July 29th 2008 07:37 pm
Vacation 2008–Day 2, Lassen Park
Departed Grizzly Creek 9:30 am
Arrived Lassen National Monument, 3:00 pm
From Fog to Smoke! Highway 36 out of Grizzly Creek was nice, meandering over Van Dusen River (lately: Van Dusen Trickle) and climbing into the Eel Creek watershed toward Mad River. The windy road was not too heavily traveled and just curvy enough for a fine motorcycle ride. As I climbed, though, smoke pervaded the landscape from the Trinity Alps fires, some of which are still burning.
I turned north on Highway 3 to connect with Highway 299 toward Redding and drove right into the smoke. I can tell this is otherwise gorgeous country, laconic pastures along Salt Creek for example, but above it all, a deep haze. The mountains and trees recede as if in fog, but the smell of burned wood is everywhere. Coming into Hayforth, the Trinity County Fairgrounds is a staging area for firefighters–it was huge! Passing through town: thank you’s everywhere (to the firefighters), from handwritten posters to school and church marquees.
Redding was 95 degrees in the shade. Hot and a little smoky itself. I sat in a Starbucks for a sandwich, coffee and cell service/internet. Got gas and headed out Highway 44 for Lassen Park.
And Lassen is nice. Clear skies tonight; cool and breezy. I’m staying here a couple days to see the sights. A can of Dinty Moore stew, some sliced Provolone, a couple cups of Fetzer Zin. It’s another good night!
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