The manager, Shawna, ‘dragged’ us ‘out of the Inn’ yesterday as she needed room for a crowd from England and Spain. Many people visit Shasta for the vortex, the energy, the ‘light’ and probably a host of other reasons. We lack many attributes but are not without a spiritual side; we seek it from a different source. Nevertheless, in this region as in so many others, our spirits soar and our energy levels drain. Perhaps we too, should be looking for more energy. Our editor mentioned that less hiking would conserve it—there you are. We hope she is joking because after a night’s sleep, we are raring to go…back to sleep.
Seven nights at the Inn in Shasta and we needed one more so we could enjoy our final hike in the area making it six, a full-house. ‘No room’ so we traveled six miles south, arriving in the town of Dunsmuir. The town itself may not be a world wonder but the surroundings are unbelievable. It is like being in the best parts of Oregon—trees, mountains and more trees. We needed some provisions so we ‘popped’ into the grocery store. Everybody knew each other and it struck us as a place of social gatherings. ‘What are you doing tonight? The girls are meeting at the fresh fruit-stand; the boys are over at the beer fridge; Jeffrey’s at the soda machine.’ Remove our stylish hats; we’d look just like locals. Hmm! Northern California is so different from the southern part, in our opinion, that it appears the only things in common are the licence plates and name. It feels like we’re in Oregon.
It is amazing that one finds unique spots almost daily. Castle Crags Park is just one of them. It provides fascinating viewing and opportunity for playing on these unusual and very large boulder/rock formations and crags. The hike is a fraction under six miles but we increased it by another mile for a reason that shall remain unwritten. The elevation gain is a relentless 2,500 feet through a forest for nearly 2 miles followed by a stone and rock path. It is a great hike if only for the workout but of course, the feel and surroundings make it quite exceptional. Thereafter, one gets above the trees and is presented with unusual views of these boulders and jagged rocks, in many shapes, forms and sizes. It includes the dome, a view of Mount Shasta, a myriad of mountain ranges on all sides and deep valleys covered in trees. To put it simply, it’s gorgeous.
After struggling and sweating for forty minutes up the steep incline, our editor exclaimed, “You have a screw loose.” We knew it was tough but her criticism surprised us. We mentioned this to her. “Your sunglasses,” she explained. “The screw has fallen out; that’s why they appear broken.” Aha! They are a very special gift received from the Sneag’s, so we were most relieved.
Our stay in Shasta was memorable for many reasons, of course, the hiking and climbing being superb. Also, we continue to learn about the hospitality industry. We can see that ‘saving the world’ plays right into their budgets. “Re-use the towels, short showers only, conserve electricity, eat healthy, lean breakfasts... are stressed. We can’t help being a little cynical about this ‘green attitude’. These ideas reduce services to guests thus lowering costs for the operator. Good deal! Perhaps, we are unfair.
Anyway, the Inn served health foods, many with the necessary kosher symbols. There was plenty of healthy foods available though; more than enough to keep a person hungry. What tickled us is when we noticed the weekly staff luncheon in progress last Friday. The menu: Pizzas with multi-toppings, sodas with caffeine and of course, chocolate cake and ice-cream to complete the snack. Now that’s what we call 'healthy living'.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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