Mount Shasta

Last weekend was one of the greatest weekend, I ever had in a long time. A magical trip to Mount Shasta.

Having gone thro', so many options to do over the weekend, Mount Shasta came out as a surprising option and in the very last minute. It turned to be a wonderful call from A( Thank you! ), with sweet little surprises, all thro' the way...

As my vehicle was up for its regular medical check-up, I didn't want to risk to test its limits by going far, without servicing it. So decided to rent a car. After almost deciding to go with Hertz as always, I thought I'd check with Avis also. While Avis didn't gave me brands/models in the mid-size category, I decided to go with them.

Had to take VTA bus to go to the local dealer and got a free ride :) as the ticketing system was broken. $1.75 was spared. As I sat down in the bus, immediately I couldn't help but appreciate enough the honesty of VTA's service. They could've done many things

• Terminate the service of that particular bus
• Needn't take new passengers
• Collect money in a different way etc.

But they decided to help their customer ! On top of it, the driver thinking that I'm new to USA/California, decided to tell me of other commuting options :). Nice people. I salute you with all my respect VTA. Great customer service.

I reached the rental-car dealer. Then to my great surprise, I got Pontiac G6.

Having driven Ford's and Chevrolet, I was so curious to check out this vehicle, as I knew nothing about it, except that it has a V-6 engine. I drove out and it was like floating in a cold breeze. The suspensions were so good and car was so good to drive. Very basic but good interior gizmos were keeping me happy( I hope others too ), throughout the trip.

But none of these would justify me closing the wind-shield( power windows also ) with A's hand outside. It was very sad and I could sense the pain in her eyes. Very sorry A!

Back home, the trip was gaining lot of momentum, drawing time-lines, taking directions etc. and we decided to leave at 5:30AM. But all three of us were ready. It was raining in here and weather conditions were really bad, enroute.

I was very worried whether I should call if off as there was no point driving 300+ miles and trying to check-out a down-pour, which I can do at home itself. More than that, I was worried that having spent so much of time in planning and executing it, A should be able to enjoy it, during this short-trip.

We were about 100 miles from our destination and while rain was still pounding in few places, driving on a deserted I-5 amongst few resting birds on the freeway(!!!) was simply amazing. So was the feeling, when ripping at 80-90 mph, in this powerful car, which took all my stress test.

About 50miles from our destination, as magic, the rain had stopped and it was drizzling once in a while and after about 30miles the rain stopped !!! I just couldn't believe the dramatic weather change. It was wonderful to see the snow-fall. Perfect weather to be in such a place.

The next few hours were for the brain to capture the purest form of snow over almost anything I could see, but more particularly over the landscape and tall trees. My brain was in superb capture mode in that sub-zero temperature.

Driving on some stretch of the road, which was completely white was a thrill. Long drives on Mount Shasta Blvd/CA-89 was a gift.

I'm a kid when it comes to playing in the snow. Holding it and splashing it on others is something that I've always enjoyed. We all spent a great amount of time playing in the snow :)

After a tiring skiing session, we were slowly inching towards depression ! We have to head back :(

On our way back, in the middle of now where was a good uninhabited stretch. A rightly compared it to look like the forest in the 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. It was heavenly!!!

With all great memories, we came back and there was not a drop or rain :). What an amazing trip!