Kevin Citta Photography: September 2015

August 2015

Several people who don't live close to me have asked me if I ever work. The answer is yes. I like to make the most of my days off and get outdoors as much as possible. I love to be in nature, I love the solitude, the quietness, the fresh air, the clean water, and the lack of humans. In August I worked my normal four days a week at the Weed Airport as a fuel tech. I spent some of my days off working with my beekeeper friends extracting honey. Between work, I did manage to find time to explore some new lakes, watch the Persiod meteor shower, do some hiking, as well as kick back and relax with friends.

I will be making 2016 calendars soon with my travel photography. If you are interested in ordering a calendar or two email me at kevincitta@gmail.com. Happy Trails!

McCloud Reservoir from Star City

McCloud Reservoir - sunset

McCloud Middle Falls

Interesting geology on Yellow Butte

One of my favorite natural chairs - Yellow Butte

Mine Shaft - Yellow Butte

Cliff Lake Bike, Hike, and Swim
I revisited my favorite local lake for swimming this August, Cliff Lake. From the highway it is around a 2 mile bike ride on a fun forest service road with a lot of obstacles and small hills. On the way in is scenic Cedar Lake and Lower Cliff Lake. After reaching Cliff Lake I like to ditch the bicycle and hike around the lake to the back side where the rock face is. I almost always have the place to myself and love hanging out on the rocks and jumping in every so often to cool off. The water is very deep and crystal clear and this time of year is comfortable enough to swim in versus jumping in and right back out. This was my 3rd trip to Cliff Lake this year due to the excellent swimming as well as the proximity to town. So far this year I have visited 34 different lakes and some of those lakes several times. Out of all of those Cliff is my favorite for swimming. Almost always have it to myself on a week day, the water is clear and weed free, many rocks to jump off of, very scenic, and no clothes required. What more can you ask for?!

Lower Cliff Lake - pretty lake but shallow compared to Cliff

Beautiful day at Cliff Lake

Had it all to myself

Crystal clear water

Loving Life!

So inviting!

Cannonball!

Tried photographing myself mid air with my self timer.

Previous photos were taken from the flat area of the rock. Lower left of the center of this photo.

Cedar Lake

Seven Lakes Basin
I had a Monday off work and wanted to explore somewhere I haven't been yet. After looking at my maps I decided on Seven Lakes Basin. Not too much further up the road from Cliff Lake is a parking lot for the Pacific Crest Trail. For those that don't know the Pacific Crest Trail is a hiking trail that goes from Canada to Mexico or vice versa. Although I have yet to hike the entire trail I have hiked many sections of the trail in Northern California. The hike to the Seven Lakes Basin was one of my favorite stretches of the P.C.T. The views to the south west of the Trinity Alps were incredible and to the north Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy were quite impressive. When reaching the Seven Lakes Basin I first visited Lake Helen. I relaxed lakeside for awhile before continuing on to Upper Seven Lake, a wonderful place for lunch. From there I checked out Lower Seven and then hiked through the woods to Echo Lake. Echo was beautiful and rested against a gigantic rock but unfortunately it is private and the 100's of no trespassing signs makes it a bit uncomfortable. Seeing as it was windy and illegal to be there I decided to head back to Upper Seven Lake for a swim. The water had thick algae around the side of the lake so I walked out on a tree trunk reaching the 10 foot or more deep crystal clear water. After swimming for awhile and watching many large fish jump I climbed up the rocky cliff back to the trail and hiked back out to the car. On my way back I stopped at one of my favorite springs with the most incredible water. So refreshing and peaceful!