Lassen Part IV - Going Home

The last day at Lassen wasn't really a day. We spent the morning cleaning and packing up, took a few pictures, and said goodbye to the great outdoors. Once we got back to my parent's house, we spent one more day in California, and then it was back to Texas. For some reason it was really hard to come back to Texas this year. You'd think that being away from family would get easier over time, but it seems to get harder every year. The silver lining is that I'm happy to have a family I miss rather than a family I can't wait to leave behind. And besides, we're already talking about next summer . . . 

Lassen Part III - Mt. Lassen

On the third day of our Lassen trip we decided it was time to go climb a volcano. We were either going to hike Cinder Cone or Mt. Lassen. There were pros and cons to both, but after much deliberation, Mt. Lassen was the winner. Up until that day I'd never hiked Lassen - never even attempted it. Why? Because it's steep switchbacks most of the way up, and there's nothing but sharp volcanic rock to catch you on your way down if you fall and plummet to your death. It's an Acrophobic's nightmare. But, we were there and I decided that hiking Mt. Lassen was the best way to face my fear of heights head on. 

The beginning of the hike has a pretty steep drop off as you hit the first switchback. Poor Ainsley saw what we were up against and couldn't push herself past it, so she stayed behind with my mom and dad, who weren't planning on hiking the whole way up. The first mile or so of the hike is steep, but there are trees and shrubbery all around, so it wasn't too bad. I just kept telling myself I would go as far as I could go. As the trees and shrubbery became sparse my heart rate started to increase, and it wasn't from the hiking. I kept my head down and stayed close to the inside of the trail. I was thinking I might be able to make it to the top, but there was a pretty good chance I would need to be air lifted off because going down is always worse. 

 

Landon wanted to be the first Yarbrough ever to reach the summit of Mt. Lassen, so he made sure he was always in front. John took lots of pictures. He kept telling me not to turn around to see what was behind me when he was taking a picture. He would show me why later, haha. Also, I'm smiling on the outside but trembling on the inside. As we continued to climb, Kaylee started getting altitude sickness. She was a little dizzy, a little out of breath, and tired. We gave her lots of water, a snack, and slowed down a bit. She was a trooper!

Eventually we made it to the top. Not the summit, but the top. Landon and Kaylee were excited to see snow. There wasn't much, but when you live in Texas any snow is awesome. After playing in the snow it was time for those of us with enough guts to brave the summit. I gave it a go, but as we started to hike I just couldn't make myself go any farther. I sat down on a rock while the rest of them continued. And then, I decided that I'd made it so far already, what was one more extremely steep and slippery climb? So I started making (basically crawling) my way up. And, guess what? I made it! I was shaking so badly by the time I reached the summit that my brother noticed. But I did it! I hiked to the summit of Mt. Lassen. DIFTP Yo!

Ainsley and my parents were there to greet us at the bottom. Turns out they had an adventure of their own. My mom helped Ainsley and my dad with their fear of heights. They hiked quite a ways up. Far enough that they could actually see us thanks to Chris' red shirt. They took lots of their own pictures. Of course, my dad was taking the pictures, so he wasn't in any of them. It was a day full of fun, adventure, and lots of little (and big) successes.

Lassen Part II - Subway Cave & Hat Creek

On our second full day of our Lassen trip we toured Subway Cave then headed to Hat Creek for some fishing. Landon, the boy who said he was going to be the first Eagle Scout who never fished, changed his mind after he watched Ainsley catch her first fish. We let that first fish go, and I think he decided he liked the idea of catch and release. The problem with catch and release was that we didn't really have the proper hooks, and we were planning on having trout for dinner that night. When Landon saw one of the caught fish struggle and bleed, he was done. He hates the thought of harming a fish. I'll admit that it's a little hard for me to watch too.

He and I decided to go for a hike while the rest of the crew kept fishing. Our goal was to find calmer water so we could dip our feet in the river without feeling like we were going to get washed away. We did find calmer water but hadn't anticipated the iciness. As Landon finished taking off his shoes I stepped into the river and realized I'd never felt colder water in my life. It was so cold it almost burned. I couldn't even wait for Landon to join me. After I hopped out, Landon gave it a try. He dipped in a few toes and decided the river was not meant for human feet. We hiked a little more then headed back. 

It was a very successful day of fishing. I doubt it had anything to do with the fact that the river had been stocked that very morning. Haha! We brought back five trout for dinner. I found a pretty delicious looking recipe so we stuffed the fish and grilled them. We're not big fish eaters but this fish was good. Very mild. Landon enjoyed his hot dog. That night games were played and s'mores were made. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Lassen Part I - Landon's 9th Birthday

This year was the year of Lassen! Lassen Volcanic National Park that is. I have fond memories of camping at Lassen many a summer and have been dying to get my kids to this fabulous national park.

Chris flew in on a Tuesday (we were so happy to see him!), and we left the next day. After a four hour drive and surviving 112 degree heat in Redding we made it to the cabin my dad had rented. That evening we explored the cabin (and game room), my mom and I went for a walk, Landon and I went for a bike ride, and we drove into the park for a stargazing ranger show.

The next day was Landon's 9th birthday. After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and bear claws he opened his presents.

Next we hiked to Bumpass Hell. We gave Landon several options for the day, and he decided that a hike to the stink pots was in order. There were definitely some foul smelling areas, but the stench wasn't quite as bad as my childhood memories. Maybe my sense of smell isn't what it once was?

After our hike, we crossed the street to dip our toes in the cool waters of Lake Helen where we had a great view of Mt. Lassen. The water was refreshing but the rocks were sharp. Walking on lava rocks in bare feet is pretty ouchy!

After a fun day of hiking and playing in the lake, we headed back to the cabin for a birthday dinner and dessert. Landon chose hot dogs, chips and watermelon for dinner and cupcakes shaped like a MOAB for dessert. What a perfect way for a boy to celebrate his 9th birthday! Happy birthday Landon! We love you!