We managed to out-run the snow and stopped in Susanville for brunch.

On the way to Redding we passed through Lassen Forest high in the mountains and the weather caught up with us. It was thick snow, though blue skies, and very, very cold. The thick snow went for miles, coating trees and branches and the forest floor, railway tracks and side roads. We got out a few times to play in it and it was so deep I sunk nearly to my waist at one point. Needless to say I spent the next few hours with wet feet and legs! Another stark contrast in the weather and from the heat as we left Reno the day before.

We made it to Redding, which was a little unsavoury, but it was Jesse's hometown so he wanted to check out his old neighbourhood and church etc. I think the town had obviously changed a lot, and not for the better. But it was fun reliving his childhood with him through the places he remebered.

The next day I had a wander through the town and had fun taking photos of all the old motels and their neon signs. Then we hit the road and headed to Whiskey Town Lake. It was so tranquil and picturesque and sunny! We spent a few hours there but I could've stayed there all day. We saw lots of lizards and birds and a bald eagle flew right over head!

We then headed through the mountain pass that would lead us to Arcata. However, the pass was a lot longer and a ot more windy than we first thought and it took hours to get to the otherside and it was pitch black by then. We saw rock falls and not much else as there was very little lighting along the roads, but it was still a pretty interesting drive and we half expected to see a bear walk out infront of us.

We eventually made it to Arcata and a Motel 6, and ate last nights leftover Chinese for dinner.