On Saturday, we planned to hike around Brandy Creek at Whiskeytown Lake, my favorite spot nearby. I also like Lake Shasta, but I prefer hiking here since it’s less crowded. We usually start early in the morning.
I was standing on a footbridge overlooking the creek. The snow is melting now that it’s 80 degrees, but the water is still very cold.
Today, the temperature is expected to reach 90.
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The footbridge
Spring hasn’t fully arrived here yet. Just 20 miles from where we live, it's been spring for several weeks. (it's the micro-climates we have here in California) It should come this week with the warmer weather, since I can already see some green shining in the sunlight.
Okay, here we go...
Pretty pink flower growing out of the rock.
I had to cross a bunch of boulders and rocks (very carefully) to reach the creek.
It was definitely worth it. The water was so clear. I have a video that I’ll upload to YouTube since Blogger won’t let me upload it from here. I plan to share it on Wednesday, Lord willing.
We met a nice couple our age and stood talking to them for over an hour. They are from French Gulch (I just love the names of old mining towns... Horsetown, Clear Creek Diggings, Coffee Creek, etc.).
Anyway, their house, which was on the historical registry, burned down in the 2018 Carr Fire. But they had a second home in town that they rented out, and now they live there.
I love meeting new people and chatting. We had so much in common, but somehow we walked away without exchanging phone numbers. They should be easy to find, since French Gulch has only 192 people. His name was Mark, and hers was something like RoseMary, RoseMarie, Rosalie, or Rosalyn???
Nice people.
This is my youngest son, Navy. He was fishing at a lake in Shingletown on Saturday.
He REALLY loves to fish.
Right now, my husband is getting his fishing license and a burn permit for wilderness campfires.
There were more rocks and boulders ahead. I had to move slowly and watch out for rattlesnakes that are coming out of their winter sleep. (Brumation)
Rattlesnake season usually picks up from March to early fall on trails, canyons, and open areas. They’re not trying to cause trouble. Hmmm, I keep reminding myself of that so I don’t get too freaked out.
It's always a good idea to stick to clear paths and avoid tall grasses or rocky crevices! I realized that on Saturday when I was out exploring. I tried to be careful as I made my way down, but I thought to myself that if I spotted any snakes, I'd definitely want to be a bit quicker getting back out than I was going down. 😱
The best thing is to stay alert, respect wildlife, and give them their space.
I noticed an interesting cloud pattern that looked rippled -
Husband took this photo, and we left for home for our lunch.
Such a lovely day.
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Well, obviously, I’m back. When you catch yourself mumbling and drafting a blog post in your head while in the shower, it’s probably time to return. 👍
I'm looking forward to a great week ahead. Nothing special planned, but it's still wonderful to be alive, don't you think? I hope you are looking forward to the week ahead as well.
Until Next Time,
Debby
1. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2. but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
What a beautiful adventure. You caught some great photos. We have gone to the big gold rush places/towns and be amazed by the people who came here to find gold.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy that part of California history!
DeleteThe creek is gorgeous! I love the shot of all the rocks in it, with the water just cascading over them. then there are parts with no rocks, and the water is so pretty. But what with the scary looking bridge and the rattlesnakes, I would be terrified. So you are more adventurous than me. I will keep just looking at the adventures of others. Wonder what the pretty pink flowers are?
ReplyDeleteGinny, I don't want to be around snakes either. So I do watch. My husband has helped me with my fear of snakes that I got from my mom. I learn about them, and try to see and understand their place in the world. It works but I still don't want to run into one.
DeleteI've always been adventurous to a point and the older I get, there is a limit.
Debby, there is so much that I love about this post. That Psalm verse, how strange, I just received it from a loved one. It's so special, isn't it? I even kept it in my folder. This creek is such a pretty place. And that is such a nice photo of the pink flowers. That's something that they are growing out of the rocks! The water from the creek looks so clear and lovely. And a charming picture of the footbridge. Wow, on Navy catching that large fish! That rose quote is one of my favorites. And you even shared a picture of a red rose to go along with it. ; ) And lastly, that's an awesome photo that your husband took of the sky. Very mysterious looking and beautiful. Happy St. Patrick's Day, and I enjoyed your post today.
ReplyDeleteYeah we thought that sky was unique. Sheri, everyone I see a red rose, I do think of you. I'm glad you enjoyed the post today. It was fun writing it! Have a great week.
DeleteAlways nice to meet people along the way.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo taken from the bridge.
Thanks Karen. Once the trees fill in, that view is even nicer.
DeleteI love that you and your hubby are still (physically) able to experience these areas, Debby. I was tempted to say, "wish I was there" -- until you mentioned the rattlers. LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy husband more than me. I still managed to climb over those rocks but it was risky. When I get out there, I forget that I am 72.
DeleteIt sounds like a nice adventure.
ReplyDeleteYes it was enjoyable. So good to get out there and listen to that rushing water
DeleteYou had a beautiful outing. I am so glad that in this area all we have to worry about is rabid skunks. I think rattle snakes would get to me even though regular snakes don't bother me at all.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Rabid skunks? Now that would scare me! Actually rattlesnakes are shy unless provoked.
DeleteWhat a lovely hike, your photographs so nice to see.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to stop a while and talk to folks you meet out.
Have a good week.
All the best Jan
Hi Jan, yes it is. We had such a nice chat.
DeleteI have always had a desire to go to a stream with rocks and go for a walk. I have never ever done that - I can't figure out to where to go here. You are so lucky to have such beauty there.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm sure you have a place to do that. Google it! 😋
DeleteThanks, Sandie, There is so much natural beauty in the rural areas. But shhhh, we really don't want people knowing about it. They can stay in the big cities!
your post just flipped me back to 1953, I was 9 years old in 4th grade and we moved to Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Pineville Ky and our house they provided was on almost identical creek as the one in your photos today. looking at the foot bridge, our house was on the bluff to the right side, behind that bridge and it looked just like this we were in paradise playing in the creek. I would love to see this creek. our address was clear creek road.. I too love the old names from the past. I thought I was the only one that talked to myself about a post while doing other things. glad to see you post again
ReplyDeleteThat's fun - we have a Clear Creek here, too.
DeleteIsn't that something that my photos had you thinking of the past. I'm glad they were good memories for you!
What a lovely day out. You're right about nature - everything has its place and should be respected.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
DeleteSuch fabulous photos of a splendid time and place, Debby! Thanks for taking us on this marvelous nature adventure with you today, and thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting this post, Martha. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
DeleteLooks like a lovely walk. It was interesting meeting that couple and having such a nice conversation with them. That is very sad about their house. Nice photo of your son. Those clouds are lovely, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYeah I know many who lost their homes during the Carr fire.
DeleteYou live in a beautiful area. But nearing 90 degrees, already? Here in Florida we've come very close to that recently (although we have a freeze warning for tonight!). Your creek photos are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara. We're having a beautiful spring but its not set in stone yet - my goodness another freeze?
DeleteSome great photos, what a lovely place to live
ReplyDelete