m glad we went – I got over a slight altitude headache and was reminded how much colder and drier it is up in the mountains.