More from Saturday Morning at The Dam

At the lake on Saturday, I was impressed by the striking beauty of the Manzanita, and its red bark

What do you think of the pyracantha berries? They are everywhere along this little trail down to the water. I keep telling my husband that we need to plant some in our yard for winter color.

I drove across the dam bridge. Or should I say, the bridge dam?

We usually walk Laydee, but my husband forgot her leash, and we felt bad because we had already used the "W" word. 

The morning was absolutely gorgeous and we had the Dam to ourselves. 

They offer free tours inside the dam, which we have taken many times when we have guests from out of town. These tours are free and very informative.

 Two additional towers are down the road, likely for maintenance.

 The walk across the dam is three-quarters of a mile one way.

The end of the bridge now leads over to the Sacramento River.

The dam has always been equipped with armed security personnel. Visitors are required to present their driver’s license and provide a reason for wanting to access the dam bridge or the surrounding area. This protocol is likely due to its status as a federal dam. Although we were not residents during the events of September 11, 2001, I recall hearing from my parents that security measures were heightened at that time. Access to the dam was restricted, and individuals with backpacks or vehicles were not allowed to cross the bridge.

They also closed it down during the pandemic. 

(no comment)

There is a trail to the side, called the Sacramento River Trail that meanders into town. 

Some beautiful views on this trail and a lot of wildlife. 

The Sacramento River, a major waterway in California, and it is looking healthy. 

We are still in our rainy season till April. 

Next, we arrived at the Visitor Center, which features a gift shop, displays, and a theater that offers free documentaries. If you're interested in water sciences, conservation, and hydroelectric power, you can watch some excellent films—they will play them for you. There have been times, especially on rainy, stormy days, when we've gone there to enjoy an interesting documentary. 

I know it might sound boring to some, but we really enjoy it, 

and it's an affordable date option!

Okay, so we're nerds!

They have large picture windows that offer stunning views of the dam.

…and with Mount Shasta in the background.

557 miles to Los Angeles. We're only 120 miles to the Oregon border! 

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by topographical scale displays. 

(another nerd-thing)

Every time I pass these types of displays, I stop to survey the land and observe the various mountain formations that don't appear on a regular map. The Sacramento River actually starts way up, further than Shasta Lake,  then goes through the Shasta Dam, and then into Keswick Dam before going downriver. 

It's part of the US Bureau of Reclamation, Central Valley project. 

The mountains and Shasta Lake offer a view of the surrounding topography which I think is cool. 

In the gift shop, there are books, clothing, and souvenirs. They just got in some new t-shirts and a cap that would be great Christmas gifts for my sons, so I might start Christmas 2025 early. You have to grab these items before the tourists do. 

I thought this was sweet - 

Several times in the month, you might find us at Shasta Lake, the Dam or the River Park Trail.  

The tours inside the Dam start up in February and so we plan to take another tour. It's been since before 2020. I learn something more each time we visit. 

In Conclusion

Thank you for joining me today, even if it may have felt a bit dull. I wanted to share the current water situation here in far-Northern California and share that we are not experiencing a drought and there is an ample supply of water available.

It is mismanaged, and various interest groups hold significant influence, making it a major challenge to oppose them. The Water Wars in California date back to the 1850s. It's nothing new under the sun but now it's all about $$$$$ and power. 

Until Next Time

Debby