Detour, California wildfire style 6.28.08

Just as we suspected, highway 299 was closed heading East into Redding. So we left the Redwoods and headed Northeast into Oregon and then hit Interstate 5 down to Redding. On the way, we had some fantastic views of Mt. Shasta, the 5th largest mountain in California.

We arrived at 5pm to 105 degrees and smoky, hot weather! You know that old saying ‘Be careful what you wish for cause you might just get it’? Well…we got it!! We went straight from 50-60 degree weather right to 100 degree weather! Whew!! The visibility was down to 3 blocks, if that and the smell of smoke was heavy in the air. The temps seemed to amplify the effect.

Because Redding was a one night stop, we checked into a hotel and really appreciated the A/C! We walked over to a highly suggested sushi spot for dinner and after that…watched a couple of hours of TV, checking e-mails, & surfing the net.

It’s questionable whether we will stop in Lassen Volcanic Park or not as we’ll see how smoky it is in the campground when we get there. The temps are scheduled to be in the upper 90’s, hot & smoky. If not, we’re headed to Reno for a few more days.

More to follow…
Rene
{GMST}40|35.242|N|122|23.474|W|Hanging out at a hotel in Redding, CA|Redding, CA!{GEND}