Sagebrush

Sam and I took a leisurely stroll today on the Bizz Johnson Trail in Plumas National Forest from Devil's Corral to the odd train tunnel where Sam had attended a party on his first weekend here in Susanville.  Along the path, he pointed out various flora, including bitter brush, rabbit brush, cheat grass, Ponderosa pine, horse grass, and sagebrush.  It was all lovely, and the stillness in the air made the walk dreamlike.

Later, we drove up a steep, rocky, twisty and rather scary road to Thompson Peak, elevation 7,795 feet.  We parked the Baja and hiked up the last stretch to the fire station at the top.  There we met Rich, quite happy for the company, as he maintains his post for ten-day stretches.  We learned a thing or two about the current wildfires plaguing the land here, then bid Rich a fond goodbye, and strolled down to what looked a like a good picnic spot.

Leftover Thai food and Butte Creek Organic Beer made for a satisfying lunch.  But what really tipped the scales for me was the air perfumed by the sagebrush at our feet.  I know (from my own herb garden) that sage can be overpowering, but at nearly 8,000 feet, in a vast forest of Ponderosa pine, the scent of the sagebrush was simply perfect.

Sam tells me that there are three varieties of sagebrush out there.  To discern one from the other, you can make guesses based on their height.  But the only true way to tell them apart is to grind them up and shine a backlight on them, then compare the color.

No need, as far as I'm concerned.  All I need to know is that the sagebrush smelled like heaven and simply enhanced the beauty of an already perfect afternoon.