First things first. This isn't about getting to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's about finding Lassen in your heart and mind. Question? "So how do I get to Lassen?" Hmm. Maybe I wasn't clear. The purpose here is more, um, more of an emotional and hypothetical journey than a literal one. Yes, ma'am? "Are there … Continue reading How To Find Lassen
Lassen
Peekaboo!
The internet is populated by brilliant wildlife photographers. To reinforce this point, I googled "wildlife photography." Big mistake. I easily get lost for hours browsing stunning pictures of exotic places, incredible views, candid moments and gorgeous scenery, all captured in crisp and vibrant detail by dedicated amateurs and true professionals. And then there's me. My photography is comparable to the … Continue reading Peekaboo!
Bumpass Hikers: The Foolish
A hike to the geothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park known as "Bumpass Hell" in 2015 revealed a smorgasbord of hiking styles: prepared, not prepared, polite, rude, curious, oblivious, observant, selfish, selfless, etc. So let's count down the winners (and losers)! THE FOOLISH 3. THE BOY WHO CRIED "OUCH!" = In a general sense, third place goes to the many, … Continue reading Bumpass Hikers: The Foolish
Bumpass Hikers: The Bad
A hike to the geothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park known as "Bumpass Hell" in 2015 revealed a smorgasbord of hiking styles: prepared, not prepared, polite, rude, curious, oblivious, observant, selfish, selfless, etc. So let's count down the winners (and losers)! THE BAD 3. THE SORE WINNER = Only minutes after embarking on our hike (about a three-hour round trip), Cindy … Continue reading Bumpass Hikers: The Bad
Bumpass Hikers: The Good
A hike to the geothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park known as "Bumpass Hell" in 2015 revealed a smorgasbord of hiking styles: prepared, not prepared, polite, rude, curious, oblivious, observant, selfish, selfless, etc. So let's count down the winners (and losers)! THE GOOD 3. THE CHIPMUNK WHISPERER = This young girl makes the list despite breaking a cardinal rule of the … Continue reading Bumpass Hikers: The Good
Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
Two years ago, a trip to Lassen Volcanic N.P. coalesced into a definitive experience, a perfect fusion of the right factors, the right place, and the right time. Out of that experience, I determined to refocus my writing around my passions, a decision which eventually led to this blog. The connections on that Lassen trip ultimately … Continue reading Opportunity Knocks (Me Around)
In Memorium: Peter Lassen
The grave and headstone and monument for Peter Lassen, after who Lassen Volcanic National Park was named, are located in a funky little semi-private graveyard outside Susanville, CA. You can see both to the right and left of the tree directly behind the gate. The building you see shelters the monument: The link above to his grave (California Historical … Continue reading In Memorium: Peter Lassen
Volcanic Storytelling: Introduction
An oft highlighted feature of Lassen Volcanic National Park, referenced in every description I've so far read about the park, includes a version of this claim: Represented in the park are all four types of volcanoes found in the world--shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. ~ NPS Website: Lassen Volcanic National Park In contrast, check out … Continue reading Volcanic Storytelling: Introduction
Book Review: Legendary Truths
Reading through Ken Johnston's Legendary Truths: Peter Lassen & His Gold Rush Trail in Fact & Fable, I kept asking myself, "Who is this written for?" Sara Balmuth - in her review found here - addresses the same issue (and gives a fair summary of the book, a bit more than what is already covered in the title). Her conclusion … Continue reading Book Review: Legendary Truths
Campfire Tales 