Bob and I decided to take one last road trip this summer before the cold weather sets in. We missed the California mountains on our big journey since it was winter on our way south in January 2010 and also on way home in April 2011, so this is our chance to visit those sites.
Our first stop was Mt. Shasta in northern California. We have both visited this area in the past, but this was our first time here together. Shasta is a mystical, magical mountain and draws spiritual seekers from all over the globe. We heard many foreign languages on the trails and even saw a group of monks and nuns at the highest parking lot.
This was such a late spring/summer in the west that we hadn’t been able to do any hiking in Washington until a few weeks ago when we did get to Mt. St. Helens and also to Mt. Rainier. Now we are at another volcano in the long chain that runs down the west. It was fabulous to get out on the trail to South Gate Meadow, which is high up on Mt. Shasta at about 9,000 feet. From the trail we could see Mt. Lassen in the distance and the coast range. We also visited Panther Meadow a little lower on the mountain. We are trying to adjust to the altitude, the heat and the dryness – all new concepts for us.
Right in the town of Mt. Shasta, is a city park where you will find water pouring out of the side of the hill. Locals come and fill their containers here with this precious clear water that has taken 50 years to filter through the mountain before gushing into a stream. This is the headwaters of the Sacramento river and we filled every empty container we had with this delicious water.
We also visited with Catherine who was on our dolphin trip this year. She owns a fantastic store in town called Soul Connections. If you find yourself in Mt. Shasta, don’t miss this amazing collection of books, gifts, musical instruments, clothes, etc. It’s right on the main street.
Bob and I also drove out to McCloud falls and hiked from the lower to the middle falls. It was lovely along the water and we enjoyed the respite from the high elevation of the mountain. Later that day we hiked at Castle Lake where Bob got to do a little swimming. This area reminded us very much of the Sierras.
We spent three nights here in Shasta and found the energy of the mountain to be very grounding and calming. I actually felt sleepy a lot. I was also drawn to look for Sasquatch on every trail and twist and turn in the mountain roads, but no luck – this time.
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