Back to California

I got up early and headed south from Crater Lake through Klamath Falls, catching a great Farmers' Market for brunch and a few family gifts before continuing on to Redding. 

Distinct and familiar landmark for anyone driving south on I-5

Playing cards at the cabin, yes, my sister Amy beat me repeatedly. Is there anything as beautiful as listening to water lap up against an old wooden dock as the sun rises?

Continuing south, I took a few days and took the long way back to Southern California through Lassen National Park and the high desert via Hwy 395. 

Lassen was gorgeous, as usual, and I even got a rainstorm! 

Campgrounds were full so I took advantage of dispersed camping on Forest Service land outside the park.

Memories ...  Summit Lake South

Heading toward June Lake and Mammoth, traffic started to increase. I can't blame people for wanting to get out to these beautiful areas and hey, I'm a tourist too, but I was missing the wide open spaces of Wyoming and Montana.

I drove the narrow, windy road down to the Devil's Postpile National Monument trailhead and appreciated that dogs are allowed on most hikes.

It is hard to believe that this is a natural phenomenon but it is! Top of the "postpile"  Bloom where you are planted, right?

Pondering the great outdoors, as usual  Familiar color palette as you continue down 395

Back in Southern California, Kathleen joined me for a quick trip to San Onofre State Park and the adventure continues ...