While this year I did not lead a trek to Belfast for the Summer Solstice Sunrise event there, later that day we went on expedition to areas that I had not been to in a long time. While we were unable to access the McKissick Family Cemetery in Secret Valley, we did see some interesting sights along the way. The above photograph is a wetlands habitat. If you are able to enlarge it, one can see the nesting islands. So what is the name of this watery oasis in the desert?
Benjamin R. Zimmerman came to Susanville in 1874, at the age of 14. The first trade he learned was making harnesses. The next thing, he has graduated to saloon operator. This he soon discovered was a very lucrative business. All was well, until 1919 and the Volstead Act, better known as prohibition put an end to his business and so he opened a restaurant. Zimmerman died in 1943 in Susanville.
Fast forward to January 2011. A classified ad appeared in the local newspaper about a box of old photographs that the person thought might be of Susanville. Several people alerted me so I answered the ad. The gentleman I spoke to informed me he was helping a friend clean out an old barn in Richmond, that was going to be torn down. That is where he found the box and kept it to find it a home. We had a long discussion, and the impression he left with me, it was a small box, but he would send it and I told him I would reimburse him his costs. Time went by, and I called again. This continued for several months. Finally, he said he shipped it and it cost $60 via UPS. It turns out it was a two-foot square trunk. The photographs were from the Zimmerman family. There are two items impressive about the collection. The majority were photographs I had never seen before, like yesterday’s Freak Party. Equally important, is the majority of the photographs are identified. A portion I had processed and the rest I stored away in a box. I recently retrieved that box, so that is why you are seeing Zimmerman photographs.
Windy Hollow is located about a mile northwest of Long Lake. I have never come across any documentation why and when it was so named. Due to the wet winter and spring many of these little sinks are full of water.
Due to unforseen circumstances, I will not be leading a trek to Belfast on Friday. Those folks who have attended in the past are more than welcome to make the journey since they know their way there and have also had Rudolph’s paper on the topic for needed literature on the topic.
Willow Creek Valley as seen from the Fredonyer Peak Road. Better views can be found further up the road, at the lookout itself, but the latter was not on our destination. However, it could be a future destination, one never knows where I might end up.
The weather is trying to cooperate for a bit of outdoor exploring. On a recent excursion checking things, I have to state the wildflowers where we were splendid—the mosquitos horrendous. It was the latter curtailed this outdoor adventure.
It is that time of year for the annual early morning pilgrimage to Belfast, on Friday, June 21.. Were you aware that the Belfast petroglyph site also serves as ancient observatory? This event only occurs on the morning of the summer solstice when the sun enters a chamber highlighting a variety of glyphs, among other things. It is quite the sight to see.
This is an early morning excursion and I mean early as we gather at 5 a.m. to make the trek. In preparation attendees receive in advance John Rudolph’s paper, that provides information of what you will be viewing.
I have been asked how long it takes. Most attendees spend about 45 minutes at the site and are usually back in Susanville by 7 a.m.
Note: There is a $5.00 fee for non-subscribers.
On a final note, details will be sent out a day or two prior to the solstice. After all, if it is going to be overcast on that day, there is no sense in going.
Important: If you plan to attend you need to contact me in advance so I can provide you with the needed literature.
As a public service announcement on Saturday, June 8, kicks off the Farmer’s Market in Uptown Susanville on South Gay Street. It is a wonderful oportunity to do some alternative shopping and a side benefit of some socializing, too.
I have been tinkering around with doing some guided Susanville Strolls during the Farmer’s Market. Quite honestly, I am a bit behind on plotting out some of the walks. It is not due to lack of interest, but other matters seem to creep in and disrupt my good intentions. If anyone is interested, just let me know.
There are a handful posts that I repeat each year, and for good reason. With summer weather upon us, it is an ideal time to check out the many wonders that surround the residents of the Lassen Region. I hope this editorial from the Lassen Advocate of June 21, 1929 will inspire you to explore the wonderful country around us.
Know Your Country
If you were wondering what to do with your weekends this summer, have you ever given any thought to the fact that you don’t know your own county and the wonderful lake and mountain country immediately contiguous.
Within a few hours of Susanville there are numerous beautiful lakes as well as some beautiful streams and excellent camping spots.
How many have been to Drakesbad and to the top of Mount Lassen? How many have been to the ice caves near Eagle Lake and Wilson Lake?
There are many trips that can be taken from Susanville in the morning returning the same evening and traversing in the meantime a lot of new country that you have never seen before. Beauty spots near a mountain stream with clear sparkling water are numerous where one may have their picnic lunch.
Try and see your own neck of the woods this summer. You will find many a pleasant day in store for you.
In the 1980s, the forest service considered Gallatin House at Eagle Lake surplus property and wanted to demolish it. More about this later. Anyhow, the property is now part of of Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake. This Saturday and Sunday they will be holding their 26th Annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. It only cost five dollars for all you can eat breakfast. Proceeds benefit Lassen County Kids Camper Scholarship Fund.