My Spontaneous Adventure

Goose Lake is a large alkaline lake in the Goose Lake Valley on the Oregon–California border in the United States.

That's Oregon on the other side. 

I hadn’t visited that place since my childhood. My father would go hunting for mule deer and antelope in the 60s, and we would set up camp. It always felt like a deserted wilderness. So, last week, I got the big idea to take a drive up there - I wanted to check out Goose Lake because of all the birds in that area and because it had been decades since I last visited.

It hasn't changed one bit. 

Modoc County is located in the northeastern corner of California, adjacent to Nevada and Oregon. This region is primarily focused on cattle ranching and hay production. There is only one incorporated town, Alturas, while the other towns have populations of fewer than 200 residents. There are no shopping malls or franchised businesses. 

 Their motto is: 

Where the West still lives. 

Since this was a spontaneous adventure, we got  Laydee and dashed off early in the morning - I didn't bring a picnic, as I usually do, figuring we could stop at a place to eat. We found nothing! And what local spots we did come across in Alturas were closed due to Labor Day weekend. Fortunately, we had water and some mixed nuts, and I had thrown in some M&M's. 

Too much Information

With so many places closed, it turned into quite the adventure just trying to find a decent bathroom! We eventually found one that was open, and let's just say it wasn't the best experience, but hey, when you have to go, you have to go!  

Accessing the lake is challenging because it is all private property owned by ranchers.  I think the only route to reach the lake is from the Oregon side. Goose Lake challenges traditional ideas about what a lake should look like. It is situated within a semi-closed drainage basin. It is locally known for its geothermal activity, featuring numerous hot springs and thermal wells. Many residences in this region are fortunate enough to have their own sources of instant hot water, providing an endless supply to meet their needs.

The climate, characterized as a high desert, experiences a light dusting of snow during the winter months, making the soothing warmth of hot water all the more inviting after a long day spent working on the ranch. 

It was Labor Day weekend, and we encountered very few people on the roads until we neared Shasta. It felt as though we had stepped into a scene from The Twilight Zone, with old towns that looked like they were from the 1920s or earlier. 

Vast ranches stretch as far as the eye can see, where free-range cattle roam freely. The landscape is alive with the presence of mule deer, elk, and antelope. Goose Lake, a true paradise for birdwatchers. The Lake is home to 152 bird species, as well as beavers, which play an important role in the ecosystem.

Today, I went grocery shopping with Foodie. I arrived home feeling exhausted, but I got everything done that needed to be done, and I think I did fine, or I would have left.  My son was very helpful, and my husband took care of unloading when I got home. 

Currently, my husband is purchasing tires for the Beast ahead of the winter rain expected in October and November. We also have to get new windshield wipers and other similar items. I’m really looking forward to it. I hope for another year of healthy precipitation and snowpack in the mountains. If it happens, this will mark the fourth consecutive year of excellent rain and snow, and most importantly, there will be no drought like the one we experienced for about ten years.

What do you have planned for the weekend? 

It feels like just yesterday we were enjoying a Labor Day weekend. We're sticking around to allow my knee to heal a bit more, so I can return to moderate swimming next week, if all goes well.  

Have a GREAT weekend. 

Debby

A late Sunday Post to Kick Off Labor Day!

Located 5 miles from the Oregon border and 8 miles from Nevada, we truly wished we could have gotten to the Tri-point where the three states meet. The high elevations and rough mountainous landscape were certainly beyond our capabilities (at least mine), but it was enjoyable to imagine it. There are no trails - you're basically bushwhacking to the point. Debby doesn't bushwhack! 

We paused here at the Davis Creek Community Church, which has been renovated and is located along the Applegate Trail to Oregon.

This church, a striking presence today, didn’t even exist back in the 1840s.  Established in 1880.  It recently secured state funding, and the necessary improvements are already visible. 

The Applegate Trail served as the southern route for Oregon pioneers, typically beginning in western Missouri and extending through Idaho. This trail is sometimes referred to as the California/Oregon Trail, highlighting its significance in the westward expansion of settlers during the 19th century.

The lake they are referring to is Goose Lake - 

Goose Lake is a large alkaline lake in the Goose Lake Valley on the Oregon-California border. (more on that later) 

The silence was so profound that you could almost hear a pin drop.

The above post was intended for Sunday, but I was unable to publish it in time. It appears that my enthusiasm for lap swimming on Friday, along with two water aerobics classes and going for a hike on Saturday, combined with sitting in the car for hours, was a bit overwhelming for my body. 

 

On Sunday morning, I woke up to find my right knee swollen, with soreness in the back that made it difficult to walk. Although I may feel "young" while I'm in the water, my body has a different perspective. I limped and hopped into church, hoping that no one would see my struggle. Ha! By the time I returned home, bending my knee caused me considerable pain. It’s nothing I can’t manage, but it brought back memories of when I had a knee replacement.

The "Doctor Debby" in me has concluded that I might have overexerted myself, possibly straining something.

Duh! 

 I think I've put too much pressure on my MCL from doing my favorite breaststroke in the pool. It doesn’t seem serious enough for a visit to the ER - plus, it's Labor Day, so hopefully, I can see Dr. B. If I can't get in tomorrow because of his hospital rounds, then perhaps on Wednesday. I could reach out to him at home, but I don’t feel it’s necessary.

I’ve been sitting on the sofa while my husband takes care of me. This morning, it felt somewhat better, but I still can't put any weight on my knee. It feels as though my knee has been wrapped in duct tape, and bending it is painful. However, there is some progress compared to yesterday.

I wrote down my thoughts during a moment of reflection:

My knee is swollen, painful, and it’s difficult to walk. Part of me wants to whine; but what good does that do? 

Finding contentment in all circumstances, even when dealing with a swollen, painful knee, is a profound aspect of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Philippians 4:11-13, where he shares that he has learned to be content in any situation, whether in need or in abundance. It's really easy to feel contentment when I’m feeling great; it's a spiritual discipline when I’m not. This contentment comes from the strength and peace that Christ provides, not from our external circumstances. 

As I lay here, with my leg propped up, oh Lord help with the throbbing pain but most importantly help me with my attitude. Your grace is sufficient, and your power is made perfect in weakness. Help me to rely on your strength to carry me through till Tuesday, when I can see my doctor.

Happy Labor Day to all who labor. A heartfelt shout-out to the medical professionals and first responders who work selflessly today. Your commitment inspires us all.