After our "luxury trip" last year, it was time to head back into the mountains and woods for a good old-fashioned dose of Mother Nature at her finest. So we returned to the location of a 1992 Trip to revisit some fond memories and create vivid new ones.

Pertinent Details: The Trinity Alps Wilderness is located in northwest California along the headwaters of the Trinity and Salmon rivers. It covers over a half-million acres and includes parts of the Trinity, Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests. Generally lower in elevation than the Sierras, the area still has a high country feel due to extensive glacial canyons and sparse rocky vistas. The remnants of century-old gold mining operations provide unexpected counterpoints to the backdrop of forest, rock and water.

A two-day hike up the canyon brought us to a lovely stream-side campsite with close access to the real jewels of the journey...the lakes at the end of the trail. The weather turned out better than expected - warm days and moderate nights. Even the threat of gray skies and rain on the hike out dissipated with no effect. In spite of the start of Hunting Season, we enjoyed blissful solitude the entire week - though we did leave our antler hats at home.

Once again, a truly Perfect and Rejuvenating Experience from start to finish.