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!
Good old Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed this a national monument.
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!
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!
Sprinting with full cheeks