We've spent a couple of days chilling by the Trinity, a grade 2-3ish river with water so clear that you can see to the bottom. The sun shone on the gold shimmering in the river making it a visual delight. It was a great chance to see lots of fish and other wildlife too. We've now headed up to Mount Shasta, the tallest volcano in California, and are looking to do our first overnight paddling trip tomorrow. On the way up here, we got to drive through Redding just to remind us of home! But it was far prettier with the mountains in the background.

Upon the way, I've picked up a litle friend called Redford, who helped bear protection in the area. He's a little black backpacking bear who even has his own tent, sleeping bag and map. The funny thing is when I returned to buy him, the guy said “you've been deliberating over him for a while haven't you?” As David says though, you have to have souveniers!