Red Bluff, California

Sunday - We had a trouble free and picturesque drive down from Oregon. We hit the season just right as far as foliage color goes, and the steep, craggy hills were covered with golden oak, the leaves brighter than usual and the bark almost black thanks to the gentle rain. The contrast was striking, and when you add in the wispy bits of cloud hovering over some of the canyons it was a classic autumn scene. 'Made me want to start a painting or a quilt or something - but I already have too many projects going! As we drove past Weed and Mt. Shasta we could just barely see the hills on  through the rain and clouds, the snowy mountain tops leave no doubt, winter is just around the corner.

When you cover the miles we have (over 8,000 since June 6) you see and hear so many humorous things, I thought I'd share a couple we noticed today.
Signs seen along the road in Redding:

LOOK OUT CONGRESS. . . THE PEOPLE ARE COMING!

and

BOOT BOXER!

. . . 'nuf said.

Greeted at the entrance by two chubby gray squirrels, we arrived at our campsite in the Red Bluff Recreation Area around 2 o'clock, in a mere drizzle. After all the trips we've made up and down I-5, we never knew this place existed until Steve did some extensive research on the area. So far we're quite pleased. Nice size spaces, some with utilities and some without. There are showers too if people are interested.  There are indications there's a lot more to the park, but that will have to wait. We were completely set up before darkness set in, and as usual this time of year, have the campground pretty much to ourselves.  We spent the afternoon relaxing, time to explore tomorrow.


Monday - The information center isn't open until tomorrow, so we just took a leisurely morning walk to look things over. Does it sound corny to talk about "stately oak trees"? Well, sorry, but these are. This area has the perfect climate for Valley Oak, and they grow big, strong and healthy. None of that moss and scraggly look we were used to in Oregon. The whole park is full of different trees than we are used to - sycamores, gum, and different types of oaks. They are just beginning to lose their leaves, so it makes for a very lush campground view.


Laid a bit low by a cold, we both felt rather low in energy, so other than a brief grocery shopping excursion, we only attempted one other field trip  . . .  and it was worth the effort! With little time or energy to go rock collecting in this area, we had looked up a local rock shop. Gaumers, a family owned rock shop and museum, is definitely worth a stop. You don't have to be a rock hound to appreciate the beautiful sample they have displayed, and their museum area that includes mining, assaying, and other early pioneer equipment. There are photos galore from their various collecting expeditions - there's probably one from your area! If there are children in the family, they have low-priced pocket rocks, if you are a collector there are samples and display stands, if you are in the market for custom jewelry they have that too. We wandered around for almost an hour, coming away with a few display stands and some bulk stone for carving. (Daph's newest hobby.) The photos on their website give a very honest view of what's in store. 'Definitely worth a stop!

Hopefully we'll be up to more exciting activities tomorrow.