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| Guess where the idiots are now? |
We spent the better part of our two weeks in Florida monitoring Hurricane Dorian. We were grateful that this time the west coast of Florida was spared the wrath. The devastation elsewhere, especially to the Bahama Island's is tragic. Although we haven't been in the Bahama's in a number of years, the people are amazing, with their welcoming spirit and smiles from ear to ear. The recovery will take years but they have the resolve to do it. If you're reading this I hope you will find some way to provide a little assistance.
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| We enjoyed visiting with some of my family who were vacationing at Indian Rock's Beach. It's always great to see my Aunt Pat, Uncle Thomas, Darlene (Cousin) and her family. They always had fun games to play when we camped with them. Here they are teaching me, Beth and NaNa a new game called "Left, Center, Right". It was a fun game. Beth really liked it since she won the pot both times! |
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| Beth, NaNa and I took in an afternoon Ray's game at Tropicana Field |
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| NaNa and I are discussing the merits of the "defensive shift". |
Friday afternoon we flew from Tampa to Sacramento. We'll be spending the next two weeks exploring parts of Northern California and Oregon. Of course, no trip to California would be complete without some time with Sarah, Joey and James. The time with the Martin Family will come at the end of the adventure.
First up, was Lassen Volcanic National Park. California has nine national parks, which is the most of any state. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northeastern California. It was established in August, 1916, just over a year after it's last major eruption, which occurred on May 19, 1915 (Sarah was born on May 19 a few years later).
The drive from Sacramento to the park was quite nice. There were two options, one that would have been mainly along the interstate, but for less than 10 extra minutes we took the more scenic route, part of which was on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. It was well worth the investment in time!
The park has a 29 mile park road running through it. We entered through the very nice
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center on the southwest side of the park. The park road was really nice with numerous overlooks, trail heads, campgrounds and picnic areas. There was also an area called "Sulphur Works" with boiling mud pots, and of course, the smell of sulphur. We enjoyed a picnic at Summit Lake, followed by an easy hike around the small lake.
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| Boiling hot mud and the smell of sulphur |
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| Overlook at the Bumpass Hell Trailhead. The trail is currently closed for renovation reopening next week |
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| One of several small lakes along the park road |
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| He held the pose for about 30 seconds until Beth got the picture she wanted |
There is a nice, short interpretive trail at the "Devastated Area". This area is appropriately named because this is the area where the massive lava rocks and magma ended up after the eruption. It's slowly evolving back to the combination of forest and prairie land that it was prior to the eruption.
We exited the park at Manzanita Lake at the northwest corner. There is a smaller visitors center and museum here. The trail around the lake is a flat mile and a half trail that was a great way to end our visit.
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| Lava rocks in the Devastated Area...….it's not as devastated as it was right after the 1915 eruption! These rocks were thrown 3-5 miles when the volcano erupted! They are scattered throughout this area of the park. |
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| More lava rocks |
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| Manzanita Lake with Lassen Peak in the background |
It's a little off the beaten path, but if you're in northern California, a day at Lassen Volcanic National Park is well worth it.
