Imagine on Orcas Island Festival

I thought that Beloved trip was going to be the last of my major travels for the summer, but the universe provided me with an opportunity to experience something new, only 3 days after returning to work after the 2 week solo camping trip!  My dear friend and international festival buddy contacted me about a volunteer opportunity at a festival she always speaks highly of.  Working with a team called Sanctuary, they had one spot open and she felt I'd be a perfect fit (provided I get the time off).  I figured why not!  She didn't think I was actually going to follow through as it was short notice and I have anxiety around last minute travel, especially festivals.

Well, I emailed the coordinator and expressed my interest in the spot.  He was happy to have me provided I can get time off work, which at this point I felt like I was asking a lot after my major trip.  My boss, the amazing human he is, told me to go for it!  So planning began, flights were booked within an hour of approval and the next adventure began.  I was going to be going to Imagine on Orcas Island!

This was the first time flying to a festival.  I needed to coordinate gear loans from other people, transportation from Seattle to Orcas Island and back.  I wanted to pack light to not have to check bags, and I was going for 5 days in the Northern end of Washington on an Island, with high chance of

Portland from the air

rain.  I had two weeks to get it all set plus work a full time job!  Hooray for pushing my comfort levels (this sort of thing was one of my New Years resolutions)!

The flight over was quick (a little less than 2 hours in the air) and the views at night were beautiful.  On the flight to Seattle I got a lovely shot of Portland form the sky, also saw a forest fire that was pretty large burning in Northern California.  Fire season is pretty much over thankfully, this year was bad.

Rout from SEA-TAC to Doe Bay Resort

The ride to the island and tent was secured pretty quickly as I met a lovely woman at Beloved, who is friends with my amazing festival buddy and offered (She was also part of the Jade Dragon Tea service crew).  Got linked into the ride share group and started posting.  Waiting, hoping and nothing for the first week.  I was a week out and found out that my tent was going to be going away on Sunday with my ride to the festival... Uhoh!  No shelter for a night, and still didn't have a way back to SEA?!  I was starting to plan for hitchhiking across the island to hop the boat, then take a bus at this point.  In the end I was able to secure a ride back, and that person knew the gal driving me to the festival and we decided that she would loan me her tent.  So I had a home for all the nights at the event and a ride to the airport.  I won't lie I was stressed for the first few days after seeking a return ride, but settled and let the process happen.

So the festival!  Getting there once everything was coordinated was easy.  A two hour drive from SEA-TAC airport to Anacortes, a beautiful coastal community in Northern Washington.  We stayed in an Air BnB for the night so we could catch the early ferry to the Island as my travel mates had a 10 am volunteer shift to get to on Thursday morning.

The ferry ride was fun.  It had been over 15 years since I had been on one.  Reminded me of taking the Ferry back home in Halifax Nova Scotia across the harbor, granted that ride was much shorter and didn't transport cars.  The views were amazing, and the air was crisp and cool.  The sun was rising as we made our way across the water through the San Juan Islands that dotted the area.  I kept an eye out for Orcas, but saw none on the ride over.  The boat was full of people on their way to the festival and we met several on the journey along the way.  I grabbed a tasty breakfast on the boat and was treated with a random act of kindness from the person in front of me who paid for it (unexpected and an amazing gesture).

Arrival on the island was easy, we were able to get off the boat fast and on our way.  We made a quick stop in Eastsound which was a half way point from the Ferry to Doe Bay Resort, to pick up some food stuff and other needs.  Cute little town, maybe next time I can check it out more.

Arrival at the festival was smooth, got checked in as a volunteer and dropped my things where I was going to be camping with the group of people I was communicating with online.  Located the spot I was going to be working and helped set up the Sanctuary space, met my fellow team members and started my weekend.

View from Doe Bay Resort

The Doe Bay Resort is a lovely place for sure.  Right on the water, beautiful space and lots to see.  They have a bath house space with three hot tubs that look over the bay, a lovely sauna room that is not too hot (was around 150F when I was in there) and outdoor showers.  There is a cafe on site to get food, a general store so you don't have to take off to get things you forgot (maybe a little more expensive, but convenient for sure).  There are several spaces to rent (yurt, cabins) and a communal kitchen for people to use as well.

The sanctuary was a lovely space to warm up on the rainy days and spend time with the team when we were not helping people.  We had a beautiful sound healing with one of the artists who was on site doing sound healing.  I enjoyed copious amounts of tea and amazing conversations, sang with people and danced barefoot in the mud.  I even went as far as swimming in the ocean (it was about 50F and raining)!  I enjoyed the groups they had playing, the art they had up and the vendors they brought in.  Everyone came with good intentions and helped make the place amazing.  So much love and kindness extended to everyone by everyone!

Downed apple tree with Altar Space

The festival was beautiful.  This year there was a tragedy on Thursday where one of the volunteers got into a car accident and passed away.  Prior to her passing there was an altar setup for her at the base of a beautiful old apple tree.  Probably the biggest apple tree I've seen in my life.  Growing up in Nova Scotia Canada, where there are lots of apple orchards, this one far surpassed the size of the trees there.  I could not get my arms around this monster.  The evening she passed away the tree fell over.  Everyone was sad to see it go down.  Many people helped collect the ripe apples on the ground that fell.  The owners of the resort will try to resurrect the tree to keep it going as it is the oldest apple tree on the Island!

Return from the event on Monday was not hard.  I had a different person driving me back to SEA-TAC.  We stopped at the thrift shop on the island to peek around.  Some cool stuff.  Because I had no space, I didn't grab any of the things I really liked.  Blessing and a curse when it comes to packing super light.  Didn't see any Orcas while on the island or ferry, but did see a mink fishing, otters (a mom with 3 pups), lots of birds and a porpoise.

Overall I would attend again.  Getting to and from the island can be a little difficult if you don't plan in advance.  Reserve your ferry pass ASAP if you are taking a car, or grab one to barter a ride over to the event and back.  Onsite teams did an amazing job of shuttling people to and from parking lot with gear.  Wait times were not long, but also the event is under 1000 total!

As of now there are no further plans for travel in the next month.  October is the time of year I stay home and volunteer for a haunted house.  I spend my evenings and weekends scaring people.  As my coworkers put it "This is your Christmas".  Yes, it is like my Christmas.  Halloween is a month, not a day.

Till the next adventure!

Sarah

Road Trip Part 3 (Final Post)

Third and final post for the adventure.  The return trip post festival was quiet, easy and amazing.  Load out from the festival was organized chaos as expected.  I wanted to leave by noon, didn't get out until 3pm, but I had a feeling that was how it was going to go and just rolled with it and helped people with their things as I waited (support the community!).

My first stop post event was Bandon to stay for the night at the Bandon Wayside Motel which has a little RV park and camp ground in the back.  Lovely place for sure!  Not too far off of 101, clean place, well maintained and friendly hosts.  I found this site through a website called HipCamp (Like Air BnB for camping) for about $20 for the night.  Hot showers, laundry room and space to cook with your camp stove.  Would visit again for sure.

Crashed out early that night as I was tired from all the gear movement and driving.  I took off for the longest leg of my trip which was Bandon OR to Fort Bragg CA.  about 7 hours of driving.  I broke it up with a few stops, one random stop and one planned stop.

Bee on flower

First stop was Samuel H Boardman State Park for a break to stretch my legs and see the coast.  I only took one photo here of this lovely bumble bee on a flower.  The place was pretty, had some lovely walking trails but due to time and the planned stop I wanted to do, I couldn't stay long.  Perhaps next time!

Fern Canyon

Elk on the Beach

My next stop was several hours away but worth the visit.  Fern Canyon is high on my must see items every year I do this trip.  Eight miles down a dirt road through some amazing redwood forest that takes you down to a beach. is a place that looks like it is plucked from a fairy tale.  Be aware that driving this road, there is a point you have to drive through a stream.  My Kia Rio was able to handle it, but if you decide to not drive through the water, you can park and walk about 1/2 a mile to the canyon itself (I frequently see people who drive their Prius through the stream without issue).  The tall canyon walls cut out from a stream over hundreds of years, tall trees growing off the top of the walls, which are covered in ferns and moss is a site to see.  Water trickles down in spots in gentle falls of water that look like diamonds falling from the sky.  The hike is about 1.5 miles to complete the loop, I generally stick inside the canyon and explore the beach.  On the beach one can find wild elk roaming and resting in the sand in small groups.  Keep your distance as they are large and can be very dangerous.  Sometimes you will see them wandering the trails near the mouth of the canyon as well.  If you go down to the water, keep an eye out for seals and porpoises swimming and playing in the waves.  They are a joy to observe.  With any beach visit be cautious and aware as the ocean here can be dangerous.

After an hour or so at this beautiful location, I ventured off to my next camp site.  The campground I stay at in Fort Bragg is not a state park.  Wildwood Campground has been my stop the last 3 years and I enjoy the people there.  Some people are off put because it is a long term RV park, with some camp sites, but it is quiet, clean and well maintained.  The people running the place are kind and helpful if you need assistance.  The tent sites are located near hiking trails, have fire rings, picnic tables, water and restrooms near by.  To book you have to call and leave a message.  There is no online booking for this site.

Low tide at Glass Beach

I spent two nights here at this location, exploring Fort Bragg and mentally prepping myself for the return to the Bay Area.  Wednesday there was a farmers market I found with some amazing produce and products made by local artisans.    I visited Glass Beach to enjoy the water and a unique feature in this area.  The beach itself does not have a lot of glass on it due to years of people taking glass despite there being signs saying not to take the glass.  I also make a point to go to Cowlicks Ice Cream Parlor which has a super unique ice cream that is not found anywhere else.  Mushroom ice cream made with a local type of mushroom called a sugar cap.  The ice cream tastes like maple glaze West Coast Brewing company.  They have a Berliner Weisse I like to get which is the Cherry, however this time of year is when they run out.  More often than not I get the last glass off the last keg. If they are out of that the Passion-fruit Peach is also great.  Later in the year they have a Cranberry Quince version.  These are seasonal, so be aware.
like you would find on a doughnut.  If California does not have a lot of rain in the wet season, they can not harvest enough to make it.  This happened a couple years ago, but this year they had some!  Worth a stop to try it.  The last place I always stop at is

View from Camp Site #3 Orr Hot Springs

After the run around town I settled in for the night and got ready for my last destination.  Orr Hot Springs is a magical restful place where you can camp or rent a room.  I prefer to camp as the spots for camping are restful and quiet, not far from the springs and spots 1-3 have 8x8 foot platforms to set up your tent.  I suggest having a smaller tent for this (no bigger than a 3 person).  If your tent is larger site 4-6 can accommodate those, however they are not on platforms.  Besides the springs, the
site has hiking trails, live music on certain days, full kitchen to use, dining room and even culinary herbs in the garden to cook with.  To book you need to call and leave a voice message.  They will get back to you pretty quickly!  Be aware this is a clothing optional resort.  If you have no issue with nudity, this place can be fun.  Kids are welcome but they have rules that are posted on their pages.  No food can be purchased near by, so bring all that you need for food and drink.

The last night out was blissfully sweet.  I spent time in the sauna (200F), cold plunge pool, the medium temp pool (about 105F) and the star gazing tubs.  The smoke from the fires near Ukiah was not affecting the view, I was blessed to have been able to see the Milky Way and even a few meteors from the Perseid meteor shower which was towards the end of the window (July 17th - Aug 24th).  Mars was low on the horizon in the East and all was well with the world as I soaked in the beauty of the last evening out.

The trip back from the springs were uneventful.  I stopped at Anderson Valley Brewing Company to grab an assortment of cans to bring home.  This is one of the brewery I go to frequently when I am in the area.  I love that you can do a build your own 6 pack.  Lots of options in the tasting rooms and Brewery tours at 1:30pm (I arrived too late to do the tour the 5th time in a row).  I will make it eventually.

This concludes the three part download of my adventure camping for 2 weeks solo.  I learned that I am capable of doing this amount of camping solo and LOVING every moment of this.  I remembered how much I missed the quiet of nature and not having to interact with people.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy human connection, but we all need a moment for ourselves to recharge and find our center.  I recommend this kind of trip, maybe not as long, but a few days of solitude and self reliance can be really boosting to the heart and soul.

If you missed Part 1, you can find that Here
If you missed part 2, you can find that Here

Post Trip Update Part 2 of 3

I decided to break the post trip blog into a few entries as the trip was two weeks and I did do a lot of things.  So welcome to part 2!

I left my camps site at Seal Rock later than I wanted, but I was not in a rush.  I will probably stay at this site again as it was lovely, though it was bare bones, it had what I needed which was peacefulness in nature.

I arrived at the festival grounds for check in around 12:30, which was still before the event had opened the box office for general attendees.  They were working hard to get vendors and performers in the gate first (rightfully so).  Arrival and departure days are always the hardest.  The team coordinating are trying their best and despite most of the attendees being "love and light" shiny people, they get short and frustrated despite the volunteers best efforts with the massive influx of human bodies, cars and gear (remember to breathe my friends).

Once they started the official check in for general Thursday entry people, it seemed to move smoothly.  The mad rush to site, park and to find your home for the weekend begins!  I have written a guide to make your arrival for Beloved Festival easy if you ever want to go. The link to the guide is HERE

Secret lake lit up at night

The location I camped this year was Eve's Orchard.  Located behind the stage and near the Oasis which has lovely live music throughout the day.  My vantage point I could see how long the lines were for the showers, and had a quick hop to the restrooms, vendors and main stage which I could hear faintly.  The community of people around me were wonderful again.

The weekend was full of growth, learning, singing, dancing and yoga.  Heart opening challenges and lots of beautiful sunshine and interactions with people.  This festival is said to be one of the best in the country, and I can understand why.  Between international music acts, big name headliners, amazing food and talented artists, there is something for everyone, even the children who have access to amazing activities!

Favorite things I participated in:

Jade Dragon tea space.  Have a cup, meet a friend!

Solsara event encourages human connection without words, active listening and human connection.  They hold an event daily at this festival and I try to do every one.  It's a beautiful way to start the day.  I've cried, laughed, held space for others processing things and appreciated human connection without expectation.  This group does heart opening events which push comfort levels for some (especially those who feel they may be socially awkward) and help you look deep within yourself as well as truly see the person in front of you without using words.  I always love to attend the event that Larry and Carrie do every year.  The community is blessed to have them.

Vulnerable Rally was a new thing this year.  Not really on the schedule, but a renegade event hosted at the art gallery.  This event challenged participants to write down a fear, self doubt, self defeating thought, addiction or something they dislike about themselves.  We then stood in silence in pairs and held space for each other.  We cried, laughed hugged and let each other know that we recognize that pain and their strength to open up about that.  We are taught we need to be strong and not show weakness in this world, but doing this was therapeutic.  I attended the rally twice over the weekend.  I cried.  I addressed my issues with intimacy and my past of abuse by partners.  I held space for those who felt they were worthless, less than everyone, too busy to notice important things and past emotional pains they still carry.  I posted one of the signs I held on my Instagram with a description talking about my experience, you can read it HERE

Honey from Benjamin Pixie

Benjamin Pixie of "The Pixie Traveling Medicine Show" on bees and the importance to our world as
well as what amazing things they provide for us to consume.  His talk was educational, enlightening and all around amazing.  I'm a fan of honey, and understand the importance of our little pollinator friends.  He also provided samples and tastes of different things that can be made from a healthy hive.  Highly recommend finding a local presentation if there is one.



Favorite Music I listened to or boogied down to:

The Polish Ambassador & The Diplomatic Scandal were an obvious go to as they were one of the bigger name groups attending the event.  Their set was awesome and definitely had the festival dancing and having fun.  I was glad to have been able to dance and watch the crowd play and dance as well.

Blackalicious played while I was enjoying tea at the Jade Dragon tea wagon.  The set was definitely getting the crowd up and enjoying the vibe.  Would love to see the amazing duo again.

Youssoupha Sidibe was unknown to me until this event.  I always find new groups to listen to thanks to Beloved, it is one of the things I cherish about this place.  Always something new, always a surprise and never a disappointment.

Jaya Lajshmi & Ananda always does amazing music and yoga.  This year I attended the Saturday Morning Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with live music preformed by the group.  A great wake-up and energizing class to get the blood flowing and the mind ready for the day.

You can find the full lineup of workshops and groups on the Beloved Facebook page if you want to explore the offerings they had.  Maybe one year I will teach my herbal medicine class there.  I just need more exposure and experience before I take on such an endeavor.

I could go on about so much at this place, but will end it here.  Next post will be about the return trip and wrap up of this two week adventure that really transformed the view of myself and my capabilities.

If you missed Part 1, you can find that Here

Arriving/Departing Beloved Festival Tips and Suggestions

I figured this would be best done as it's own post.  If you found this not via my camping trip overview, welcome to my blog, feel free to poke around, or just read this to help guide your way for this festival (these tips may also help for other events).  As this was my 4th year attending this festival I am familiar with the arrival and departure hiccups that happen and how stressful it can get.

Beloved Festival is an amazing magical adventure of music, yoga, art, kindness and humanity every year.  Amazing warm humans attend this event.  May are what I like to call "love and light" shiny people.  They smile all the time, hug everyone, resolve disputes through gentle means and are what others may call crunchy hippies (never understood that reference).  Honestly all amazing people to be around and they warm my heart every year with their genuine kindness and love.

But despite the fluffy, shiny exterior, arrival at a festival can test even their cool calm demeanor and tempers flare, annoyances come to the surface and smiles fall off of faces to be replaced with momentary melancholy looks of frustration or annoyance.  I reference them because these are the people you never see upset at the festivals, and it seems out of place to see them upset (I get that human emotions happen).

On suggestion of one of the amazing people who works closely with the festival I decided to write an arrival guide (Thank you Memo for the suggestion!).  Why should you care about an arrival guide for a festival?  You show up and party right?  Yes... but no.  With any large scale event over 100 people, the organizers and volunteers have to coordinate and manage a lot of gear, bodies, trash, cars and stress.  Basically it is organized chaos on a large scale.  There are some things you can do to ease stress for you, your friends and for the dedicated team trying to make you arrive and depart in a timely manor.

To arrive and depart from the festival there are two methods:

1) Car, van, camper or carpool if you are local or up for a road trip to the event.  The benefits to this is you can bring more things for your camp, costuming, clothing, food and a camp stove.  You do need to pay for appropriate parking locations you wish to park.  Each parking location permits you to camp in specific locations at the event.

2) Fly into Portland and take the Eco Bus!  This is a little more challenging as there are set times the bus departs and space is limited for gear.  Frequently I hear of people being delayed for departure from Portland and also on the return back after the event.  Schedule accordingly and give yourself a few hours time before your bus when going to the festival, and extra time when returning to the airport.  It will make your life easier and your event less stressful.

I tend to do Thursday arrival as it gives you more options for places to camp and situate yourself.  I tend to bring gear for myself and a friend who come in from Canada, so Thursday arrival makes life easy so we can camp together.  Bigger tents can be challenging as space fills up quickly.  If you are arriving Friday or later, a smaller tent is suggested. They advise an 8 foot by 8 foot footprint.  If you can do with less, GREAT.  If you need more, that is also fine, but can be a little challenging.

What lots let you camp where?  So the lots are as follows (link to 2018 parking information and map HERE, check official website for updates in case rules change):

Near Mosque lots include Camelot, Gazebo and the Ringing Cedars.  Camelot allows you to camp in Anastasia's Alley, Lefler's Ledge and Camp Camelot.  Ringing Cedars and Gazebo are spaces where camper vans and small RV's can go.  Car camping is also appropriate at these two lots.

In the Heart Of It camping lots are Bardo and Shangrilot.  Farther than previously mentioned parking lots, allows you to camp at Eve's Orchard (my favorite spot), Secret Lake, West Hills and Get Down Town.  These locations are very close to the stage and to the Oasis, as well as food vendors, clothing vendors, art gallery, coffee house and the main stage.

Forest Camp has a parking lot that is hard park only and is the closest parking lot to the main stage.  Arrival for this lot is Thursday ONLY and plan to stay until Monday, but provides beautiful camping in the woods a short walk to the stage and located closer to the Yoga Pavilion.  The reason is you drive through the festival grounds to access this lot and it is a hard park situation.

The Far Mosque camping has 2 lots, one for cars, and one for large vehicle parking (no larger than 32').  This is located near the yoga pavilion and about a 15-20 minute walk to the main stage.  Camp areas include Family Camp (quiet camp), Rumi's Rest, Bhakti Camp, and The Far Mosque Camping areas.  There are a couple of food vendors here, but the bulk are located by the Main Stage.


Tips for Option One

- If you can fit it, bring your own collapsible cart!  They have carts available on site but they are hard to come by as the load in and load out process gets underway.  You will need to provide something for insurance to guarantee you bring it back when you are done.  ID or other valuable item is accepted and guarded by the dedicated staff.  Wait time for carts can be up to 2 hours, so to save time having your own helps greatly.  Return a borrowed cart quickly for the curtsy of other attendees wanting to get situated.

- Grab your tent and go!  I do this every year.  I pack my car so that I can grab my tent and walk it to the location I want to camp.  I set it up and then go back for my stuff with my own cart.  The past two years I parked in Shangrilot, so the walk down is about 15 minutes, but saves me time from loading my gear to the gear pickup point to drive down, and then wait to offload it at the barn located near Eve's Orchard.  The beauty of Forest camp is you don't need to wait for the gear van to transport you down.  Departure is more frantic than arrival as you are dealing with people who arrive through the weekend.  I sat for 3 hours in line this year to get my gear up to Shangrilot on the gear shuttle.  Thankfully I was not on a time schedule, so the wait was not an issue.  Be patient, plan to go early if you need to get gear to your car and be ready to wait for a while.  I try to get as much pre packed the night before so I can tear down quickly.

- Pack light, pack smart!  My trip to Beloved is part of a 2 week camping trip so it is hard to pack light in my situation.  If you are just attending the event, coordinate with others if you have friends going to reduce the overall gear you need.  This event is definitely a community event, and everyone seems to be happy to help each other out without being asked!  Over the past 4 years I've refined my packing to an art.  I can fit all my gear into my tiny car with space for a guest traveler.

- Most importantly remember to BREATHE.  The teams doing the work to coordinate the event are doing their best.  Remember to thank them and know they are doing their best.  Controlled chaos is not easily managed, and the team does everything they can to accommodate the mass arrival and departure of excited guests.

Tips for Option Two

- Packing light is your best friend!  Limited space on the Eco Shuttle from Portland is limited and they will cram you in as best they can.  Schedule your arrival bus with time to spare after you land so that you don't become "that person" who delays the departure.  We all know airports can be hectic, waiting for luggage and gear can be added stress.  You can also park at the airport and rid the Eco Shuttle if you don't want to drive to the festival.  This also helps with return to Portland so people don't miss their flights.

- Coordinate with friends driving in to bring items to lighten your load.  This allows you to focus on your clothing and sleeping accommodations only.  One of the biggest complaints I have heard from people on the Eco Shuttle is too much stuff not enough space.  I bring a tent, pillow, extra blanket and food stuffs for my friend who travels via air to Portland from Vancouver Canada.    This enables her to pack one bag that has her essentials (and is small enough to be a carry-on for her flight) and expedites her boarding and off boarding on the shuttle.

- Prepack before departure.  Pack all items you don't need the last half of Sunday and early Monday so you can get your gear to the shuttle pickup early.  This is courteous to all who are using it to get back to Portland, especially those catching flights home.  The line stacks up quickly at the barn and has no organization.  Everyone waiting for gear shuttle to the parking lots AND people taking the Eco Shuttle line up in one line.  Listen for what vehicle is going where so you can be ready.

- And like the last point for option one, BREATHE.  This coordination process is chaotic even at the best of times.  Help each other, support the staff and be gentle with yourself.  Don't let the chaos of the arrival and departure bring chaos to your journey at the festival.

I hope the guide helps.  Sorry if it is long, but there is a lot to consider for your arrival to this event.  If you go to Beloved, may your heart overflow with the kindness of the community and I hope you carry that with you back out into the world and share that genuine love and sense of community with you.

Until next time!

Post Trip Update Part 1 of 3

It has been a week since I returned from my 2 week solo camping trip in Northern California and Southern Oregon.  I discovered the blogger app on my phone does not post and is still experiencing the same issues it had when I traveled in 2012, so I delayed an update post until now (this is after 2 phone upgrades, so it's for sure the software, not the hardware).

Cal Fire Map

I departed San Jose early on Saturday August 4th, well aware that north of me were several large forest fires that were burning along my rout.  First two fires I passed were near Clear Lake on 101 (River Fire, as of writing this was 100% contained and the Ranch Fire at 67% contained), though I was traveling I5 I was still dealing with the smoke, poor visibility and falling ash.

I made a stop at R&K Orchard in Corning California, who have a little farm stand and amazing peaches on a family farm that has been in the family for over 100 years!  Worth a visit if you are in the area!  Down the street is a little burger place, called Bartels Giant Burgers, that has wonderful burgers cooked to order and occasionally has shakes made with peaches from R&K.  The place is built in a building that looks like it was formerly a gas station.  Family owned and run, the place is reminiscent of a classic burger joint form the 50s.  Always friendly staff and good food made to order!  I ate inside due to the excessive smoke in the air.

Heading north from there I had to pass by Redding California, which was still dealing with the massive Carr fire.  When I was passing through the fire was not even at 50% contained.  I stopped in at Lake Shasta at the Shasta Caverns visiting center to stretch my legs again and was greeted with a a lot of falling ash. I had to wear an N95 mask as it was uncomfortable to breathe with so much smoke in the air.  I did not take a tour of the caverns, but I'd recommend them as it is pretty awesome to see.  Quick visit wrapped up, I continued north to the lovely town of Mt Shasta which is one of my yearly stops on this trip.  I stop here for supplies to take to camp such as fuel, produce or any little thing I may have forgotten when packing.

Blue Juniper Camp Ground

After my stop in town I headed north to my first camp site.  I was in a super secluded location about 1.5 miles down dirt road of off the 99-97 cutoff in Montague California.  The site was hazy from the smoke, but I feel I would have been worse off had I been on Mt. Shasta.  The area was sandy, had some beautiful juniper trees and sage brush.  The site was clean, quiet and secluded.  Just what I wanted for my first two nights.  The first sunset was amazing, the sun was vibrant pink due to the smoke in the area.  My camera was unable to capture what I saw.

Day two was a day of hiking and sight seeing was lovely.  I did three small hikes.  Two on Mt Shasta and one at Plutos Cave.  My first hike

Bunny Flats facing towards town

was the Bunny Flats loop located 6950 ft above sea level.  I have done this hike before, camped in the camp ground across the street from here and was a great break from the smoke at the lower elevations.  Views were poor due to smoke in the air, but the hike was lovely as usual.  The temperature was a moderate 75F and perfect to kick off the triple hike day.  I've seen this view on a clear day and it is amazing!  The hike is gentle enough that it can be done by almost anyone.

Panther Meadow path

My second hike was Panther Meadows located higher up on the mountain.  I've been wanting to do this hike for a few years now as I've seen photos of this place and it looks magical.  A short 1.5 mile loop hike through a lovely meadow and back to the parking lot.  A few people were on the train enjoying the beauty of this space.  I met a couple who had been displaced from their home in Redding due to the Carr fire.  They had been away from home for 11 days by this point and had no idea what was going on with their home.  They were adventuring on the mountain to get away from the smoke, which was a common theme for many I met on the trail.

Last hike at Plutos cave was shorter than the other two, but still lovely.  Was a bit of a drive to get to it through rough dirt roads, thankfully my little Kia handled it like a champ.  I will say one warning though, traveling out there be aware that people do live there and some have dogs.  On one of the roads I was told to take by Maps, my car was attacked by two dogs (they were trying to chew my tires as I was driving by).  No damage, but Advise not taking Jennie Rd, instead take Yellow Butte Rd to White Drive to avoid these dogs as they did not respond to me honking my horn or yelling at them.  Alternatively taking the route in from 99-97 cutoff on a road called 43N30 may be better.  I did not take any photos of Plutos cave, but it was interesting.  The oldest Lava tube in the US at 190,000 years old.  It lasted so long due to the fact the area is so arid.  The cave has been tagged by locals and smells of bat guano.  Also be aware of the velvet ants in the area.  I came across a couple yellow velvet ants (not really ants, but wingless wasps with super painful stings).

The next day was a trip off to my next site in Gold Hill OR.  I stopped at Caldera Brewery for lunch and had BBQ Cricket Pizza (yes I chose to eat bugs).  Was quite tasty and enjoyed the stay.  The area was quite smokey due to the Klondike and Taylor fires burning north west of the city.  The camp site I was at was lovely.  My host was super sweet and gave me eggs from her hens she keeps.  They were amazing for breakfast the next day.  I got to visit her neighbors new baby goats and went with a little walk with her.  I wish I had stayed a night longer here as the property was lovely and she was an awesome host.

Third site located in the area of Seal Rock OR was remote and beautiful.  Not too far from the town of Newport which I spent a day in on Wednesday getting lunch at Rogue Brewery (fish and chips, with Honey Kolsch), doing laundry and picking up supplies to take to the festival for my friend and I.  Originally I had wanted to go to the aquarium, but time did not permit.  Wednesday evening it rained lightly all night which was amazing along with the sound of the babbling brook that was near my tent.  I also had a visit from a deer.  It stopped close enough to my tent I could hear it breathing.  Was a lovely reminder how remote I was.

Next post will be about the festival and return trip.

Hope you are enjoying the recap!