The deputy Mayor and Mayor himself stopped enroute back to Tahoma from Ashland where we conferenced with the Minister of Aviation on aeronautics of course. Driving south, we decided to go the route less traveled; Highway 89 over Mt Lassen-the other 'active' volcano in California. We had tried this route a few years back, but were bested by heavy snow that blocked the highway completely. We had to double back to Sacramento to pick up I -5.
Monday was a beautiful day, despite a growing wild fire near Auburn/Foresthill. We stopped for lunch at the USFS camp ground at Mesquite Lake. The camper store had fresh sandwiches which filled the bill. We picnic'd under the pines.
From there we ascended the east side of the mountain where the road bends around lava flows and rock outcroppings that line the path. We parked at the trail head that leads to the summit. Signs informed us that snow blocks the last mile of trail to the summit. Darn, wanted to check the view.
After we left the parking lot we descended on 89, but picked out the sign noting the sulphur 'pot' boiler nearby and stopped to investigate. Amazing, a boiling mud puddle with a large warning: do not touch-severe burns will occur! These mud holes sit on top of volcanic steam vents with roots deep inside the old volcano. In springtime and summer, melting snow water creates the liquid version of the fumerole- with squirting, gurgling, hissing mud. The stench of sulphur hangs in the air and yellow dust lines the runoff rill across the road.. Signs tell the story and explain the geology of the process. And then, back on the road.
By the time we got to Sierravill/ Sattley, the smoke in the valley was extremely dense, limiting visibility to less than a mile. The ride over the summit to Truckee eventually cleared, and the town was its normal self: no smoke.
With highway construction and various delays, we made the trip in about 9 hours. Not too bad.
Did you know that Mt. Lassen is in "Shasta County"?
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