September Ends

Before the month came to a close, I added more counties to my list, bringing my total to 32 of 58 California counties visited, and I realized that California is too darn big to get to every county in a year unless you specifically set yourself that task and make it happen.  I did put 4000 miles on my new car since I bought it at the end of July, and I kept my Fitbit miles ahead of last year; barely; so I am feeling pretty fulfilled as I head into Autumn.  Today I went to Susanville to hike on the Bizz Johnson Trail.

The Bridge over the Sacramento River in Butte City, Glenn County

The Sacramento River from the bridge.

Rice Co-op

Colusa County Courthouse in Colusa, CA

Mt. Lassen as seen on my ride around Lake Almanor, headed to Westwood and Susanville.

The sign at the trailhead at the Susanville Depot.

Lovely flat trail along the Susan River.

Red Tree

Grassy path with rock clumps

Red rock places

Pretty Susan River view

You often can't see the river for the shrubbery

Pretty yellow sparkle-leaves

Loved this view

The black rock bluffs were just beginning when I turned back towards my car.

This palisade is interesting

Closer view

The Susanville Depot; end of my hiking trail.

One last view of Mt. Lassen before I dive down into the canyons towards home.

Family Time in Santa Cruz

Went to visit Jeffery and we hosted Matt, Wendie and Kyria there, too.  A rare time being just the 5 of us, and even that was broken up by schedules, but it was time together, and that was delightful.  I got there Friday afternoon, Matt and Wendie came Friday night, Jeffery worked Saturday, Kyria came Sunday.

Matt, Wendie and I walked over to the Wharf via many sights and noshing places.  See the circle of people on the beach?  That turned into a much bigger party as the day passed, and the beach filled up, too.

Wendie puts up with my goofiness

Found the way to cross the San Lorenzo River to get to the Boardwalk, Wharf, and town.

The walkway alongside the railroad tracks leads to the fun.

Matt treated us to miniature golf, which was great fun, even tho' I lost.  Wendie won a free game with a hole in one!

You play the miniature golf in a multi-level "ship" room.

Fun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

I liked this sign.

At the Seabright Brewery to sample the wares.

The young teaching the old how to work the electronics

Matt and Wendie created this lovely dinner for us on Saturday night. 

Sunday morning coffee after everyone's up and Kyria has arrived.

We all walked over to Linda's restaurant for a hearty breakfast, and then we had to walk it off.

The "sisters" at the Walton Lighthouse

The girls

Mi familia

No berthing.  So why is that boat there?  I'm confused.

View from Jeffery's deck.  The sail looked like a giant shark.

Father and daughter on the deck.

I stopped at the visitor rest area overlooking the Pass, which I'd just driven over.  I take it every time I visit Jeffery.  

There's the highway to the right.

San Luis Reservoir.

The dam at San Luis Reservoir.

Seen from a bit further back.  Sure is different from the dams at Oroville, Shasta, Butt Valley, etc.

Hmmm..... what should I do next?  Only time will tell.

Road Trip - Day Three and Four

I left just a little to show you before leaving the Silver Falls State Park, and then I headed to Yreka, where I would stay for the night after a long drive back down to California.  Goodbye, Oregon.  I shall miss ye greatly!

I was on my way out to my car, when I spotted this bridge, which led to a gigantic picnic area.  Family Gather time!

Big group picnic area under cover

Loved the bathrooms, which aren't open for use right now.

I do love stone buildings.

Back out in the farm country; this is the house I want to live in.

back on Hwy 5, I saw that I was approaching Oakland!

It's not at all like the Oakland near San Francisco, but I thought of daughter Kyria anyway.

The Oakland Flour Mill.

The sign to Winchester and Wilbur made me think of my grandfather and my son, Matt (who was Wilbur when we first brought him home)

One of the scenes of Oregon that make me love driving around in the state.

View from my hotel window in Yreka.  That's Hwy 5 right over there.

The next morning, I'm where I should be able to see Mt. Shasta, but I can't and then, I do!!  There it is.  Can you see it?  

See it?  It's in silouette.  You just don't think it'll be so tall, eh?  For me, it felt like it filled the sky and the world.

Here, does this help?  I know it's smokey-hazy.

There, the light is on it now, and it's starting to emerge into view.

Loved this field of teasel.

My every-time-I-go-to-Mt-Shasta photo from the high school.

The Gateway Trail offered me a hike around the foot of Mt. Shasta.  I needed it.

I came out of the forest and "wah lah!" The view!

Decomposed granite trail in alpine scrub; a lot different than at Silver Falls.

Mountain scene

The trail is specifically designed for bicycles!  One fellow passed me by, making it look easy and fun.

Black Butte can be glimpsed now and again.

Selfie in Mt. Shasta Hat!

The sunlight is now fuller, and you can see the snow patches more clearly.

One last glimpse from Mt. Shasta City before I head home.

One more of Black Butte from near the Elementary School.

Lake Shasta is holding water; its banks less visible than Lake Oroville's.

The construction project at Lake Shasta is still going on, but is seemingly winding down (or would that be up?)

Different mountain type near Redding.  I couldn't see Mt. Lassen due to the smoke haze.

Back in my home country heading towards the Canyon

Over Lake Oroville.  See how deep the banks are?

Well, there we go!  I am home, ready to get ready for my next adventure.  This Road Trip was a treat of heaven to me. Thanks for sharing the time with me as I do the "slide show".