 |
| Star and Stripes cake on 4th July |
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redding – This was a
shorter road trip compare to couple of years ago, when we did it. Prem is
having good time this summer vacation, with lot of play dates, primarily with
Rahul. Part of playdates, they would do Math Olympiad questions and some very
basic Android app development. However, as per Prem, vacations are not really
vacation till we go out some place and stay in hotel, eat yummy (read - bad)
food. Both the kids studied and played well together; so it was great, when we decided
for this vacation together last minute.
Since I knew the area and attraction points, we did not rush
(much). Both the kids were excited and looking forward to hike to center of
volcano in Bumpass Hell hike. The hike took them over to mud pots, Sulfur
geysers. Our next stop was Lassen Peak. This year, there was lot less snow at
top. This is probably the most fun time kids have, throwing snow at each other.
Promila running around, in the parking lot, to dodge the snowballs, made few
more cars to stop over there, and look at the spectacle. Throwing snow in
shorts and sandals, 90 degree weather; made us forget how tired we were.
4 hour drive, Bumpass Hell Hike and snow play and no real
lunch behind, lot of us were hungry. After finishing up most of the snacks
while doing North Summit Lake hike, we went to the store near Manzanita lake.
It had pizza, fresh fruits, ice creams which refueled us for next couple of
hours. We headed to Redding and everybody was tired to get out for real dinner.
Luckily for us, on walking distance there was Chinese restaurant, which
customized the dishes to our liking; and everybody loved the freshly cooked
food. Even though we barely ate couple of hours ago, we were able to finish
most of the food.
We were all in vacation mood, and did not set up time to get
up in morning. It was Subha’s birthday, and we went to Lumberjack and had a big
breakfast there. However, after watching us finish the big portion of
After having our sandwich lunch at local Safeway, we headed
to Lava Tubes. Guhan wondered as why there were no lights in the tubes, the
ground was uneven, cave was cold. It was easy to imagine that some animals or
poisonous scorpions, might be taking refuge from hot sun into these caves.
Total darkness added to mystery and adventure to this small walk. Kids were
excited and playing with headlights in this long cave.
We were done for the day and headed back. Guhan got big Oreo
ice cream cake; and we finished up 3/4th of cake in no time. Subha
shared couple of her Marathon stories and how she was so stiff to even walk or
move after the race was over; a budding stand-up comedian, with all the
actions. She further narrated as how her daughter disowned her when she forgot
to switch off her phone at start of a live classical music concert and it
started ringing loudly; and she could not find it in the bag; and could not run
out of auditorium.
We tried to be more adventurous, and went to Sundial Bridge
in night. However, with not a single soul in night in parking lot, and with
history of watching scary movies and active imagination, nobody even stepped
out of car. (Note to self – backpacking trip might have to wait).
After
returning back to room, we talked about memorable vacation trips. Soon it was
clear, when Guhan/Subha talked about downtown of Seattle/San Diego, trying
different coffees and food shop; and not mentioning Mt Olympic/Mt St Helens, Mt
Rainier; that it might take them a bit to come around for 4-10 hours hikes.
When they chatted about their Europe trip, Rahul was quick to ask as why they
did not do those kind of trips now with the kids. Needless to say, it was interesting
argument to satisfy the smart kid
.
We woke up next morning and walked to Sundial bridge;
everybody was now comfortable to admit, that they might go next time in night
there. With people walking their dogs, lot of bicycles; kids playing around and
skipping stones in Sacramento river, it was a nice place to hang out. This was
followed by educational Shasta Dam trip.
Coming back, we stopped at Corning, Olive City; and went to
Olive Pitt. It was a great stop, as we tasted different types of Olives and hot
peppers, along with Olive oils. Well, I guess, in retrospect, it was more than
tasting; as I felt so sleepy after that stop, that I had difficulty keeping my
eyes open.
After pouring some water on my head, I thought of stopping
and get some coffee. At that time, we got a call from Subha who invited us for
dinner, and that too traditional Tamil dinner. The anticipation of tasting
sambhar and other dishes were enough to keep me awake. I was surprised to see
their energy after a full day and 4 hours drive; to go home and cook dinner for
6 people.
Dinner conversation went quickly to what it meant by
authentic South Indian cuisine. Very entertaining and educational conversation
for me, as I came to know proper way for making sambhar. Guhan, this time, was
more of an expert in this area; and explained subtlety; which made a lot of
sense. Promila and I learned quite a few things. Dinner was excellent, with
four dishes, served with rice and bread. Hope to follow up on these sessions
more, as Guhan has taken on himself to teach daughter cook every weekend; for
next year, before she is headed for college. More stand-up comedy from Subha on
hearing (read - not listening) proper way of cooking from Guhan. It was
conclusion of a very pleasant weekend. I had a great flavor in my mouth from
the traditionally prepared dishes; and was hoping Guhan family had some taste
of adventure and craving for more.
Photos
Photos
