14,179 feet Mount Shasta & John Muir

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.  John Muir, Our National Parks, 1901

Mount Shasta  is also called, in Karuk Indian: Úytaahkoo or "White Mountain." Snow capped year round this beast is an active volcano. It is located at the southern end of the Cascade Range in Siskiyou County, California and at 14,179 feet (4,322 m).

John Muir’s first ascent was a solo seven-day circumnavigation and ascent of Mount Shasta in 1874. While descending, a harsh storm with high winds and snow forced retreat to sulphur hot springs below the summit to stay alive. These hot springs, still active, are an indicator of an active volcano. Mount Shasta has erupted at least once every 800 years during the last 10,000 years, the last eruption being in the 1780s. 

The unique geography of the region and of the volcanic mountain have paved the way for many legends and myths throughout the years, from Native American to early Christian settlers. The most talked about myth to-date is that of the Lumarian people. They are said to live inside the mountain in caves of gold. (Of course I think this is interesting!)

---

My Personal Connection to Shasta -
In 2012, I summited with a group of amazing women. The group was brought together by the Breast Cancer Fund in an annual climb called Climb Against the Odds (more here).  Life Changing!