Lassen Volcanic NP, Sierra Nevada Brewery and a Steak Dinner

This took place June 27.

A few days prior, the three of us were discussing our route home. Since we knew Redwood was on our trip, I took a look at how it was best to return home. In doing so I noticed two additional parks we could hit - Lassen Volcanic and Arches. Then, when we looked at going through Lassen, we noticed how close we would be to Chico (home of the best beer in the entire world). But if we were going to be in Chico, then we were close to Roseville (home of one companion's grandparents). Then, if we were in Roseville, we were close to Yos-

-too far

We drew the line.

But that still meant we had a jam-packed day, so we left Redwood NP early after a pleasant visit.

Lassen Volcanic National Park
In reading about this park, there didn't seem to be much special about it, other than it was the continental United States' most recent volcanic eruption before Mount St. Helens. It is supposed to have some good hiking trails. For us, we wanted some good photos and to knock out another park on our way to Chico. Its through-road provided a good means to get down to Chico - until we got to the park and found out it wasn't open all the way. So we drove about 7 miles in, took one decent photo (right) and returned out and drove around, losing an hour or two in the process.

Larger versions of the two photos from Lassen

Sierra Nevada Brewery
With our lost time, we were worried we might not make the brewery before it closed. We certainly wouldn't have time for a tour, but we at least wanted to get to the gift shop to purchase beers we couldn't get on the east coast. Fortunately, we made it (by an hour)! I went for the cooler and grabbed everything I had never seen before. Fifty dollars and a cart-full later (with barely any room in the car), I had what I came for.

I'd love to return and take a tour of the brewery and perhaps even spend some time (days?) in the taproom and restaurant. But there's an excuse to return to Chico.

One photo from Chico, just to prove I was there

A Steak Dinner
My companion called his grandmother the day before to give her a warning we would be in the neighborhood. How excited she was to learn this information and immediately decided to pull some steaks out of the old ice box, grab a case of Sierra Nevada, put some sheets on real beds, pull out towels for our first shower in two weeks and test the temperature of the swimming pool.

No more needs to be said toward the grandeur of this visit. Okay, his grandparents rock!

Next Post: The Drive Home