This weekend we took a drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park. We had a beautiful spring day for the drive. Along the way we were treated to wildflowers, green fields, oak trees, “digger” and Ponderosa pines, and (as a special treat) a bald eagle! As we rose in elevation, spring devolved into late winter with patches of snow on the ground. At sea level we had a 90+ degree day without a hint of snow, at 6000 feet, we had feet of snow on the ground, and temperatures in the mid-70s. The road that bisects Lassen was closed due to 7 to 10 feet of snow clinging to the last vestiges of winter.
A national park “out of season” is truly a thing of beauty. There are few people enjoying the pristine quiet of nature. The smell of pine trees was ripe. Hearing the ice crack as the sun heated the ponds was amazing. While many of the trails were closed, there were a few open where we could see geese and ducks eeking a living on their frozen turf.
After a stroll and a picnic lunch, we descended to the valley floor to roast in Redding. We walked the Sundial Bridge, a beautiful structure that floats over the Sacramento River. We drove back home after a fine dinner at the Sierra Nevada Tap Room. A good day to enjoy northern California.
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