Fall Break

 I can't believe we stayed in normal school all through term 1. After teaching online and in person I was more than ready for a much needed break. Aaron and Jacklyn are always so welcoming, they love the outdoors, and their house is dog friendly . . . it seemed like a great fall break option.

 They also got time off work so we got to play lots. We did a lot of hiking and a little biking. Through in lots of good food and a little shopping and it was a great break!

 

The first day we did a 9 mile hike close to their house. It was a beautiful morning.

 The second day I was there we decided to visit Lassen Volcano National Park. We decided to hike Cindercone and Lassen all in the same day. This meant a lot of driving and around 10 miles of hiking. It was fun and exhausting.

Cinder cone is one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. you walk through a beautiful forest for a mile or so and then this comes into sight. Pictures do not do it justice. This thing is STEEP. You climb 700ft in a half mile. It looks steep too, just not in pictures! 

We took it slow and went at a comfortable pace. It is also hard because you are on shell. It is steep and slippery.

You climb the outside and then when you get to the top you see the reverse cone. Seriously so cool. I felt like I was on Mars.

 

I am so glad Aaron and Jacklyn are always up for adventures.

Cindercone was definitely a success and I am so glad we hiked it. Very cool hike.

Then we hopped back in the car and drove for an hour to the Lassen Peak Trail Head. The nice thing about hiking to Lassen Peak is that you drive almost to the top of the mountain. It is rare to get to a peak on a 6 mile hike, but you get to do that here. And the views are amazing!

My favorite shot from the Lassen Peak hike was this one of Aaron and Jacklyn leading on the way down. This world is beautiful!

After we finished hiking we headed back towards Susanville. We stopped and ate some yummy pizza and then got back to their house to crash. It was Friday evening and my mom met us there when we returned. We ended the night with showers and games.

Saturday we walked and biked but stayed close to Susanville. We also played games and visited with my mom. Ia m glad my mom is always willing to drive to their place and hang out for the weekend.

We teased Aaron a lot for cutting out our biking sign on this picture. . . . poor guy! We did a 12 mile loop around Susanville as the sun was setting. So nice.

Susanville is so beautiful!!!! I love it there.

Sunday we went to church. . . . without masks. That felt amazing.

Jacklyn is so good at making sure we get pictures. I really appreciate that!

Except this picture. No one needs this picture:)

It was an awesome fall break and just the recharge I needed after a hard first term. I am so thankful for family and that their doors are always open!!!!!