No matter how hot the days, nights this time of year usually cool down really well. REALLY well. Like into the low 40s. The last two nights were no exception and even without a roof top fan to cool Miss Freedom down during the day, by early morning hours it's downright chilly. I hurriedly took the boys out for their just-woke-up pee then we scrambled back into the van where Burger curled up in his front seat nest and The Chiweenie Brothers once again snuggled under the covers while I made some coffee. The water was already hot as I had boiled some the night before and stored it in a Stanley thermos just to have an easy cup of joe while still stumbling around half asleep. After making coffee in the Melita, I too jumped back under the covers and read for a solid two hours before taking a little siesta. After that it was time to get up and get this day going.
We will have to head home, but not before checking out Upper and Lower Falls. I begin breaking camp, and the dogs need a longer walk than this morning's offering. Things get packed up and put away, and the boys are raring to go.
A leisurely walk around our campground and the river trail is just what all of us need. The late morning air is warmer; soft and inviting. This walkabout is where the boys really shine and show how well they are learning the lessons of not barking at certain times. We stop often to take in the view of the river below us. It's so low! California's four year drought has taken its toll.
Once back at our campsite all that is really needed is to load ourselves up and go. It's hard to break away, but I do want to see the other two falls. I get the boys settled in the van, drop our garbage in the bin, and we are off.
It's not far to Lower Falls. It's just as pretty as Middle Falls, but with a different flow pattern. And it's easy to see just how much water is NOT spilling over --- it should have many, many more CFS than this, but still beautiful.
We head back the way we came in order to get to Upper Falls, another beauty with another, different look. It is also evident here just how much more water should be flowing down the McCloud. The drought has sucked away Mother Nature's precious resource without putting anything back.
This is gorgeous country we are so fortunate to live in. If you haven't been to northern California ---far northern California, come for a visit. You'll be blown away. As always, thanks for stopping by Two Dogs.
Next week it's back to the mundane; a post about the elastomeric I put on Miss Freedom's roof. :)
Hugs, Shawna
We will have to head home, but not before checking out Upper and Lower Falls. I begin breaking camp, and the dogs need a longer walk than this morning's offering. Things get packed up and put away, and the boys are raring to go.
A leisurely walk around our campground and the river trail is just what all of us need. The late morning air is warmer; soft and inviting. This walkabout is where the boys really shine and show how well they are learning the lessons of not barking at certain times. We stop often to take in the view of the river below us. It's so low! California's four year drought has taken its toll.
Click on photo(s) to enlarge
Once back at our campsite all that is really needed is to load ourselves up and go. It's hard to break away, but I do want to see the other two falls. I get the boys settled in the van, drop our garbage in the bin, and we are off.
It's not far to Lower Falls. It's just as pretty as Middle Falls, but with a different flow pattern. And it's easy to see just how much water is NOT spilling over --- it should have many, many more CFS than this, but still beautiful.
Lower Falls
Nearby 14,179 foot Mt. Shasta
We head back the way we came in order to get to Upper Falls, another beauty with another, different look. It is also evident here just how much more water should be flowing down the McCloud. The drought has sucked away Mother Nature's precious resource without putting anything back.
time and force have worn holes into solid rock
Sadly, it's time for us to head back home and dream about the next adventure. We head out toward Hwy 89 and head south, pointing Miss Freedom's nose toward home.
Next week it's back to the mundane; a post about the elastomeric I put on Miss Freedom's roof. :)
Hugs, Shawna
This trip has a much more relaxing tone to it than your other ones! Sounds like you all had a good time! If the upcoming El Nino is as strong as they say it it going to be there will be a lot more water going over these falls next summer! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I know the dogs enjoyed their time there!
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