Backpacking with Charles at Lassen Volcanic National Park

A very special trip, perfect weather, lovely lakes, time to talk and to be quiet, deer wandering through the campsite, birds coming down to the lake to drink--but best of all, time with my son Charles.

We started at Butte Lake--camped at the x's first on Rainbow Lake and then on Snag Lake--about 14.5 miles total.
As you can see, Butte Lake is also a place to car camp and kayak--food for thought!
Room for more!
Charles taking a photo of Cinder Cone as we pass by.
Charles taking a photo of Cinder Cone as we pass by.
Nighttime temperatures dropped into the 30s. Brrrrr.
I admit, I do love these little guys. They kept moving further and further down the beach--and thus were a good test of my long lens in less than ideal light!
Yellow-rumped Warbler and, yes, another Cassin's with youngster.
We hiked without backpacks to Lower Twin Lake--not far from out camp.
And some not-so-beautiful vistas . . .
Typical volcanic sand by the lake
Back to the sign post where we had turned off toward Rainbow Lake two days before.

Good old Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed this a national monument.
Finally full
Charles preparing water for cooking on our first night
Mountain Bluebird, an early morning visitor
More Robins to add to our family that morning!
We saw many burned trees, but this sculpture caught my eye.
Back on the trail again, starting out for Snag Lake.
Mountain Chickadee with a seed.
Approaching Cinder Cone. I knew already that with my fresh cold, I would not climb it. Charles still held out hope for me.
Approaching Cinder Cone. I knew already that with my fresh cold, I would not climb it. Charles still held out hope for me.

Just starting out--Butte Lake in the background and piles of volcanic rock
Charles is quite passionate about backpacking--truly loves every aspect of it, from the tiniest piece of equipment to the sense of total independence, carrying everything you need to survive on your back. His love of the experience was very catchy!
Brown Creeper
Our first camp site, Rainbow Lake
Cassin's Finches in foreground--juvie White-crowned Sparrows behind--at least that's my best guess.
Steller's Jay.
We had visitors at out camp site.
Typical sight :-) As I was slow, Charles wanted to walk behind me. No thank you! This way I could simply yell "Pause" every 5 minutes or so and he would wait in a shady spot for me to catch up. A bit of water and onward.
Morning of our last day. Love this guy!
I finally convinced him to climb alone while I stayed with out packs. Off he went, prepared for all the dust.

Chipmunk gathering food
Charles teased that I would create a Chipmunk Gallery--but I quit after the first four shots. They are very cute, however, and very abundant!
After hiking less than an hour, we came to Cinder Cone and decided, wisely, to save the climbing of it for the route home. This is a close-up taken with my 900mm lens of folks at the top. Waaaayyyyy up there!
Close up of the mountain behind Rainbow Lake
Cassin's Finches. My first encounter. "Lifers!"
Beautiful fellow here in the green
Beautiful vistas on the way to Snag Lake
Returning to the area of huge piles of volcanic rock

Sprinting with full cheeks
Painted dunes and Cinder Cone
Hiking on volcanic sand was a new experience for me! Muscles I have rarely used came into play. Now, 4 days later, I still feel the burn! :-)
After setting up both our tents, Charles starts cooking dinner.
As this was the second time in my (long) life that I have been backpacking, I was somewhat useless compared to his efficiency!
Male, female, and young Cassin's Finch. Junco in foreground.
The whole gang
We did pass by many burned out areas. Heartbreaking to think of the displaced wildlife.
Our Snag Lake Camp. As usual, Charles busy getting dinner ready while I enjoy the view!
I did finally come up with one chore I could complete--using the Steripen on our 4 liters of water. Good to feel useful! :-)