Lassen Volcanic Park – 7/6 - 7/8

We had a beautiful drive today from Nevada City to Lassen. Our original plan was to head up to Reno and then take 395 thru Susanville to Chester and on over to Lassen. However, when we reached 89, just outside of Truckee, Ned thought, hey why not go thru Sierraville so that we could stop at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Adhering to one of our road rules, meandering encouraged, and also not one to bypass a good meal at Dos Hermanos, 55 minutes into our trip we already changed plans. Everytime we’ve been to Sierraville it has been in the dead of winter with lots of snow and freezing cold. I must admit it was quite pleasant to sit on the porch and enjoy the warm breeze and vibrant flowers. We then headed up 89, thru Quincy to Lake Almanor. By going this route we completely missed Susanville and Westwood, where we were going to bike ride the Bizz Johnson trail. Mmm, oh well, we headed to Lassen Park and decided to do a hike instead. We got to the park and started the Bumpass Hell hike at about 3ish. It was still rather warm, but well worth the hike! The geothermal activity is so strange – boiling lakes, steam vents, mudpots all oozing and stinking out of the earth. The water temperature is thought to be around 240 degrees! (Yes, I have a picture of Ned sticking his hand in one of the streams to test the waters. I was brave enough to take the picture – ahem). The hike back was gorgeous with great views of the surrounding areas, the late afternoon light on the adjacent mountains, and it had cooled off with a nice light breeze. Our first night we camped at Manzanita Lake and were quite surprised by the nice camp spot we had reserved. Despite being a relatively full campground, our spot was secluded, well shaded and very quiet. The big question is what activity for Saturday? Go on a hike, relax around the campground, bike ride? I’m taunted with Mt. Lassen Peak beckoning to us “climb me, climb me”. Mmm, what’s a girl to do...