Picturesque Lake Shastina

About 5 miles past the historic logging town of Weed on state highway 97 a road, Big Springs, breaks off to the left. It winds down into a beautiful high desert valley which contains man-made, yet quite picturesque, Lake Shastina. The lake consists of 2 areas, the open public area and the privately owned main area. The private section is available to local home owners, the 18 hole Lake Shastina Golf Resort guests and friends and family of the above. There are also a number of delightful bed and breakfasts and condo rentals.

And when you go to the lake you will enjoy several of Nature's perks, such as the magnificent Mt. Shasta itself and a wide variety of beautiful and curious wildlife.

For more beautiful images go to: Christian Richards Photography

A Hidden Gem: The High Desert Vietnam War Sculpture Memorial

As you drive north on I5 up into the mountains of northern California you will run into a sign stating "Central Weed, California Highway 97". Upon taking this exit you will ride through the very quaint town of Weed, a historic logging community that now survives largely upon tourism..."Enjoy Legal Weed:. :) Once through the town you continue about 20 miles and then on your left, as if out of nowhere, is the Vietnam War Memorial Sculpture Garden. It is a place of true peace and Zen.

Once you turn in you can either park in a large, oval, dirt parking area and walk up or drive up the single dirt road into the center of the sculpture garden. I strongly suggest parking and walking up...this way you get the full, breathtaking, beautiful experience. It is not a long walk and well worth it.

The garden is comprised of several sculptures detailing the stages people go through during war...those left behind, POW's, medics, the fallen soldier and so much more. Over the years, moved by the beauty of the garden and burdened with painful memories, people have left little trinkets and memorabilia to honor those who have served and fallen.

It is beautiful. It is powerful. It is heart-rending. And all of this is set within the stunning setting of beautiful high, mountain desert northern California. The Garden is an experience you will never forget.

For more beautiful images go to: Christian Richards Photography

The Eternal Majesty of the Northern California Redwood Forest

When I was a young child of 8 or 9 my parents took me to see the magnificent redwoods in northern Cali. Their impression upon me was powerful, visceral. I remember hugging one and being absolutely certain I could feel it breathing with me...connecting with me on a spiritual level. Quite the experience for a young boy.

That experience never left me...never faded in my memory one bit. To this day I can close my eyes and feel the beautiful, ancient redwood breathing with me. Due to my career in dance I have been moving around the country for the last 25 years...never making it back to California. Never making it back that is, until now.

My Mom and I both have early September birthdays and decided to celebrate them together with a trip to the coast...4 glorious days exploring around Eureka, CA and north...all the way up to Crescent City for a kickass bowl of clam chowder and matching bowls of vanilla bean ice cream slathered with fudge, courtesy of our amazing waitress.

The first full day was taken up mostly with our meander through the Ladybird Johnson grove in the Redwood Forest. I've seen a lot in my life but rarely have I witnessed, and felt, such overwhelming beauty, such palpable peace. The Grove welcomed us, wrapped us in her warmth. It was amazing...life affirming and changing all at the same time.

Christian Richards Photography

For more beautiful images go to Christian Richards Photography

Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka, California

Here is the daddy Red Panda sleepily checking out what yummy numnums the nice caretakers have brought him today.

Otto, like all of his brethren, just loves to play and show off. Here he is letting us know how awesome he is at making bubbles.

The Sequoia Park Zoo, located right on the coast of northern California in the beautiful and historic city of Eureka, is a true hidden gem. It is one of the smallest certified zoos in the country, thus giving it an intimate feel, absent at many larger zoos. The regular daily feedings, spread out over the afternoon, are the highlights. Otters, monkeys, flamingos, emus, bush dogs, and the stars of the establishment, a joyous family of Red Pandas, along with many others, delight daily. The price of admission is insanely low...the perfect place to explore with the entire family.

For more awesome images please go to Christian Richards Photography

Shasta Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Glorious Mt. Shasta as reflected in the perfectly serene Trout Lake found in the Shasta Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern California. The refuge is a perfect cross sample of high desert flora and fauna. The serenity of the place washes over you the moment you start to explore it's stark beauty.

Birds skim over the pristine waters of two lakes in search of today's meal as deer, bobcats and foxes meander by, checking things out.

Stressed out by work, people, life in general? The Shasta Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is the cure for what ails you. :)

Christian Richards Photography