Episode 144: The Unmatched Beauty and Adventure of Siskiyou
From the heights of Mt. Shasta to the lakes, trails, and tiny towns that surround it, today I want to introduce you to a place that is very close to my heart -- Siskiyou, deep in the wild reaches of Northern California. There's something for everyone, in every season of the year. A place touched by wild beauty, that leaves you breathless for more.
This episode of Happiness Spells was brought to you by DiscoverSiskiyou. Find your own, individual, deeply personal adventure in California's true north.
The glory of Mt. Shasta, so bold and gorgeous that you can’t take your eyes off the snow-capped peak, the rugged volcanic shape.
Coming face to face with a family of deer while hiking, standing absolutely still as they observe you, sniffing the air, ears swiveling before disappearing into the woods.
The deep, earthy smell of the damp ground after a hearty rain, the grey clouds hovering low around the Cascade mountains.
Closing your eyes and noticing sounds that seem unfamiliar at first, the call of birds and animals, children playing in the distance, PCT hikers laughing with one another as they walk.
Walking gently amongst the twisted metal statues in the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, reflecting with gratitude on all those who gave so much that we may live in peace.
Standing quiet at the headwaters of the Sacramento river, listening to the rushing stream as the people around you fill up jugs and bottles with the life-giving water.
A walk along the boardwalk in Sisson Meadow -- the swish of the high grasses and wild sweet pea in the wetlands, the aspens waving gently, your feet echoing on the boards underneath you.
Enjoying the time capsule nature of McCloud, a tiny town nestled at the foot of Mt. Shasta, filled with historic buildings and shops.
The smell of warm cinnamon rolls, covered in perfect icing from The Dough Hook in Dunsmuir.
Feeling the call of Mt. Shasta itself, a feeling you can’t quite place, the vibrations and energy of this place finding you, inspiring you.
The energy of McCloud Falls, standing silent on the riverbank as the crystal clear water pours over rocks and green moss.
Pushing off the shore of Lake Siskiyou in a kayak, early one morning -- your lungs filling with the scent of pine, birdsong through the air as you gently paddle.
Exploring the wildness of Siskiyou, allowing that wildness to speak to parts of you that you haven’t felt in a long time.
Your fingers stained from picking ripe raspberries and plump blackberries at California Heritage Farms, dreaming of baking cobblers and pies once you’ve eaten your fill.
Watching a fiery, glowing sunset, illuminating Mt. Shasta in pure golden hues.
The view from the summit -- your body and mind exhausted from the climb but your eyes drinking in a whole colorful world spread out before you.
Riding a mountain bike along the Gateway trail up and away from town, exploring the woods on your own terms as birds fly alongside and Mt. Shasta looms large in the distance.
Discovering a hillside of wildflowers on a hike through South Gate Meadow -- bright red Indian Paintbrush, wild purple lupine, yellow arnica -- So beautiful, it stops you in your tracks.
Waking up early one morning, and filling your lungs with air so crisp, so clean and so pure that you feel truly awake for the first time in ages.
Visiting the mineral springs, easing into the warm springs, the hot water soothing your body and mind as you finally relax and unwind.
Understanding that everyone here is looking for something, feeling connected to those who seek -- hearing the call of the mountains, and answering them yourself.
Happiness Spells Podcast is a five minute list of all the greatest pleasures and smallest joys in life. Increase your capacity for positivity, curiosity and gratitude.
This episode of Happiness Spells was written, arranged, recorded and produced by Amanda Meyncke in Temecula, CA. The music in this episode is by Outside the Sky.