California's Mt. Shasta 14 150'

Tuesday 19th

After Crater Lake, we stopped for the night in Klammath Falls. We were in no hurry to cross back into California—Oregon is very much alive within us. We wanted to hold on a little longer. Okay, enough with the nonsense. By the way, the lake in this part of the world is immense. One could be mistaken in thinking of it as a sea.

After a slow start struggling with the stock market forces and other business activities, we tied our boots firmly for our assault on Mount Shasta. Could you envision Shasta shaking in ‘its boots’? Neither could we. We have read about the dangers encountered on this magnificent mountain, so we were cautious.


Actually a lot of fun!

We also realized that we were unprepared for a full climb in both equipment and time, not to mention mindset. Nevertheless, it was extremely disappointing for the editor’s spouse to turn back at 2:30pm, our agreed cut-off time. By the deadline, we had hiked/climbed 3.5 miles and 2,600 feet. We did it quickly.



"Easier" than it looks!

The last mile included 1,000 feet elevation gain. Our muscles, bones and other odd bits of body proved to be strong and agile, notwithstanding the strenuous climb. It has created a taste for the future.


Our turn around point 1/2 way up Shasta

We met two-teams of climbers on their ascent, some with seventy pounds on their backs. We spent a little time talking. One fellow offered us money to help him with his burden. We had to refuse as our editor was fully loaded—what with her carrying both our backpacks, it just did not seem fair. If nothing else, we never like to take advantage. Call us a ‘softy’, if you would.



Lunch on the slopes!

The second group was actually a sole climber. He identified our accents as Scottish when we passed him, offering salutations. He wanted to discuss South African wines with us. What value could we add to a conversation? Yikes, we only know about reds and whites—nothing about all the other colors. Then he got specific about a particular smoky, red wine—ideal with beef—he mentioned, expecting an intelligent reply. Got us again as we ‘don’t do red meat’. Before he asked us about our…we took off and may have reached the first summit in record time. He in fact took our photograph—cost us ‘fifty bucks’.




Today’s hike was an incredible experience. We have been out of the state for the last three months and a further month in June. We forgot just how beautiful it really is, especially in the north and central parts. Okay, okay and in San Diego, too. We wish you weren’t so sensitive. Anyway, the mountain ranges in the area, stretching all the way to Redding, are fabulous. If one lived to be 120 years, one could not see an iota of the depth of natural beauty the world has to offer. Maybe, that’s why the soul lives on—it takes over from the physical receptacle.


Shasta summit from 'our' summit

We’ll say goodnight before we appear to be ‘over the top’.

Cheers,

Jenni and ‘Delirious Jeffrey’, still on a high.