Autumn in Northern California

We have been having such a wonderful Indian Summer this month that we just needed to go camping.  Our friends ask us to join them as we journeyed to Northern California.  We were going to explore Lassen National Park,  also Hat Creek is there and it is a world class trout fishery.  This is an easy 1/2 drive for us so we were all for it.  There is no cell service there but then we hardly had time to miss it.  We sat by the fire every night and enjoyed the view and great conversation.  I did finally figure out which outlets brought cable TV to the trailer.  We were hoping to watch the Oregon game but no luck but they won anyway.  GO DUCKS!!
We had a great day exploring Subway Cave and our First day in Lassen Nat Park we got to the visitor center and took the 1.8 mile walk around Manzanita Lake, the head waters for Hat Creek.  We planned to go back the next day to hike some more.  I think the most essential skill for folks on the road is ADAPTABILITY.  Our second day I pulled up to the ranger window at Lassen and handed over my old folks free entry pass.  The ranger looks at us smiles and points to a sign that says Vehicle Free Day.  I grin and say I guess you don't need our free pass today.  Ranger gets puzzled look on his face and says to the poor old woman,  well Vehicle Free Day means we are not allowing any motorized vehicles in the park today. You can drive to the visitor center but no further.  Today is dedicated to bikers and hikers.  4 really crabby folks gave the ranger well practiced stink eye and turned around.  Disappointment reigned.  Well we are all a creative bunch and we decided to explore and see what we could find.  We hit the jackpot.  We found the Manton Valley AVA

Bird on a rock in Hat Creek

 Great hosts, better wines and fair prices.  Thank goodness we had a wonderful designated driver in Greg.  He did cause some concern with the route he chose to take home but as usual he came through with flying colors.

Water is flowing just fine

We hurried back to camp as Bobbi's family was going to join us for dinner.  It was really good to see everyone.  It was a great time catch up and hear all of Jim's new versions of his stories!!    

Bird's Nest behind our camp spot

Our little bit of heaven with friends

This coot dove all the way to the bottom
 of Manzanita Lake
 and came up in camo.

Subway Cave

Manzanita Lk and Mt Lassen

Some carnivore has been eating squirrel!!!

We really had a great time in this part of California and would recommend it.

Fall Colors along Hat creek