The target, Bully Choop (sharp mountain in the local Wintun Indian language), glowering menacingly over Redding, sweltering in the smoky valley below.
In the other direction (north-west) lie the Trinity Alps.
Finally, sixty or seventy miles due north as the crow flies, lofty Shasta, the lonely mountain itself, floats in the far distance, like a rocky boat on a sea of fume and smoke.
Below, Whiskeytown Lake, strangely full to the brim, gleams through the haze in the lower distance.
Tiger or Leopard Lilies bloom in the shady gullies, where water runs just under the surface.
The road up (East County Line Road), all slippery decomposed granite, offered panorama after panorama. Too bad today it was as smoky as it is. This view at night, with the lights on in the valley, should be well worth the effort.
Finally, the Choop, with its lookout.
We didn't go to the top, as we had time pressure, but next time we'll risk the climb. There's also another way down behind the Bally, ending up in Douglas City on 299, but since it was longer, and I hadn't done it before, we decided that going back the way we came was the better part of valor.
The Mighty Dodge at the high point. Lots of deer tracks across that dusty landing.
Fireweed, whose seeds require high temperatures to germinate, growing next to the road.
We met absolutely no one going up or coming down, in spite of the nice day. Low temperature was 70 degrees, very comfortable.
A great Sunday drive, not far from town, and I spied several spots that might be good for some target shooting later. Plus, the temperature was a nice contrast with the sizzling stuff we have right now in Redding.
Driving slowly on unpaved roads with the windows all down is just a fundamental treat. Spooked one little buck in velvet, and scores of bluebelly lizards.
Next time, I think I'll set up to stay overnight, and come back to town for breakfast in the morning.
Very much appreciate the photo log and description; not the same as being there but a very good mental picture is formed and it is very therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Sunday bonus road trip
ReplyDeleteI too have learned to appreciate the power of weight and momentum, driving an F250 on similar roads. You pay close attention to curves and slope to keep a big beast on the track, and any braking is very, very gentle and careful.
ReplyDeleteFireweed, whose seeds require high temperatures to germinate, growing next to the road.
ReplyDeleteNot sure that's true (there's patches all over the backyard) ... Nope.
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/chamerion_angustifolium.shtml
Sounds like a good time was had. Thanks for the scenic pictures. Yes, spending an evening there is a good idea, bet the night time sky is great.
ReplyDeleteUp in an area like that the scent of deer is probably thick. We hiked up Mt Williams in Colorado years ago and I kept expecting to see a herd over every rise.
ReplyDeleteBeen there. There are some great mountaintop destinations in Shasta County. Ever been to the Clover Mountain Radar Site? You could get up to it twenty-five years ago with a decent stock 4x4 if you knew how to drive it. I don’t know about now.
ReplyDeleteHigh marks for "sea of fume and smoke"
ReplyDelete