So, back to the trip. We left Redding this morning, driving up I 5, the Pacific Crest Trail, with impressive Mt. Shasta as our first destination. The snow topped peaks are beautiful. We stopped for photos, of course - from every angle.
Then we headed northeast on Hwy 97 to the top of CA, then east along the CA-Oregon state line on 161. After a morning of mountains and pine trees, we headed into a huge valley toward the Klamath Wildlife Refuge. We had the road to ourselves, so we could stop on a whim to take photos or just watch birds. On our drive into the refuge, we began our bird search in earnest. I hoped for eagles and magpies, but no luck on that. We saw an enormous bird that was probably a great blue heron. He was too far away for us to be sure. So big! We followed a great white heron for a while, then ran into a flock of yellow headed blackbirds - making Papa happy. Many families of cute little grebes swam in the open water areas, and we saw swallows, a big white pelican, and gulls.
There was no shortage of turkey vultures; we came across four or five of them eating roadkill lunch that used to be a beautiful little fox. EW.
Then came the big excitement of entering the Modoc Plateau and the Lava Beds National Monument. Lots of lava and more talk of subduction, volcanoes and such. The beat part was being questioned that we were both at least 62. Well, at least it was a good part. The lava was abundant! Nice visitors centers. The scenery and leisurely drive were good medicine.
Tonight we are in Alturas with a bunch of bikers. Dinner was in a Basque restaurant that really isn't. They do serve family style, but mostly the food was just deep fried everything. Papa loved it.
Tomorrow is Mt. Lassen then to Reno.
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