Lava Beds towards Lassen.

I got up really early today. I wanted to hike at least 3 lava caves before the heat set in, as Jo Jo is not allowed in the caves. I was the only one in the Sentinel Caves which is over 3800 feet long and categorized is easy.  Though there were plenty of stairs and deep steps. I had to bring all of my own flashlights, as I went through this unlit cave by myself, in the dark. I don't normally watch horror movies, but this could have turned into one, if I let my imagination run wild. A bit spooky when alone! I did not see any bats, and there was complete solitude

and a silence that you do not hear above ground. I continued on to explore the Merrill (ice cave), but did not see any ice, however it was quite chilly down there, actually very refreshing. I also paid a visit to the Mushpot Cave, one of the few lit caves, and ran into a park ranger who seemed to be "lurking" in the dark. I did nervously tell him that it was creepy, but  he just laughed. Apparently there are over two dozen caves that you could visit, some that are extremely strenuous, where you have to crawl on your hands and knees. I did not consider those. There are over 500 documented caves within this park, the most concentrated in the world. 

I visited the "Devil's Homestead:" immense lava flow, and "Fleener Chimnies:"deep chimney-like holes in the ground, before driving south for nearly two and a half hours, going through several small towns and watching the thermostat hover at around 90° the whole time. I made it to my destination about 10 miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park, and it's still 90,° however I've opened up all my windows, there's a lovely breeze, and I'll be taking a shower soon.

Probably the most profound event of the day was meeting a young woman whose name was Anna, but really goes by the name of "Bird." She's hiking the PCT, which is the Pacific Crest Trail that goes from the California/Mexico border to US/Canadian border. Apparently it takes most people 5 months to travel the over 2,600 miles. Usually April to September. Bird was on her own, without even a dog, and had just graduated from college, so I imagine she was 21 or 22. All she had was a backpack, hiking sticks, water, etc. She admired my purple Hoka sneakers, who are quite worn out. She found a pair similar to that at the post office hiker's giveaway box, and will replace them with her worn out pair. The catalyst for meeting was Jo Jo, as she asked if she could pet him, later on giving him a bowl of water. We talked a lot as two women, several generations apart, about how we are traveling alone, seeking our adventure. I give her immense credit for doing this alone with a tent. At least I have a steel box that I can lock myself into, if I need to. She says she occasionally hooks up with groups and spent over 700 miles with one group, but at some point people go on at their own pace. Her family is concerned, and we talked about the tools that we use to stay connected. I have a new found inspiration after meeting this young "Free Bird," and admire her courage to seek her adventure. 

There have been a couple other hikers, as my campsite is literally along the PCT. A young man asked for water, and I shared some with him. He is traveling through, originally from France, but now lives in the states. It's fascinating, the people that I meet, and to hear their stories.