Welcome to the Shasta Cascade Region
From 101 Things To Do... coming new edition
edited by Stacey Councilman 7.13.09

Welcome to California’s wild and beautiful playground, the Shasta Cascade Region. It is a land of mountains and lakes, fields and streams, and some of the most amazingly beautiful cities, fashionable small towns and quaint, yet trendy communities in the world. Whether your plans include snow or water skiing, fishing or houseboating, hiking or just getting away from it all, Shasta Cascade’s eight counties offer something for everyone.

The areas covered by this magazine include the state’s northern most inland counties, Butte, Tehama, Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties, and also features Colusa and Glenn Counties. The region is bounded by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, the coastal California counties of Humboldt and Del Norte to the West and the Sacramento Valley to the south. While the land area encompasses nearly 20 percent of the Golden State, the population base is a mere 1.4 percent of the 39 million people calling California home.

The Shasta cascade region is a summertime playground with warm water lakes and all kinds of activities that go with them. It is also a wintertime playground for alpine enthusiasts. This scenic region serves as a major supply and support center for the I-5 corridor.

With the exception of Chico, with a population exceeding 105,000, and Redding with more than 94,000, most towns in the region are small and the surrounding countryside is sparsely populated. In an area the size of Ohio there are seven National Forests, twelve State Parks, and four National Parks. It is an expanse full of natural wanders.

The Shasta Cascade region is served from north to south by I-5. Smaller routes traverse the area from west to east and include Highways 36, 44,70, 96, 99, and 299, among others. The roads are mostly two-lane and offer incredible scenery for motorists.

Major rivers in the area include the Sacramento, Klamath, Trinity, Feather and McCloud. The waterways provide excitement for anglers, whitewater rafters and kayakers, as do the regions lakes and reservoirs. The dominant body of water in the region is, of course, Shasta Lake, with 365 miles of shoreline created by the second largest dam in the United States. The lake is visible to travelers at several points along I-5.

Mt. Shasta, seen on clear days, seems impossibly massive, its white peak too lofty to be of this world. At 14,162 feet, the mountain is the highest volcano in the state. The mountain attracts hikers, skiers, campers and mountain bikers who cavort on its slopes, and serious mountaineers who strive for its summit.

Mt. Shasta is part of the Cascade Range, which runs diagonally through the region. Southeast of Mt. Shasta is Lassen Volcanic National Park, with 106,000 acres of volcanic terrain that includes steaming mud pools, hot sprints, cinder cones and lava pinnacles. Other portions of the park feature thick forests, clear streams and wildflower-dotted meadows.

Bird enthusiasts can see the states largest resident population of bald eagles at Shasta Lake. Hundreds of species can be seen at wildlife refuges such as the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge and the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge north east of Mt. Shasta near the Oregon border.

At Lava Beds National Monument, visitors can view miles of hardened molten lava flows, lava tubes and caves. Cave enthusiasts will also enjoy Lake Shasta Caverns, which is 19 miles north of Redding and features a one-hour guided tour after a boat ride across the lake, and a bus ride tot the cavern entrance.

In the western portion of the Shasta Cascade region lie the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountain Wilderness Areas. Accessible by Highway 299 and Highway 3, the mountains draw backpackers to 9,000 foot peaks, alpine meadows and more than 50 mountain lakes.

Lake Siskiyou and Lake Shastina in Siskiyou County feature miles of beautiful shoreline and are growing in popularity. Farther east, Eagle Lake is the second largest natural lake completely within California’s borders. It is home to abundant wildlife and the famous Eagle Lake Trout, which grow very large in size. Lake Almanor is a large man-made lake in Plumas County and is a popular recreation destination. Whiskeytown Lake is another popular lake and is located within a National Recreation Area abundant with activities to enjoy, having 36 miles of shoreline. Lake Oroville is a man-made lake, with the largest earthen dam in America. All of these lakes have similar outdoor recreation possibilities, including water-sports, camping, fishing, hiking and all-around exploring.

Response to the Governors Hit-list on State Parks

 

I live in a place we locals like to call ANOTHER California, commonly referred to as NorCal or Far NorCal.  We are of mixed political views, yet we seem to fight for our common ground generally on the same level.  We are not typically given much credit by the rest of California – Sacramento and south to L.A..  However, we have something they don’t… a perfectly designed NATURAL wonderland.  With several STATE PARKS, national parks, national forests, state forests, and state beaches, this land covers a whopping 20% of California!  Because of this natural, amazing and diverse terrain, we can offer a perfect get away for anyone who is blessed enough to traverse our land. 

 

We provide great recreation and adventure for whatever your outdoor pleasure may be including fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, snow-skiing, camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, an abundance of waterfalls to enjoy, lakes and streams to explore, forests to take in… believe me, I could go on.  There are also hundreds of businesses here to help make your stay, whether it be a day trip, a week trip, or over an entire season – comfortable.  We do everything to make you feel welcome here.  We have the best of the best when it comes to public and private business etiquette, facilities, and amenities.  Our local communities constantly look for what the “tourist” wants, and they bring it, build it, or fix it to suit their needs.  Our population thrives on the tourism economy, and we LIVE for it!  That is why I write this today.

 

We are in a time of financial crisis nationwide and statewide, meaning Californians are getting hit even harder than some of our fellow Americans.  Not only do we get taxed more than any other state, but now that we said “no” to even MORE taxes, the Governor seems to think it is logical to close our states natural treasures – our State Parks.  All in all California has 279 parks, 220 of which he is proposing to shut down!  Not only is this NOT in any way acceptable, but here in Far Northern California all we have left, is a glimpse of hope to survive this recession - with TOURISM feeding anyone left making any sort of salary north of Sacramento.  Cutting State Parks is Cutting our paychecks even more, putting us at an even higher Unemployment rate - as if 9% and climbing isn't high enough!

 

The majority of the solutions our government has come up with during this time of crisis have been partly or completely devastating to most of us. Our votes are usually biased - based on what makes our own lives more satisfying. We shouldn't have to cut back on funding to our local police and firemen, or to education or RECREATION... just to name a few... The State parks cover or almost cover their own cost with entrance fees. Its just not a feasible solution at all - plus it puts more people on unemployment and results in LESS tourism money for the economy - especially in those rural areas that depend on their state parks in such a small summer season.... California commercially advertises the states tourism and Arnold is on the commercial - at the end he says "California, find yourself here." which is the States motto for tourism - if that is not hypocritical of him what is? He should say "California, find yourself SCREWED here."  Why do we offer welfare programs to non-citizens, and unemployment to anyone who doesn't speak english as a first or second language? And why do my kids go to the last 10 days of school if its wasted on costly field trips and parties? The last two weeks of school should be spent with the few children who need special attention to pass the grade... the rest of them should be sent packing the day before Memorial Day weekend - if this isn't a waste of money what is?

 

Some hotshots seem to think that recreation is somehow disposable – that the governator needs to cut costs somewhere… but if we take away our recreation and mini (if that) Vacations... you take away our sanity to work as hard as we do. Quality of life means a lot to our well-being and it is worth more to Californian's than most would think. You can't put a price tag on our States Treasures... they are "priceless."

 

 

 

Todays... what you're missing out on...

Facebook, Myspace, Twitter… What you're missing out on...
I know how it is to not be able to fit it all in.  You are at your desk, fumbling through accounts receivables, schedules, receiving and sending emails, trying to gulp down at least one cup of coffee or an energy drink before tackling the tasks at hand for the day - managing employees, guests, clients, getting to physical meetings, online meetings, conferences, and answering phone calls, all while trying to balance the budget and decide where to spend your marketing and advertising dollars.   Today's "what you're missing" subject is SOCIAL NETWORKING.  You may have a taste of what social networking is, you may even be signed up for one or two of them - and occasionally update your status even.... and some of you may be missing the boat completely.  No one blames you - it takes a strain on time, not to mention the constant distractions of live feed, instant messages, and recreational applications to bog you down when your intentions were to spend only two minutes updating everything.    The truth about SOCIAL NETWORKING is that its hard to live with it, but your business will suffer without it.  Not only is SOCIAL NETWORKING a FREE source of advertisement, but if handled correctly and diligently, can bring you a lot of business you didn't expect.  Some of the perks of SOCIAL NETWORKING include;   1.       a personal attention to your fans, clients, customers that makes them feel warm and fuzzy. 2.      a raise in the search engines.  Google and Yahoo among other search engines pick up your business name on these networks and will pull them to the top when matched. 3.      gives you an edge on competition - those who have SOCIAL NETWORKS are more likely to win the business of persons between the ages of 16 - 39 over those who do not participate.   So why aren't you using this FREE source of internet advertising?  And if you are signed up to a few of them, why aren't you getting any feedback or results?  Because you simply do not have the time or resources to devote the time to not only sign up, but to keep them updated on a daily basis.   For a FREE Consultation call me today!    Don't miss out on the opportunity to bring your business up to modern standards. For a very low cost, I will not only set-up all your social networks, but can update your status on a daily basis, publish blogs, publish discounts and other offers, and overall - put your mind at ease in regards to the importance of SOCIAL NETWORKING.   NorCal Marketing Stacey Councilman 530.227.6026 email: staceycouncilman@gmail.com norcalmarketing.net

Wednesday 5.13.09

Never mind spending restless hours making up for past mistakes, feelings, and missed opportunities… instead remember that the only way to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and happy life – is to be positive about today, thankful for what you have now, and grateful for living in general.

Houseboating on Shasta Lake

Houseboating for me, is a favorite past-time.  With vivid memories sparkling in my mind of my favorite part of childhood - Family Vacations.  Even as a child I would choose a houseboat vacation over disneyland when frequently asked by my parents.  Needless to say, we spent many a week on Shasta Lake.  

The biggest man-made reservoir in California, Shasta Lake proudly boasts 365 miles of shoreline and 40,000 square surface miles - WOW!  Even when all 430 commercial houseboats, and over 600 private houseboats are out on the lake - you can find peace, tranquility, and seclusion in your own private cove.

Water temperatures being a pleasant 70-80 degrees in the summer months, and enough water to boast even when the level is 120 ft below the tree line in some fall seasons - Shasta Lake is known as the "houseboating & wakeboarding capital of the world."  

This, being my first houseboating vacation as an adult, I am excited to say - It has come a long way.  This is camping in STYLE!!  With even the smallest of houseboats offering much more than standard cabin equipment - we are enjoying satelite TV, DVD's, gaming systems, Bose surround sound, full size kitchen appliances, a HOT TUB, and so much more!!  We currently are enjoying the company of a few friends who are with us during the duration of our trip and will be welcoming many more in the days to come.  This houseboat sleeps 16, but there are houseboats from many marinas that sleep anywhere from 10 to 22!

Its day 2 of our trip.... I'll be back soon ... for more visit my facebook page...

Journal Entry 3.26.09

Ok, so today I finished publishing a 24 page booklet, put the finishing touches on a Rack Card and sent it off for proofing, worked on 101 Things for about an hour - organizing sales reports, insertion orders, and follow-ups, updated and consolidated all my notes, organized my work space, and wrote my first speech ever for the "business of the year" award which I will be giving at a banquet Saturday night.  It is 5:29 pm and I have been working non-stop since 9:30 am, after waking up at 6:00 am to get the kids a hot breakfast, off to school, and not to skip my morning workout - I pumped out a full 60 minutes in cardio at the gym.  All the while, fighting my inner self to keep at it and not surrender to the fact that my cuddly husband is home from work today and I would love nothing more than to just "play hooky" and snuggle up with a movie or lay on a blanket at the park in this beautiful weather we are experiencing.

I am trying to get through all the projects brought on by the winter so I can move on to new projects, mainly web design and SEO.. so if its time for you to update your site... look me up!

Focus Better

Make lists knowing your goals are high... staying within the boundaries of your own expectations... work diligently to get to the end of your list each day, and those things you were not able to get to - don't feel guilty, instead know that you did more than you would have without that list.

How Much Is Too Much?

Ok, so my good friend asked me "How many businesses do you think you can handle?" today.  What can I say... I guess some of us handle as much as humanly possible.  The part that is tricky is where balance and stability come in.  How much of our health and sanity are we willing to sacrifice for the profit of human success?  Im positive that the answer is different for all of us.  For me, I have received many a compliment on how much I can undertake and achieve at any given time of the year.  However, these people have no idea of the extent of which my boundaries are pushed.  People either see me on the personal side, or the business side... very rarely both.

Yes I have my share of business obligations, goals, daily sacrifices of any sense of "normal life"... as if I could just be content being "associate publisher" for an outstanding and successful tourism magazine... as if that wasn't enough... I insist on running my own Marketing company... which is my biggest dream.  Overwhelmed by the constant learning curve that is the internet, web browsers, niche marketing, websites (not to mention my sarcastic love of html coding - I'd rather stick to the "design" side of things)... not to mention the constant headaches from staring at a high resolution computer screen for most of the day.  Don't get me wrong... this is not from a negative standpoint at all... it is actually a realization that I am truly living my dream - graphic design, internet marketing....GREAT STUFF...!!  The part that is hard to control sometimes is all the extra devoted volunteer time that consumes me.

Yes, it is necessary when starting a new business to "give" a lot of your time and yourself to show people that you are passionate at what you do and give them a chance to see how talented you really are about it.  This is where I started speaking my mind at meetings, giving my ideas away, doing anything possible to have people notice my talents and committing to every chair and committee brought to my fingertips.  Leading to community involvement, politics, and executive board positions.

Where are the limits?

Then there is the most important thing in my life... My family.  Yes family.  Three Kids.  Husband.  Household.  Responsibilities.  These are the true things.  The reason for life is love.  Yes we can bring something true and just to community, civilization, the world by what we do.. but our legacy lives within our flesh and blood.  These are the opinions that matter.  What do my kids think of me?  Do they look up to me?  Does my husband appreciate, love, and support everything I do.  YES, YES, YES!!  This is what holds me afloat.  Without the ability to put work down and shut it off for four hours in the evening, and all weekend...I COULD NOT DO IT.  Balance.  Limits.  Boundaries.  Focus.  Concentrating on what is most important and being absolutely DILIGENT about it is the only way it is possible.

Thank you.  To everyone who inspires me daily, supports me by the minute, and to those of you that appreciate and bring it to my attention that you notice me.   You are my sunshine.

Macbook Pro Overheating issues

Dont take it apart to clean the paste... instead you need to download smcfancontrol and turn up the fans when you are doing a lot of processing.

Beginning a new month

Today is March 2nd, 2009.  Its not that I have been procrastinating on blogging, its that I have not chosen to take the time to do so.  So, today I worked for 101 Things To Do in the sales arena - visiting the lake again.  Sales is not really my forte` but someone has to do it :o).  Now I am blogging while in attempt to keep my patience with the AIT server that my Alaska clients are currently using.  If they don't fix their server by the end of the day I will be renaming the server to godaddy, so I can publish the site.  I finished readying the files for Magnus Pacific and Eagle Landing for Redding Printing which I will take and drop off in the morning tomorrow if I do not have Jury Duty.  I intend to work on the other 20 things on my list for today, and start keeping a recipe blog for our dinners, since we have been told many times we need to start a cookbook.

On a random note, I love my macbook pro.

till later......