Brandy Creek Hike

 

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.

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. 

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

Three Dams and Two Lakes and One Mighty River

 

As many of you may know, we experienced significant rainfall last week. I compiled information from various photo sources, including X, the local news, and my own observations. Here is a photo of the swollen Sacramento River at Lake Redding Park. The gentleman sitting on the bench is actually a statue.

Did it fool you?

The Salmon Fish Ladder is covered...

Just a little swampy! 

For safety reasons, it is advised to refrain from walking by the river until conditions are deemed safe.

The water level of the Sacramento River is high at the Sundial Bridge with just a few feet to spare

During periods of heavy rainfall or increased water flow, the dams located upstream operate their release valves to let out excess water. This process is crucial for managing water levels and preventing potential flooding. The sheer volume and power of water being released can be quite significant, highlighting the importance of proper dam management in ensuring safety and stability in downstream areas.

This is for you Ginny 

Let Your Light Shine 

I always think of you when there is a sunset! 💖

The above photos took place on Saturday night.

After Sunday services at church, I found myself curious about the events happening upstream and felt compelled to investigate further. With my trusty magnifying glass in one hand and a pipe in my mouth, I donned my sleuth hat and headed upriver to confront the main culprit behind these occurrences: Ah HA!

The Shasta Dam! 

Turn your speakers up to hear that power - 

I drove up to Whiskeytown Lake to explore a different kind of dam: an earth-filled dam located on Clear Creek, a significant tributary of the Sacramento River. This area is part of the larger Trinity River system, highlighting the diverse engineering approaches used in water management in the region.

I should have taken a video -  no spillway on this Dam - just a Glory Hole. 

Not just any Glory Hole - President JFK dedicated the Dam in Sept 1963. 

The Glory Hole appears significantly large when compared to the surrounding individuals. In the image, you can see President Kennedy addressing the crowd from the podium. I was living in San Francisco at the time and was unaware of this event until we moved to the area 17 years ago. 

Today, the Kennedy Memorial Plaque commemorates a significant moment in local history. Additionally, we have a recording of his complete speech, providing a valuable resource for everyone, particularly younger generations who can hear his words on this area. 

A Memorial Plaque

Then we drove on to yet another Dam - Keswick, which is part of the watershed area that feeds water to our farmers and provides hydroelectricity. 

We have a lot of water up here! 

When there are significant water releases, minor flooding can occur downstream. It's important to trust that those in control understand the complexities of the system. Water is being managed for hydroelectric power in the far northern part of the Sacramento Valley, while also being distributed to the farmlands to the south.

We are sunny and drying out. The snow on the mountains makes it colder. Another big rain system is on its way—possibly for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! 

Thank you, God, for the abundant rain you have bestowed upon us. We trust in your divine design of seasons and weather. Though we may not always express our gratitude for the conditions you provide, we seek your forgiveness. Help us recognize the blessings in every season, cultivating a deeper appreciation for your bountiful gifts.

Lord willing, I will see you all tomorrow. 

Debby

Get your boots on, we're going on a hike!

 

This morning, like every Saturday, we rose with the sun, eager for the day ahead. Unlike our usual weekdays, we have the luxury of time, and ready for a hike - not the vigorous treks my sons undertake, but more of a leisurely exploration suited for those of us who enjoy a gentler pace. (A Senior Hike!) Accompanying us on this excursion was our faithful dog, Laydee, a distinguished senior in her own right.

At 6 a.m., the temperature was at a brisk 39 degrees, and as we set off toward Whiskeytown, it had only warmed slightly to 41. As we passed the picnic area, there wasn’t a soul in sight. It struck me how delightful it would have been to snag a couple of warm breakfast muffins and steaming cups of coffee, settling into a cozy spot to bask in the glory of the Fall foliage. However, the cool air suggested that perhaps we should keep moving instead.

The Brandy Creek boat storage at the Marina stood out. Whiskeytown Lake draws sailboat enthusiasts in the warmer months eager to embrace the gentle breezes and shimmering waters. Winter is just around the corner. The mountains have their first dusting of snow and you can be certain of one thing—those waters are turning icy! 

A scenic stretch of the Brandy Creek Trail unfolded before us, with its winding path bordered by towering trees. As we gazed at the trail stretching out ahead, We saw something that made us turn back. 

Was it a bear? 

 Was it a mountain lion?

Was it a human carrying a chainsaw and wearing a Hockey mask? 

It was Poison Oak! 

Leaves of three, Let it be! 

The trail was shrouded in a lush carpet of Poison Oak, its glossy leaves glistening ominously in the dappled sunlight. While we were equipped to handle the situation, we had to keep a vigilant eye on Laydee, our beloved companion. Gripping the leash tightly, we carefully navigated the narrow winding path, aware that the dense foliage could easily trap her. Memories flashed through my mind of the last time my husband encountered Poison Oak; he’d inhaled the irritant, and it entered into his bloodstream, leaving him suffering in ways he had never experienced before. The body’s vulnerabilities can shift with age, and I didn't want to take a chance! With Laydee in tow, at her age, any exposure could spell disaster. The thought of her getting caught in the poison oak made us rethink our journey. We had to play it safe.

So we turned around...

As we journeyed along the path, we saw towering trees,  reaching high into the sky. We decided to venture onto another trail, one that still had some poison oak, but thankfully, it no longer obscured our way.

As a passionate admirer of trees, I can't help my enthusiasm so a few more photos of trees are ahead... 

 Their beauty and diversity never cease to inspire me, so prepare yourself for a collection of nature’s wonders!

They are more expansive and imposing than these photos suggest. 

In the distance, I hear water - is it a waterfall? 

The sound is closer, and it sounds like a creek...maybe it's Brandy Creek!

Bushwhacking our way to the edge, and there she is! 

Some good old-fashioned swimming holes down there 

but that would have to wait till summer! 

Certain areas had huge rocks with moss - it looked medieval-like Middle Earth. 

And tree trunks singed from old fires.

Totally alone - as we find our way back to the car...

Moss on a huge granite rock. 

Transport these granite rocks back to your home, and soon you'll be enjoying stunning granite countertops gracing your kitchen!

No thanks - I like them right where they are, naturally. 

We made it back to the car safe and sound and came home. We weren't gone for that long - we still have the whole afternoon ahead of us, but between you and me, I'm tired. All that cold air! So the husband is napping, and Laydee is too. 

Thank you for joining me on this hike. I hope my teasing didn’t startle you too much. Next time we'll go without the dog! 

Until the Next Time,

Debby