Stink hole

Stink hole
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

On the descent through Lassen Volcano National Park you reach this stinky hole - actually one of several - marking an old natural sulphur works. Yes, the place stinks of rotten eggs (it's hydrogen sulphide steam escaping from the rocks) and signs warn of not stepping off the paved areas as burns are likely.

Quite likely if the boiling noises that can be clearly heard emanating from the steam-holes is any guide.

By the time we were out of the park, it was after 3pm and still had the (now) almost 200 mile drive to Eureka to cover.

That drive (over Hwy-299) across the Coastal Range of mountains was also stunning. This is one of the best driving roads I have discovered in the USA - mile after mile of twisting, roller-coaster roads - almost entirely smooth surfaced and a complete contrast to the pot-hole ridden farm tracks they call roads further south in the state.

We stopped at a town about half-way across for coffee and to top up the essential travel supplies (GatorAid and M&Ms! :) ) but didn't stop to take any photos - we were too busy enjoying the drive and the scenery.

Managed to stay awake long enough to find yet another Red Lion Hotel and crashed into bed around 9pm.

Volcanoes as far as ...

Volcanoes as far as ...
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

The road through Lassen Volcano National Park gets up to about 8,500 feet above sea level. Even in late August, snow lies on the ground here and seems impervious even to direct sunlight.

My blue period

My blue period
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

Taken at around 8,000 feet ... amazing scenery in every direction. I love the way the shades of blue band up through this shot.

Upper Meadow

Upper Meadow
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

Up around the 7,000 foot level lies the Upper Meadow ... peace and tranquility next to the harshness of the volcanic peak.

Torrent

Torrent
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

A cliched blurred water shot, I know but an abiding memory of Kings Creek - a beautiful part of the park as we drove through. This creek crosses the Upper Meadow then tumbles over some rocks as it falls - eventually (I think) forming an impressive waterfall that we saw as we descended the mountain.

Framed

Framed
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

Driving through the 31 miles of Lassen Volcano National Park it seemed that every turn of the road brought a new vista. We had planned to spend no more than an hour in the park but spent a whole morning and would - had time permitted - have spent a day or two exploring it.

The main peak here last erupted in 1915 and seems stable enough ... for now!

Looking across the park as the road (Hwy 89) traverses it, the number of smaller volcanic peaks is obvious.

Volcano

Volcano
Originally uploaded by eqdynamics.

Spent Monday in Sacramento, just lazing about after the hectic weekend, washing clothes etc. Tuesday morning was much of the same, added to the panic of packing everything into bags for the journey (eventually) homeward.

On Tuesday afternoon, we drove north as far as Redding and stayed in the Red Lion Hotel again. I say again, because it is the same chain I stayed at in Winemucca several years ago. More of a multi-storey motel, the rooms are nonetheless, clean, large and have coffee and wi-fi.

Had we started out earlier, my plan was to swing east on the way to Redding through the Lassen Volcano National Park. Time (and tiredness) being against that on Tuesday, a little overnight route planning (thank you Autoroute) told me we could just manage the trip before heading west that night. It was looking like a long day in prospect as there was nowhere but campgrounds and "bring your own sheets" cabins to stay over the 140 mile mountain road between Redding and Eureka on the coast.

I am SO very glad we made the trip through the park. To say that Lassen's scenery is stunning is a major understatement. Personally (as someone whoe prefers to do his sight-seeing within 50 yards of his car) Lassen is much more beautiful than Yosemite or other American parks I have visited.