Looking for waterfalls

Dan and I took Arrow on a little camping trip before I start the Summer Teacher Institute at the Exploratorium next week. After a very long drive, we arrived at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, where I heard the thundering sound of millions of gallons of water falling as we checked in with the ranger at the park entrance. According to the park brochure, Theodore Roosevelt called Burney Falls a wonder of the world when he saw it...I do not know if that is true, but the falls are truly spectacular.


Can you see the rainbow?

Many rainbows can be seen as water falls into the pool below...so beautiful! Dan and I hiked the loop trail, admiring the waterfalls from various perspectives and saw the creek that feeds it. Photos do not capture the experience of being there...you should go if you have not seen it!


Dan on the trail


On the trail

In the afternoon, we took the canoe and paddled on Lake Britton, where we saw a bald eagle and golden eagle! Later, a park ranger told us about Clark Creek Falls, another waterfall on the other side of the lake, so we paddled across the lake again the next day to look for it. We found a creek and walked along it for a bit, but after crossing the creek once already, the "trail" ended. The prospect of crossing the creek another time where the (very chilly) water rushed by quickly seemed too precarious for me. The spot where the creek fed into the lake was very pretty, dotted with wildflowers and butterflies flitting about...even if I am not sure if it was the right place!


Idyllic spot


Getting back to the canoe

From Burney, we made our way to Lake Lewiston in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. After surveying the available campsites, we chose site #6 by the water.


Campsite #6

After setting up camp and unloading the canoe, we had dinner with my friend Caille and her husband Marc at Jack's Grill, an old school steakhouse in Redding. The restaurant was so dark, I could barely see! But the food was yummy, and Dan wants to go back. Caille and Marc took us to the Sundial Bridge after dinner. We saw a bald eagle soaring in the sky over the Sacramento River as we walked across the bridge...wow!


Sacramento River at dusk


Look out for the orange cone


Sundial tip

The bridge really is a sundial...so neat. And there are miles and miles of hiking and biking trails along the Sacramento River...want to check that out on our next visit.

The next morning we paddled on Lake Lewiston, looking for birds and beavers on the quiet lake surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Trinity Alps. Arrow napped in the sun while we paddled.


Pretty view from the canoe


Napping beagle

In the afternoon, we hiked the trail to Whiskeytown Falls, a long and impressive waterfall. We climbed the steps alongside the fast rushing water to get a better view.


Part of the falls


On top of the stairs


Posing with beagle

The mosquitos were in full force when we returned to camp, and I had to admire the lake view from our tent. I still am covered in itchy bites...bleh! After dark we toasted marshmallows over the fire and looked at the stars in the sky. Dan even set up the Galileoscope, a simple telescope I assembled from the Chabot Space Center, but we couldn't really see much with it. Maybe I should read the directions...hmm....

In the morning we packed up camp while Arrow sunbathed.


It's a tough life

Before heading home, we met up with Caille one more time in Redding, where I got the largest single scoop of ice cream I have ever seen! I should have taken a picture before I gobbled it up. Then it was time for the long drive home. California is a very big state, and I am glad I got to see new parts of it on this trip!