Mt Shasta, CA and the Shepherd’s Wagon - 08.14.22
The preferred accommodations for the wandering soul… the shepherd’s wagon. This one was built out of recycled materials and sits on lands just North of Mt Shasta in a volcanic desert region, full of sage, junipers and dry air. Just like New Mexico. Neat. Except for the heat, and wildfire smoke and I just came from a temperate rain forest.
I search for these type of stays, it’s part of the experience in my travels, and it totally suits my style. The owners were super nice and in the GenX range and I enjoyed an extensive conversation with them that started because the outdoor shower, I was sooooo looking forward to, had a busted connection.
Anywho, I hope to return… and in a time that is not mid-summer… and I did get my shower because I bring along a portable solar shower in my self-contained land submarine, that I fill with mineral water when I’m at a hot springs… and I believe being pleased with one’s self on occasion is healthy for the esteem.
In my way out I made a stop at Pluto’s Cave. A natural feature in volcanic rock in the middle of no where and on BLM land. Filled with graffiti and smelled like the being under the 15th Street Viaduct by Rock Island Club in the late 80s when there was a viaduct. And if you don’t know that smell… guess portapotty.
The cave area was surrounded by tons of properties that looked like old grows or something… plastic tarps covering fences and keep out signs. Nothing going on now but a polypropylene polluted disaster area. I’m curious of the history but was hungry and headed toward a town called Weed. (And that may be the answer)
There’s a ton of recreation around Mt Shasta. Apparently a vortex or something… I would total expect that from a volcano but it was surrounded by tons of vacationing folks that wear their swimming suits around as formal wear. I did have a nice lunch snack in a Main Street cafe but I was ready to move on.
I hit McCloud Falls which was filled with peoples out enjoying the lovely weekend day. I hiked down and hiked back up and made lots of small talk with passing humans “hot enough for you?!? (Labored laughing) and check.
It’s a long haul from there to the Nevada border. The roads are relatively straight and it’s easy driving but hypnotic and tiring. I finally made it to a town called Susanville to fuel up the pod and myself. I wondered if everyone there was named Susan. I drove by the VFW on Main St and there were three blokes standing out front… I barked out “Hey Susan!!” They all looked over. Yup folks, scientifically proven… everyone in Susanville is named Susan.
There wasn’t much available in rooms around where I wanted to land for the night. I found a last minute, cancellation and discounted room in the town of Loyalton, CA. It was the Bridal Suite in a Victorian Inn and it’s just lovely. Sitting room and library and poster bed and shower that would fit six bridal couples and all for a solo dusty drifter.
Loyalton, CA is know as ”the loneliest town in America” due to the decline in population so they say. [I] as a solo traveler and in the ample sized Bridal Suite all alone can validate that. I piled some PeanutButter M&Ms in the courtyard of the Inn last night in hopes of luring a land mermaid. It didn’t work for me on the coast but I have high hopes this morning and will check after I run around in the giant shower. Seriously, I can lay down horizontally… both directions in this shower.
Off to Sierra Hot Springs for an evening and I have my path plotted to get to Ogden after that and Denver after that. Denver peeps… if you have some moments of free time id love to see you and do know… that I’ve saved one set of clean clothes as not to smell up the whole town. And smooch
