Old Pump in Color, originally uploaded by ronWLS.

It’s fun sometimes to find out just how close to the city bits of local history are. The other day we went on a geocache near the old abandoned Yankee John Mine. The most amazing part for me was just how close it was to work and home. We could probably be at the ruins within 20 minutes of leaving work, maybe sooner. It’s a private mine shaft that is no longer working but the land is BLM with easy trails to get there. This was some old rusted piece of machinery (I’ve assumed a pump). Lots of other stuff there also.

Afternoon Light, originally uploaded by ronWLS.

Coming down from the top of the world we stopped at Brandy Creek. The sun was getting low the light was right. Wish I would have had my new tripod at this point but I didn’t. Still I like the light and composition of this.

Top of the World, originally uploaded by ronWLS.

Had a chance last week to catch a ride up Shasta Bally. I was on the top of the mountain about 15 years ago but then we had to walk up from Sheep Camp. It was a 4 hour hike up the road. With a four-wheel drive it was closer to 30 minutes.
It is such a great view from the top. You’re able to see Whiskeytown Lake, Redding, the Sacramento River and Lake Shasta among other points of interest. Since our drive up to the top it has snowed and I would imagine the road will be closed the rest of the winter.