Lassen Volcano

I hiked Lassen Volcano for the third summer in a row with Tamara Lopez and her son Joaquin. As usual, the hike to the summit went by quickly, and the scenery was spectacular. This was my second Cascade volcano summit of the year...I hope to do a third in November.

Founder's Grove and Trinidad State Beach

My aunt and uncle from Kansas visited me during early/mid August. The pictures below are from day trips we took to Founder's Grove--an area of spectacular redwood trees in Southern Humboldt County; and Trinidad State Beach--one of the most scenic beaches in Northern California.

Ferndale Cemetery

The Ferndale, CA cemetery; established during the 1870s; is one of many historic landmarks in that victorian-styled town.

Seven Up Peak - Trinity Alps

I summited Seven Up Peak in the Trinity Alps on August 11th. The hike to Granite Lake took 2 hours, and then I ascended up a second basin that was very scenic. I reached a high pass by my third hour of hiking, and then traversed along the west face of Seven Up for a bit before going directly up toward the summit. The ascent was a long wearisome struggle the entire way due to the incredible steepness of the slope combined with loose rock and dirt. Nevertheless the effort paid off and I reached the top at around midday. After a rest, I decided to head down via the east face of Seven Up. That was a mistake...I spent the next hour sliding, falling, skidding, and bushwhacking...it was a miserable experience. Needless to say I was happy to finally reach the trail that took me back down past Granite Lake and toward Swift Creek. Unfortunately a hornets nest awoke as I approached Swift Creek and I was swarmed and stung repeatedly on my legs and back. I swatted the hornets away and ran; and luckily the hornets gave up the chase. A couple ahead of me also got stung and they graciously gave me a Benadryl which helped alleviate pain and swelling.