I had several hikes planned in Lassen Volcanic National Park, a place I have wanted to visit for a while now and could finally check off my list. The first hike of the day was Brokeoff Mountain Trail located just outside the park. Once again, I put that America The Beautiful park pass to good use!
The first thing I noticed at the trailhead was this note...
I hesitated... There were a few cars in the parking lot, but nobody was starting the trail with me. I hesitated more, but decided to start the hike. Those who say that fear subsides the more you hike don't know what they are talking about. It does not. Maybe it does when you actually encounter bears regularly, but I haven't had this opportunity. The last time I saw a bear was over 2 years ago when I hiked Alta Peak Trail in the summer. of 2018. I can't say I was eager to relive the experience.
I started the hike. It was very quiet in the woods, peaceful and cool, but very smoky. The sun was just a circle with rays absorbed by a dense haze created by fires.
At about 0.7 miles, I decided that it was reasonable to turn around. I wish I did not see that note... There was only one thought in my head, "Bear, bear, bear". I slowly started to go back, but after about 5 minutes I heard the voices. It was two female hikers. I knew I had to follow them back up or I would feel defeated by the trail (or my fear).
The women were fast, and the trail continued uphill. I did not want to fall behind, and followed them closely. I thought to myself, "Let's say there is a bear. So what? Do you think that these ladies are going to help you? Of course, not." But it is the comfort of another human that kept my legs going further uphill. My air horn, maybe feeling a bit offended that I did not think of it as protective gear, quietly sat in the side pocket of my backpack.
The hike was pretty difficult, but these ladies were ridiculously fit. We gained 2,710 ft rather quickly. The views were quite a bit obstructed by all the smoke.
I finally reached the top and after having lunch headed back down, with the ladies. The total hike took me 3 hours and 18 minutes, 8.2 miles with Brokeoff Mountain Peak at 9,233 ft. Talk about motivation!
I was tired, but excited to have completed this trail. I drove into the park, but many of the parking lots were completely full. Labor day weekend!
I decided to follow my plan and hike Cinder Cone Nature Trail. I did not realize that the trailhead was over 6 miles off the main road on gravel pathway. I started the drive, but knew that my 14 year-old Civic with original suspension was not up to this challenge, and in the 95 degree heat, neither was I. It was time to drive back. On the way back, I found a nice winery, Moseley Family Cellars, near Redding where I did wine tasting and grabbed a bottle of Cabernet to take home.
My evening turned out to be relaxing in a comfy bed watching a movie. I didn't feel I was as productive as I had planned, but I guess I made the most of the day I could. Tomorrow would be another day in Lassen, and I intended to compensate for the lost hikes.
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