Brokeoff Peak

A few weeks ago I hiked Brokeoff peak in Lassen Park. It was my first venture on this trail and I was thoroughly pleased with my decision to go. I had actually planned to climb Lassen Peak but the trail was closed. Not one to give up a day in the woods I switched to Brokeoff. The hike took me through a variety of  surroundings: Deep forest, lush meadows, barren wind swept rock, each one has it's own appeal and I find them all fascinating. The pictures below are in order ( 92.3% accuracy) from trail head to peak. Enjoy the journey.

Just the view from the parking lot is worth the trip

The first part of the trail winds through a passage of trees and bushes that resemble a tunnel it is pretty cool.

As I gained elevation the view of Lassen just kept getting better.

The lower part of the trail travels through some amazing stands of pine and fir trees.

I had been wondering if I would find any fresh animal tracks and I found this the next time I stopped.

The picture does not do justice to this view of this pond. It is an amazing mix of rock, plant and water coming together in  perfect harmony. I would have stayed here longer if I had the time to spare. 

This shot was taken at the edge of the pond.

Farther up the trail there was another meadow that the trail crossed. My lovely and observant wife pointed out that this looks like a heart. Which it does.

This was my view of Brokeoff as I crossed the meadow.

The north end of the meadow was broken into multiple ponds. The grass was amazingly green.

As I started to clear the tree line the view to the east was fantastic.

I don't know exactly what it is about this picture. As I was traveling along I looked up and saw this stump laying over and the contrast of the old wood and the new green growth struck me. 

As I continued on the trail it took me to the backside of the stump where this little guy was having lunch.

No hike is complete without at least one deer.

Moving out of the trees and into the open has it's rewards.

South

Pretty much above tree line now. The view just keeps getting better.

I am always amazed at the damage that snow can do. The force of the snow pushing down caused this tree to split and then bend. It's pretty awesome to look at.

As I reached the turn of the last switchback I found a side trail that leads north west to the edge of Brokeoff. I got my first look a Mt Shasta from here.

North

Just to prove I was really there.

This is an amazing spot to look down from. The drop from the top of Brokeoff is almost 1100 ft.

Lassen Peak

View from the top

Mt Shasta

Looking West towards Redding. That's my gear on the rocks. Well that's it. It was one of the better hikes I have done and I will certainly be going back. I hope to climb it again when there is snow for a slightly different experience.

Winter

Winter has finally come to the North State.The seasonal creeks are flowing again from all the rain we are getting, the mountains have their first coat of snow and the temperatures are finally gotten down into the fifty's. For those of you that are not familiar with Redding weather that is a 50+ degree drop from the summer temps. I try to take Gunnar ( My 110lb black lab) out for a hike at least once a week but during the summer it is hard to be consistent due to the heat but during the winter the weather is seldom a problem. Today we had the opportunity to hike in the rain. It has been a while since we have taken a trip so he was especially enthusiastic. The weather was perfect 55deg and pouring rain. We took a trail up into the hills north west of town which we hike often. The sound of the wind and rain as it moves through the trees is a unique sound. One of the most relaxing and peaceful sounds there is and today was no exception. It is amazing what walking in the rain for a few hours can do for your stress level. I take these weekly hikes to give Gunnar the room to run that he needs ( with all his running back and forth he does about twice the mileage I do) but also to break away for just a few hours from the constant noise of civilization that surrounds us. Of all the things I do each week to stay healthy I think this is the most important. It is like rebooting your computer. All the junk that has built up and is slowing things down gets dumped and it starts up fresh. Well that is all for now. In the next few days I hope to post some more pictures of my recent hikes.

 This is Gunnar trying out his new pack last summer. At his size he plenty capable of carrying his own stuff.

Web cam shot of Lassen Park today. It is not a lot of snow but it is a start.

Here and there

Here are a few pictures of where I have been over the last year or so.

 Wee Bear lake Trinity Alps

 Brokeoff Mountain Lassen Park

 Castle Lake

 MacArthur Falls

 Little Bear lake Trinity Alps

 Chamise Peak Shasta County

 Shasta Bally Shasta County

 Lassen Park

 Mama bear and cubs Sequoia National Park California

The begining

 This is my first attempt at blogging. My reasons for this are simple. At the age of 44 I realized I had stopped spending time in the woods like I used to and I missed it. So over the last year I have begun getting out as often as I can and reacquainting myself with the back country.  As I shared my experiences with others they asked to see pictures, wanted to know what I had planned and sometimes why I was doing it. So it occurred to me while sitting on the top of a mountain that a blog would allow me to share my love of the outdoors with my friends and keep everyone that is interested up to date. I also on occasion wax philosophical when I am out in the woods. I think this has to do with the solitude and the beauty around me and at higher altitudes lack of oxygen. As these thoughts occur I now have a venue to share them. I will endeavor to keep my post interesting and not to long. For those who check in thank you for sharing in my journey.

Before I finish I would like to thank my father for sharing with me at a very young age the wonders of the wilderness. My best and fondest memories of my childhood are of our adventures together of which there are many. Thanks Dad  

Barbarossa (Red beard)