It definitely wasn't right for a gal who worries her head most of the time about the destruction of the environment to drive to the mountains after the snow storm via gasoline powered car but that's what happened. I fretted at how fast it was melting below 5000 feet... it was like moving through a foot of setting-up concrete by Panther Meadows. Then we thought we'd let the snow mobiles break trail and go to Morgan Summit but miraculously there was no sign that the behemoth crowd had been there so next we went to McGowan Lake trail and Michael broke trail for about a city block before the urge for lunch took over at which point a couple pushed past..

 And next I called it for Lassen Park which turned out to be wreathed in wonderful late afternoon light. What you can't see in this photo is two ravens at the top of the pine sitting right next to each other making that rolling chortle sound they have and kissing at each other with their preening.

 We had a track up to the Sulphur Works and by then the shade was deepening and it was time to turn around and ski back, although Michael was all for going on. Hard core skiers earlier in the day had created ribbons of sensuous tracks down off the old ski area - it was good to know that others felt the pull of the mountains.

 If you click on the photos you can sense the beauty of the day up there. I'm so grateful I was able to go and be out in it. Sorry planet, I couldn't resist you.