June 3rd and day 2 of the adventure started with high hopes, strong coffee, and a total confidence in our route. We left our beautiful spot at Goumez Campground with our sights set on Burney Falls - via Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here's where things get interesting.  Siri told us to go one way. We went another.  Because, clearly we know better than the GPS that lives in the cloud and sees all. Spoiler alert: we did NOT know better.

Turns out, the road through Lassen was still closed due to - wait for it - snow.  In June. The south entrance was as far as we got, and even that was blocked by snow.  So we parked at the visitor center and took a brisk, uphill walk on the closed road-about 1.5 miles-surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views.  Not what we planned, but absolutely magical.

Now, originally, we were headed for Burney Falls, but with the Lassen detour, getting there would've added another two hours to the day.  Our legs said yes, but our butts in the van seats said no thank you.

So we pivoted-like seasoned travelers do-and headed to Shasta Lake instead.

Cue sunset at a peaceful BLM campground tucked below the dam. We had the whole place to ourselves, which sounds romantic utilitarian you remember it was 100 degrees. Still, with the MasAir Fan working overtime, a little portable fan humming in the corner, and every van door flung open like a prayer to the breeze gods, we actually slept like rockstars.

In the end, it wasn't the day we planned-but it was the day we were meant to have. Incredible views, some good laughs, and a reminder that this trip is such a gift. roads might be closed, plans might shift, but the adventure rolls on.


Comments

  1. DeeDee JensenJune 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM

    Just another reminder that when life gives us lemons, the fortunate ones make lemonade. And that’s exactly what you did & your day turned out wonderful!

    ReplyDelete

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