As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler, solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness, weakness.
Henry David Thoreau
As we bid farewell to Dick and Melinda, we headed east toward Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lake Almanor. Although at this time of year, campgrounds at Lassen and Almanor were closed for the season, we were crossing our fingers that we would locate a US Forest Service Campground still clinging to a "we are open sign".
Fortune again shined upon us. Lake Almanor North Lake Campground, although officially closed, was not gated and allowed camping as long as you hauled out your trash. No water, no facilities...no camphost. There were only a dozen campers in the entire park, mostly fishermen, so we were quite alone in our corner neighborhood. And to not love solitude, you cannot love freedom. For when one is alone, one can truly experience freedom.
Lake Almanor is quite beautiful and from what we were told, a wonderful sportsman's paradise, so quite a haven for the fisherfolk. At this time of the year though, very few ventured out on brisk lake to test their skill, luck and patience.
This was our 7th day on the road since leaving home and we stayed active each day, so this stop was a perfect rest stop to relax. Imkelina and Sydney hiked every trail, explored the entire campground and reconnoitered every foot of surrounding forest. Imke needed but a short break and she was ready to do it all over again. Walking and exploring are her relaxation! As for Sydney, it is no wonder she found the best nesting area and never moved once the campfire was lit.
I lazed and reflected on a thousand thoughts and with the same underlying questions...are our relationships and experiences actually the required dots that will connect us, lead us or manifest us toward our ultimate destinies? This question is my foreplay to mindlessness or "early dementia".
But these days were restful and very peaceful. Imkelina regularly shares that Mother Nature is always speaking, she is our teacher and we must listen. And to understand, we must have the peaceful mind of a sincere observer. Ahhhh...the best cure for a body is a quiet mind.
At Waypoint 40.218612 -121.176337
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