World United States California Redding

ON THE ROAD WITH RICK AND KAREN

Hot Spots Sep 21, 2011

Well, the boondocking experiment didn't go very well. In fact it was awful. Not because we didn't have hook ups (which we didn't) but because the National Forest Service site that we selected was a PARKING LOT!!! A paved parking lot. And it was over 100 degrees! We thought that it was going to be IN the forest not across the street from it. We had paid for 4 nights and we lasted one night. And no refunds. Heck, we could have parked at Wal Mart for free and have gone in the air conditioned store for a cold drink and it would have been nicer. The experiment did prove to us that our new Onan Generator is a champ and kept our RV very comfortable during our stay without hook ups. We immediately called around and found a park close by Redding that has full hook ups and was reasonable price wise and so we relocated the next day.

Otherwise our trip to Redding has been very nice. Our purpose was to be able to have a nice visit with Rick's brother Evan and we have been able to catch up with him. He is a Real Estate Broker here in Redding and knows the area like the back of his hand. He has given us some grand tours. In fact I told Evan that if real estate slows down too much he should open Bennett Tour Company. He took us to a near by state park and to Lassen national park and also a tour around town. I will fill you in all of the sights.

An additional purpose to being in Redding was for Karen to see a dentist. She had chipped a tooth and it was very rough and made her mouth very sore. Evan was able to give her a referral to his dentist. When I called they were able to work me into their schedule very quickly and after the examination the dentist told me that I needed to have a crown. I was very lucky that they were able to schedule the crown prep and have the crown made in a week. Tomorrow I will have my new crown. All of the staff and the dentist were so friendly and very interested in our full time Rving life style. They also have an office dog. She is a darling Chihuahua named Mo Mo and reminds me so much of Michele's Sophie!

Mo Mo comes to work everyday on the dentists motorcycle, sitting in a basket in front of the doctor. Her job is to greet all new patients and to sleep on their laps while they are having their procedures performed. When she is not sleeping on laps she is sleeping in her bed in the hallway by the treatment rooms or mooching snacks!

The first evening in Redding Evan took us on a tour of Redding. We saw the Turtle Bay Exploration Park which is on the Sacramento River. A very interesting suspension foot bridge was built over the river. The walkway was made of glass so you can see the river flowing by as you walk across. Evan also drove us out to see Lake Shasta and around Whiskeytown. All very scenic.

The next day we had the grand tour. First we went to McArthur/Burney State Park to see the falls. Definitely some of the prettiest falls we have seen. A walkway was in place to take you to the base of the falls. Very cooling on a hot summer day. I'm sure that when you see the pictures you will agree that the falls are beautiful.

Next we headed to Hat Creek Lava Flow to participate in Karen's favorite activity, hiking in dark tunnels! NOT! What we did was walk through a lava tube. Since it was very dark inside we brought plenty of flashlights. The floor is very uneven and in places the ceiling was quite low. Several places in the tunnel there were small story boards with details about that particular section of the tube. Not sure if I would do it again but it was very interesting.

Next destination was Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is one of the smaller national parks and the only volcanic park in the 48 contiguous states. Mt. Lassen is not an active volcano but the park does have active mud pits, bubbling away and steam vents, There is also geologic evidence of past eruptions, the latest occurring in 1925. The park has several beautiful mountain lakes and meadows. We found the park to be a fascinating place to explore.

After a week in Redding and with a new crown we said good bye to Evan and pointed ourselves South and east. We are headed to Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah and then onto Fort Collins, Colorado. Catch you later.