The Route
We took a scenic, 241 mile shortcut that bypassed Sacramento, took us to a really cool place, and ended in Sparks (just outside Reno). I-5S took us to Red Bluff where we got onto CA-36 and headed east to US-395 near the Nevada state line. We then took US-395 south to Reno where we connected with I-80 and went east to Sparks.
Along the Way
The scenes along CA-36 out of Red Bluff reminded us of the Texas Hill Country.
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| This sure looked a lot like Texas. |
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| The scenery changed as we began to climb. |
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| A view from Battle Creek Vista |
We were grateful for the passing lanes and turnouts as we continued to climb into the forests and the clouds.
The temperature dropped to 36° as we climbed to over 6,000 feet. We came to the Lassen Volcanic National Park and couldn't resist the turn onto the road to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
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| We're wrapped by the clouds. |
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| We see our first ice and snow of the season. |
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| The visitor center is elegant, even on a gray day. |
We're at 6,712 foot elevation and it's cold! It's so cold that the road beyond the visitor center was closed due to ice.
The route descended as we continued on toward Susanville.
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| Lake Almanor really needs some snowfall. |
We camped at Susanville on September 9, 2012 during our Midwest Trip. It's a special place because it reminds us of our dear friend Susan Smith. Susan, these pictures are for you ...
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| CA-36 is the main street in Susanville. |
The terrain southeast of Susanville (along US-395) is dry and barren. There are high wind warnings for a 35 mile stretch.
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| Another dry lake bed |
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| Services are few and far between. |
The Campground
We found a dandy stopping place for tonight. Sparks Marina RV Park is located within the city and is located next to Helms Lake in Sparks Marina Park. It offers every amenity we could think of ... and then some. It's attractive, beautifully maintained and has friendly staff.
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| Site #107 |
Tomorrow
The Reno Air Races begin tomorrow. We haven't planned to attend, but we may get to see some of the action.
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