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

Just another lazy Saturday

 

It's around 10:00 am, and we have just reached Castle Lake, located west of Mt. Shasta and close to Lake Siskiyou.

This morning, I felt a spark of excitement for a "senior" adventure! So, Pa, our senior dog, Laydee, and I climbed into the old car and headed a bit north. 

The weather was simply too glorious to stay home.  The recent storms left beautiful snow on the mountains, and I always love to witness it for myself. 

What a perfect day to explore and soak up the stunning scenery. 

With temperatures around 39 degrees, at the lake, the shade felt a bit chilly, but in the sun, we were perfectly comfortable! I wore a sweater with a furry vest, the perfect combo for our adventure. I prefer lighter layers, especially knowing it would warm up as we hiked. 

While the snow may not be piling up just yet, it's on the horizon! After all, we're in the midst of the beautiful fall season, and you can almost feel that chilly excitement in the air. 

Get ready for the winter wonderland that's just around the corner!

It was 2011, and a magical scene unfolded as the lake lay blanketed in a thick layer of ice. The world around seemed to pause, creating a serene winter wonderland about an hour away. 

For someone from the Bay Area, this was really different to me. 

It’s been since 2011 that we had the chance to venture up there in the winter - and to think this was supposedly a drought year! 😉

Laydee bravely stepped into the icy water. 

Labs have an undeniable passion for water, and if we hadn't stopped her, she would have eagerly leaped in for a swim!

Several families showed off their cheerful Christmas sweaters and captured a moment with their cameras.  Perhaps holiday photo cards are in the works! My husband even snapped a picture of one family against this festive backdrop.

Let's follow this trail...

Glistening patches of ice scattered like jewels across the ground. 

I just spotted my very first snow patches of the season! 

WARNING: cozy winter months ahead!

☃

I encountered something on the trail today I don't see all the time - needle ice! For those of you living in the northern regions, this might be a familiar sight during winter. 

So, what exactly is needle ice? 

It forms when soil temperatures are above freezing, while the air above drops below 32°F. This causes underground water to rise to the surface through capillary action, freezing into stunning, needle-like columns. Typically, this enchanting process happens at night when temperatures are at their lowest. You’ll often find needle ice along stream banks or soil terraces, creating a beautiful winter spectacle. 

Isn’t nature amazing?

A sweet little creek...

I just came across the cutest little Charlie Brown Christmas tree! It's so charming in its own unique way -  the perfect embodiment of holiday spirit. 

Now here's a memory that takes me back to my childhood! Every Christmas, we would venture into the Santa Cruz mountains to chop down our own Christmas tree.  In the early years after we moved here, we’d get a permit from the Forest Service to explore designated areas in search of our tree, surrounded by beautiful snow. It was always a fun adventure with our family. 

The last time we cut down this perfectly gorgeous tree in the forest, I felt sad. I questioned my decision.  The next year, we went to a Christmas Tree lot - and that was fine, but the prices were over $100+, so we finally opted for the convenience and price of an artificial tree, which has become our go-to. 

Behold the majestic Pacific silver fur, standing proud and still, a picture of effortless elegance. Its beauty captivates the eye, inviting you to bask in its tranquil presence.

Isn't it incredible how much more beautiful it looks in these natural surroundings than when covered in lights and artificial decorations? 

Just like our Creator made it. 

At this point, my husband made his way back to the car with Laydee since his back was acting up, and I wanted to ensure he stayed safe. I happily expressed my desire to capture a few more photos, so I continued on my hike. 

I truly wish we had gathered our chairs and simply soaked in all this breathtaking beauty together, but this time, Laydee joined us, and we’re genuinely dedicated to creating an adventure for her, enthusiastically embracing the experience, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort!

Patches of snow lingered on the ground, remnants of the earlier snowfall, but the sunshine promised warmth. 

Just at that moment, my eyes caught something extraordinary...

I caught a breathtaking glimpse of "The Mountain" towering in the distance!

As I drew nearer, a thrill of capturing the photo surged within me

Despite the chill and climbing over rocks, my mind drifts to rattlesnakes. By now, they're cozily huddled together for warmth, posing no real danger. 

But still...

I decided to head back to the car where my husband was. 

He prefers I stay close, but the invigorating cool air makes my heart race! Autumn, winter, and spring are my favorite seasons for hiking.

As we drove down the winding road, we suddenly spotted the perfect moment to pause. I couldn't resist the urge to capture the beauty around us, so we stopped for a quick photo opportunity.

Nestled just a short distance down the slope, Black Butte (a volcanic plug dome) beckons with its charm and beauty.

There she is!

Mt. Shasta stands majestically, a true gem of FAR Northern California and the proud namesake of our county. 

As we made our way back home, I couldn't help but admire the stunning clouds that filled the sky. 

cirrus clouds?

We’re almost home, and the weather is a perfect 73 degrees! 

What a lovely day

This is as vibrant a display of Fall colors as we can expect around here!

Here's our charming little bridge!

We’re almost home.  Just in time to enjoy lunch and settle in for a cozy nap!

As we journey across the shimmering expanse of Lake Shasta, I know home awaits us. Even Laydee perked up - her curiosity ignited. Isn't it something how they can pick up on the scents all around them, and I know she knew she was almost home. 

I believe we all really needed this boost this morning!

I really appreciate you coming along! Maybe, just maybe, later in the season I'll be able to share some beautiful snow with you!

Remember that you are never alone; God is with you every step of the way, offering His peace and strength. Whatever challenges you may face, trust that His grace is sufficient and His love is unfailing.

Hiking Weather

 

The weather has been fantastic for the past few days! We've enjoyed warm temperatures, reaching over 80 degrees, with yesterday being the hottest at 84. However, we're expecting rain to start tonight around 10 p.m. and it will continue into Sunday and Monday.

So we were not going to let this good weather go to waste...

this is hiking weather! 🥾

This is the bike trail we did not go on - 

We live and "recreation" on the ancestral land of the Wintu people, a local Native California tribe. 

Source: Outbound

On Wednesday afternoon, after I returned home from my Bible study group, we decided to go for a hike—my first one of the year. It wasn't a long hike, as I had to turn back at the halfway point. As I made my way up the trail, I quickly realized that I was pushing myself a bit too hard for this 71 year old body.  Although I had to hike back down, the good news was that the path downhill was easier. If I had continued on, I would have had to make a long trip back up, and I just wasn't up for that challenge. I took my time and was extra cautious because there were some muddy spots along the way.

I had a great time, but I felt disappointed in myself. When I mentioned this to my son, he replied, "Mom, you really need to prepare for those hikes, especially if you haven't been climbing steep inclines." 

Yeah yeah yeah - 

We didn’t encounter anyone else while we were out. When we arrived home, I was completely exhausted, and I slept very soundly Wednesday night. 

On Thursday morning, I woke up to the sounds of birds chirping. While my back felt sore, my legs and feet were doing just fine. To help ease the stiffness, I decided to take a walk behind our neighborhood. It's not a long walk—about 2 miles. I find that if I keep moving, I don't get stiff.

There's a piece of land for sale where this pond sits, and we couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to buy it and build a home with a view of the pond. It would be such an easy move—just 0.4 miles from our current house!

 I'd stock it with fish! 

Decades ago, this area was for cattle ranching and there are many of these cattle ponds back here. 

Typically, there are goats on this property - I did hear some donkeys in the distance. 

There are quite a few coyotes in this area. We've lost 2 outdoor cats to coyotes. If you live in a rural place, you might already be familiar with this, but it's something I've learned over the 17 years we've lived here. Donkeys can be really helpful in keeping coyotes away! These friendly animals are great at protecting their space. It might sound a bit unusual, but there's a good reason for this. Donkeys make deep sounds, known as brays, that coyotes find unpleasant. Because of this, coyotes prefer to stay away from areas where donkeys are present.

Sometimes we will be sitting on our patio and hear donkeys. Now that's a sound you don't hear in San Francisco! 

The road is on the left - 

We're still within city limits - it feels like we're in the country.

I love that I live here. I have easy access to nature while still being close to town. 

You can see the pond from another angle, but it really needs a lot of cleaning. People have thrown away all sorts of things there, including sofas and other trash. I even spotted a TV sticking out of the water once! We also noticed broken fluorescent light bulbs, which are dangerous to the environment. I tried calling the city, but this property is considered county and it is on private property. 

There has been some cleanup done, but we still have people who camp in that area, make campfires, and leave their trash behind.

I continued my walk - on this dirt road. 

My goodness, these cheery tree blossoms were gorgeous. 

I loved this curly type of cactus. I'm not sure if it is a ribbed cactus.

On Friday, I went grocery shopping with my son and took care of some errands. Meanwhile, my husband and his daughter went for a hike near the Keswick Dam, and he sent me some photos from their adventure.

The city and county use goats to help clear vegetation—it takes a herd a day to clear 14 acres. It looks like these three wandered away from their designated area and ended up in a parking lot.

pyracantha bush

Initially, I mistook these for PVC pipes, entwined within the flowers but it turns out they're actually the white branches. 

They're known as Bookbrush.

These are interesting, too. This is a species of willow. 

By Friday afternoon, I started to feel some discomfort in my mid to lower back. I've noticed that sometimes it takes a full day after a strenuous hike for the soreness to kick in.  Despite that, I couldn't just relax because we had plans to meet my son and his wife for our monthly Double Date Night! We both were celebrating our February wedding anniversaries. 

It was their turn to choose, so we met up at Cattlemen's Steak House. By the time we got home, I was completely exhausted. I changed into my pajamas and barely made it to 9:30 PM!

Foodie texted me this older photo of Mt Shasta from his many hiking treks up that way. 

Today, I have been resting and finishing up my bible study (Revelation 17) 

It is a lot cooler today at 74 and those wispy white clouds are moving in. 

Wow! I just realized today is March 1st. Happy March, everyone! And Happy Spring, too! I hope you’re all feeling cheerful and well!

 Until later...

Debby