Our first hike in Lassen was a beautiful June day at home, comfortably in the 90's. The park is a 45 minute drive from home, could it be that different?
When we arrived at the summit trailhead parking lot, the snow surprised us. We noticed that as hikers descended from their climb, they could have been returning from an REI convention. Covered in down, wool hats, thick socks and boots, they were quite a contrast to our shorts, thin jeans, light jackets, walking shoes and baseball caps! Lucero grabbed the utility car rug (a welcome wrap!), Michael said, "oh, it couldn't be that bad."
We did okay the first quarter up the trail, then when we turned more northerly, the wind hit us. Stubborn as we are, we carried on, reached the summit, hardly enjoyed it for the biting cold, and could only envision the car with a heater! No frostbite, but lesson learned!
Since that first hike, we've found lots of beautful, challenging hiking trails and bicycle routes in the park. We now wait until after labor day when the crowds are gone and the tempertures more mild. After the 2022 Dixie Fire we hiked amidst an ash terrain that not only reflected the destruction, but the renewing life cycle. Our parks need protection and we need to speak up for our National Parks!
Daily WrenWood 