THE Trip - Day 4 (Flexibility prevails)

So far on this trip, two mantras have evolved….

“Technology is wonderful – especially GPS”

This is code for when we get geographically turned around, the city has inexplicably moved, or we need to find a gas station- quickly.

“Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility”

An alternative statement for too many options on things to do and not enough time or we sense an adult about to exhibit a 3-year old’s pout.

More mantras are sure to be added as the trip progresses; but these two are well on the way to leading the list.

Today was an example of mantra #2.   Yesterday we ran out of time at Lassen Volcanic National Park to take a second hike to a waterfall which ‘would have been perfect on a hot day.’  After discussions and a look at the map, a waterfall hike was found in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Forests on our route from the Interstate 5 over the Coastal Mountain Range to the Pacific Coast.  Revisions in our hotel arrangements were made to add an extra day in Northern CA and all was settled.

Flexibility proved well-worth it.   The hike was rated moderate/difficult for 3.5 miles round trip with about 800 feet elevation ----- but oh so wonderful.  Pictures are worth a 1,000 words.  

At the trail start

 

The trail heads steadily upward

At the beautiful and cool end - with a mostly downhill return!!