Autumn in the High Sierras

Every fall, we try to take the Best Drive on the Planet, a back road in the Sierras from La Porte to Quincy, to see the changing colors of the season.

Until a few years ago, this historical road was nothing more than rough washboard only fit for 4-wheeling. Now that it's paved, the road can still be a challenge, plunging more than 1,000 ft. in places, but if you've maintained your breaks, the trip is truly awesome.

We literally travel along the spine of the Sierras. I believe that's Mt. Lassen in the background.

Beautiful forrest on either side.

Michael on the old bridge, which is a bit shaky, over Nelson Creek.

This was taken on our short hike to Frazier Fall, near Gold Lake.

Frazier Falls

We took a detour to historical Johnsville which lies along the old Emigrant Trail, home of an old gold mine, stamp mill...

and early ski resort. In those days as the Sierras are so rugged, I'm sure skiing was the only way miners could get supplies and mail.

Pictures of the Bazaare

In honor of the most mysterious month of the year, I thought I'd share some very mysterious photos. I'm not sure who took them, and I'm not sure why -

I didn't take this picture, but I recognize this sculpture from DC.

Even the guides don't know what the sculptor was trying to say.

You decide.

Disclaimer: Kids, don't try this at home!

What kind of parent lets their kids do crazy things like this?

Sydney, with a blue eye?

And most mysterious of all...