Summer
is in full force in Northern California or is it? Today was one of
those trail days that seemed to have it all and one that’s sure to
remain fresh in my mind long after this adventure is over. The day
started at our scenic overlook and when the sun rose Mt. Shasta was in
full view as the sun was already reflecting off her snow-covered peaks
and ridges by 5 AM. The pines in the foothills below were also
illuminated and the distant mountain chains, which all faded together
last night as the sun was setting, each now had distinct color and
individuality. As we packed the cool temperatures began to climb and we
shed our jackets, it went without saying that this camp site was the
most beautiful thus far.
We
ascended for some time and were surrounded by thick pines, tall green
grass, blue skies with cumulus clouds, and Mt Shasta dominating the
view. We hiked this landscape for hours until lunchtime when we arrived
at a creek sweaty and tired. We had lunch and found shade where we
quickly drifted off to sleep. As we woke the sun was again drenching our
bodies and the breeze felt perfect, we packed up and began down the
trail again.
After
a mile or so we began to hit snow patches and when I rounded the corner
I saw a deer standing on the trail just looking at me. She looked at me
for a few minutes before slowly turning around and walking down the
trail, clearly not concerned by our presence. The
snow begin to get thicker as we continued to ascend. Before long the
trail was covered with snowy slush and the skies had turned gray. As we
traversed the snow I slipped several times and fell more than once,
Madelyn did as well. My legs were scraped and bleeding from the falls
but it didn’t matter as we were enjoying the challenge of the snow, it
brought back memories of the numerous other times we’ve been in the same
situation.
Just
as the snow traversing was coming to an end we were greeted with
darkening skies and drizzle. The drizzle soon turn to rain which was
accompanied by a cold steady wind. We could hear thunder and watched as
the trail ahead was bolted by lightning three times, we seem to always
be on the top of the ridge at the highest point when lightning begins to
strike. We hustled through this section and found some lower ground as
the storm passed.
Eventually the sun came out and we almost dried out. We would have if the trail wouldn’t have been completely overgrown. Instead
of drying our clothes, shoes, socks, even hats we were drenched from
bushwhacking through the wet bushes, this persistent for more than 5
miles. Our hands now frozen
and breath visible this day now brought back memories of many days we’ve
had in Southern California when the cold, rain, and wind were
relentless. The day was getting late and the clouds which again had
thickened and produced more light drizzle broke up and created five or
six rainbows in the piney forest below. I’ve never seen rainbows from
above so it was a sight to take in. We hiked two more miles and the
light breeze from lunch returned and dried our clothes just before we
made camp. Today had a little of everything and it was one of the best
days, the most fun in a while.
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