Lassen Volcanic National Park

We left Mendocino on a Tuesday and drove straight through to Lassen Park, selcting campsite B50 which was very quiet and private.  The location was a good test for Lauira's new bug tent, which worked wonderfully, and also served as a warming tent as it has wind block sides that can be lowered to make it warmer inside.  We floated in Manzanita Lake, but only Laura had any bites.  Ity is a beautiful lake, surrounded by forest, with ducks, coots, geese, and an osprey.

The trails around the lakes and nearby area are good, even for one like me with a wonky knee.

 The pine squirrels are a hoot as they scurry around pushing pine cones to their "spot" then scaling them, then burying the scaled cone.  

The camping spot was quiet even over the busy weekend, but on Monday smoke had moved in--so much smoke settled on the lake Monday morning while Laura fished that we decided to head north to avoid it, heading to Goose lake.  This as a record breaker--tying up aroiund seven, but still getting two great campsites.

The deer are very plentiful in the park, and it has been a great year for quail apparently.  A hawk dropped down by Laura's tent,swooping up a vole or mouse, and carrying to a stump.

We decided to check out Lily Lake, as Goose lake is so low--but the lake is as serene as always.  Laura watched several fish rise, so we will be returning for her to fish.

The drive in allowed us to see several more deer, including a beautiful stag.

The trees are turning color:

We also stopped at a little pond with no name, and did not see any fish, but it was a pretty spot with lots of tules, and Laura found a little friend, aggravating it with a piece of grass.  The waterbug is about the size of a half thumb.

A storm is moving in, so we will see what develops...

Note:  What developed was a water line malfunction last night in kitchen, so we have had to turn off water to the trailer,  but are still making things work for us.  More later...