In August we were fortunate to get away camping as a family (minus the oldest son) for 5 nights. We went to one of our favorite spots -- McArthur Burney Falls State Park. It is located between two inactive volcanoes, Lassen and Shasta, in Northern California. We had quite a bit of packing to do before we could embark on our adventure -- gathering up all of our camp supplies and 40+ year old tent trailer before heading off on our long 6 or 7 hour drive from home.
The main attraction in the park is a beautiful waterfall that flows year round, originating underground. At one time Theodore Roosevelt even remarked that it was one of the wonders of the world. The park also contains Lake Britton which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. I appreciate the basic facilities with flush toilets and showers (50cents for 5 minutes)!! Many times during the week I found myself reflecting on prior camping trips to the park for my own family, and when I was growing up many years ago. Burney Falls is a special place.
Waterfall tidbits: The water originates from an underground stream emerging 900 yards upstream from the falls. The height of the falls is 129 ft., and the depth of the pool at the base is 22 ft. Its amazing to think that about 100 million gallons of water flow over the falls each day!!
We did lots of hiking and scouting for other waterfalls in the area. It was a relaxing week -- Oh.... if summer vacation could only come more frequently and stay longer!!
Fortunately I came home with a large collection of digital photos that I can enjoy, as well as use as inspiration for future journal pages .... as time allows...
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9 comments:
Sounds like you had a lovely vacation, Claire. Did you do the sketch on vacation or after you returned? Seems like you were too busy to be sketching!
Thanks for your comments. I did paint this on location in one sitting at the picnic table in our campsite. However, it was the only time that I managed to do art during our trip. I had hoped to do more.... but atleast I came home with these pages and digital pictures to work from. At some point, I am going to attempt the waterfall....
Claire, what a lovely family vacation. I spent time at Burney Falls with Gary, but the sons were back East visiting grandparents at the time. Great spot. Can't wait to see the sketches.
Claire: Burney Falls is one of my all time favorite places to visit. Happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. I know what you mean about carving out time to sketch. Many time when I am traveling with family I feel like I need to limit my sketching time to do other things.
Its great to hear that some of you have also enjoyed the wonder of Burney Falls!!
Hay, I've been there. Hope your vacation was a fun as mine. I found a picture of us when we were kids, I'll see if I can upload. Are you taking class this time around?
Your trailer is how old? The fact it still works is a testament to how you take care of things. Love the post. I was interested in how a fellow camper illustrates an outing. The idea of windows or grid is neat. I'll file that idea away for my future use. If you see it on my blog, you'll know it came from you!
Actually the trailer really is that old. It wasn't a typo and I wasn't exaggerating. Back around 1964 my father's brother bought the simple tent trailer, but only used it once or so. My Dad liked it so much that he bought one the following year. My parents got rid of ours a few years later when they upgraded to a Lo-Liner trailer. Fast forward a few years and my parents were retired and wanted to start camping again. They picked up my Uncle's trailer and used it a few times. Fast forward a bit more and my little family adopted the trailer when our boys started arriving.
Tidbits about the trailers: purchased at Montgomery Wards in about 1964/1965. The trailers were labeled 'Western Field'. They were each a very simple metal 4x8 shell with a canvas tent top. Two beds pull out from the sides ... that's all. It was just enough to carry our stuff and let us sleep off of the ground. Gotta love the simple things!!!
Claire, it sounds like you had a wonderful camping vacation! Gotta love the simple things in life and being outdoors!
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