Day 98: Saddle Above Squaw Valley to Castella

The trail climbed onto the ridge (4,640 ft) and I breathed easier with blue sky above and a hint of open space through the trees. Following the ridge, the snow covered flanks of Mount Shasta soon came into view, and we were amazed at how close it seemed. Then, traversing around to the other side of the ridge we were treated to our first glimpse of the rocky Castle Crags across the valley.

The miles went by quickly, and we soon found ourselves down on the valley crossing underneath Highway 5 (2,130 ft). My sister-in-law's friend Jill invited us to stay with her in Mount Shasta for the night, and quickly made us feel right at home.