Nothin’ Serious

 We had three full days available to us in Tionesta, and after our day in Lava Beds we wondered what to do with the next two days!

We woke up to heavy rain, but a slight break in the weather sent us to the nearest town, Alturas, California. Alturas has a population of about 2800, and we were convinced that a restaurant or coffee shop would be a great diversion on a rainy day. We spent a half hour driving around this little agricultural town and found….exactly…..an ice cream shop. That was closed.

Alturas is 50 miles from Tionesta, and there isn’t much beyond that except Nevada, so we headed back north toward home.

Still looking for something fun to do, we passed Tionesta and went on another 30 miles to the town of Tulelake. Other than having a huge waterfowl wildlife observation area, Tulelake has the unenviable distinction of having been the site of one of the World War II Japanese incarceration camps. Nothing remains except an open field and a monument.

Still looking for food, we kept driving north into Merrill, Oregon, population 850. This is getting serious, we haven’t eaten in hours! Finally we found what turned out to be a food truck with absolutely wonderful burritos!

Ok, finally! And back to camp with full bellies! 180 miles for a burrito. Perfect.

Our last day in Tionesta, a Friday, was unusual in that we were the only campers in the park. We were in the country, no neighbors, no lights, and vultures circling overhead.

Next day, leaving the quietest, most unusual rv park we’ve ever stayed at, we started south on CA 139. Turning right near Alturas, we continued toward the Modoc National Forest.

Approaching Susanville, we got a good look at Eagle Lake. Eagle Lake is the second largest lake entirely in the state of California and is home to Osprey and Bald Eagles. The trout in the lake have adapted to the high alkaline water common in Modoc lakes and can reach a weight of 10 pounds and can live for 11 years!

We’re staying in Susanville, along with 17,000 residents. Originally known as Rooptown, it was renamed for the daughter of Isaac Roop. Farming, mining, and lumber were the early industries at what was the intersection of two pioneer trails in the 19th century. As those sources of livelihood declined, Susanville faced tough times. Between 1963 and 2007, three prisons were built in or near town, two state facility and one federal. Roughly half of the city’s population works at these facilities, which house about 6,000 inmates.

Susanville lies in a wide, fertile valley, and is a major source of Angus cattle.

We’ve landed in the Susanville RV Resort, site 63. This park is a bit old, but is well kept and immaculately clean. The checkin staff has been friendly and professional. We would recommend this park!

Now to find something to do tomorrow!