Shasta and Lassen

Shasta and Lassen

July 2002

		Day 1: Our journey started at Lake Shasta, which was disappointing with too many motor boats zooming around. But we discovered the delight of camping without a "roof" -- it was lovely to sleep under a starry starry sky.

Day 2: Our epic hike to Castle Dome was almost an accident. We did not expect to go quite as far and therefore ran out of water quite early. Nevertheless we made it and the view at the top was rewarding. We even enjoyed some "solo" rock climbing. Afterwards we jumped in a nearby creek to cool off.
		Day 3: A Day of water fun. After a leisurely breakfast we went on a little hike to Hedge Creek Falls. Then we set off for Castle Lake. The hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake offered superb scenery and was a perfect length. Unexpectedly, both lakes are good for swimming, even at over 5000 feet high. With blue dragonflies hovering about the water, and Mount Shasta as the backdrop, who wouldn't enjoy a swim?
We winded up the day by visiting McArthur-Burney Falls, an amazingly lush and beautiful waterfall. At night we were treated to a surprisingly good firework show in the town of Burney.


Day 4: Waking up from another night under the stars (though we were still not quite used to sleep in a tent), we drove to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where snowy peaks and smelly sulphur works awaited us. Our last hike was half way up Lassen Peak. Well, someday we'll return!