I skipped the Sierra and arrived to Chester to resume my walk to Canada. When Graci, a friend of mine, who manages education programs at Lassen Volcanic National Park dropped me off at the trailhead, it was cold and the air was heavy. Within one hour, I was blessed with the unexpected snow and I thought what a different world from the desert! There are snow left on the north facing slopes and in the valleys. The trail took me to the first national park on this trip: Lassen Volcanic National Park. It soon became one of my favorite parks since it is very quiet, and has alpine lakes, stunning views of snow-capped volcanoes and very unique geothermal active features. I also witnessed many burned areas and its regenerative process. It reminded me of how we all have capacity to heal from catastrophic events in our lives. Fire teaches us our resilient nature and for that, I enjoyed walking through it. I took my time to enjoy and explore the park. I visited Terminal Geyser, Boiling Spring Lake, Devil’s Kitchen and Cinder Cone. On this detour, I was welcomed by many deer and a bear! The trees, plenty of water and these animals helped me settle into the Northern California. I feel home in this temperate forest and mountains.
Appreciation: there are many people who helped me to make this transition from the desert to the Northern California including: people who picked me up from Kennedy Meadows to Tehachapi. For Yoko, Eiko, Francis and Kristy for hospitality and helping me take care of logistics. For Graci for picking me up in the Bay Area and bringing me to the Chester trailhead and hosting me for a night. Again, my journey is only possible with countless people’s support. Last not least, FRESH FOOD. Thank you.
Best learnings: it’s more of a reminder that we have power to heal from any trauma after witnessing the burned forest. As long as we give ourselves the time and what we need, that’s possible. Small seedlings of conifers are everywhere even on the sandy trail where they get stepped on again and again, they are growing toward the sun. It gave me so much trust in our ability and courage to move forward.
Challenges: logistics to make the transition! Re-organizing resupplies. The unexpected snow and cold two days. It kept snow frozen so I actually benefited from the cold days to avoid post-holing snow on trail.
Disappointment: I mis-calculated the miles (I thought it was 23 but it turned out 29!) to meet up with Graci on day 3 at Old Station so I was 45 minutes late. I was disappointed because I value people’s time and I didn’t want her to worry about me.
Exciting moments: mud hot springs to soak my feet and feeling the liveliness of the Earth at Devil’s Kitchen. The stunning 360 view of Lassen Park from the top of Cinder Cone. It was totally worth it to go up the last steep scree slope when every 2 steps up, I was sliding 1 step down with my backpack. And, of course, the bear!
