First impression of Mount Shasta? A gorgeous and humbling site to behold. It’s no wonder that the small town of Mt. Shasta seems to be filled with yoga schools and organic grocery stores. You feel in awe of nature with that big mountain looming overhead.
Even in June with 90-degree weather, the peak, the second highest one in the Cascade Range, was still dressed in snow. We hiked a little at its base in Bunny Flat (elevation 6,860 feet) wearing tank tops, jeans and cheapie hiking boots, feeling really silly as better-equipped hikers in snowpants who wielded hiking poles trudged past us.
Since we weren’t allowed to hike to 10,000 feet without a permit, not that we were gonna, we stopped at the treeline before the mountain grade got steep. Just as well since we didn’t have the waterproof boots or even the balance to move across the snow without slipsliding all over the place. I felt like a drunk person stumbling home after a long night at the bar, or rather flashbacked to last Saturday night.
I would have liked to explore the hiking trails without all the snow. As it was, hiking with soggy socks is not fun. So if you ever have a hankering for serious hiking, head north to Shasta between June and September and make sure to pack smart.
605 miles from L.A.
Sounds like you might enjoy Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums.
Thanks for the tip. I was looking for something to read on the trip.
Did I miss the post explaining what kind of road trip you’re on? I’m straight up nosey.
My first sight if Mt Shasta was when I was coming back from a one night turn around trip to Vancouver (to see the Sharks get killed by the Canucks). I woke up as we came down the five at daybreak and it was a beautiful sight to see such a magestic mountain in that light.
It was like waking up next to someone that makes your early morning eyes smile.
I didn’t get an explanation either, Robert. And I’m a blood relative. Caroline? Hello? What are you doing and why?
Oh, I’m taking a long road trip to Vancouver, BC, and back. Thought it would be a fun thing to do for my bday since I’ve never done that before and have always wanted to. My friend at work had to go to Vancouver on business and I just tagged along. So we stopped in places in Oregon and Washington and on the way back we’re driving along the Lost Coast. It’s about 2,400 roundtrip.
You mean THIS isn’t your job?
No, THIS is my addiction which I support with my legitimate full-time job. :)