6.15 Lake Helen, Mount Shasta (Avalanche Gulch Trail)
After a rough Saturday night, the 'lady' is not herself. There is always a beginning--here comes the editor 'Welcome to Lake Helen, throw a log on the fire, one whiskey coming up, double of course' Looking down snowfield towards Shasta City & mountains beyond “Pack a swimsuit and towel , we’re going to the lake today,” our editor commanded. “Where?” We wanted to know. “Should we take the red one as well as the blue in case we do a lot of swimming?” “Seeing you only have one with you, Smart Alec, take it. We are climbing to 10,400 feet with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet, a distance of eight miles round-trip. By that time, you will be sweating profusely; the water will be inviting presuming you make it. Good idea?” A view of the peak—coming over a crest After learning the terminology from the southern gang the previous night, the wedding party guests we mentioned, we nearly exclaimed, ‘Yee-haw’. However, we are not ready to be a Texan just ye...