For our USA#1 readers, we realize irony is hard to understand for you guys so I made sure to use it liberally in order for you to get with the program. I believe the term USA#1ians use is "the ironing is delicious".
After our unfortunate or fortunate (depending how you view it) stay in Lake Tahoe, it was time to move on towards Redding. Lars has gotten to know a guy who lives there through one of the many online forums - in this instance the health and fitness forum on 2+2. Cameron was quick to suggest meeting up when we heard that Lars and friends would possibly be going on another US road trip, and we all found the idea of meeting the local USA#1ians fun.
Redding is a relatively small city by US standards, around 90-100k. And like most US cities, it's built to be driven around in, not walked. For comparison, my hometown's Trondheim's downtown can be crossed in 15 minutes max. This with a population of 170k. Taking a stroll through Redding, on the other hand, would probably take more like 15 hours. Chances are you wouldn't make it at all, as severe heat, dehydration and redneck attacks are all big dangers in Redding.
That being said, our gracious hosts Cameron and his girlfriend Ari welcomed us with open arms and not even a hint of redneck suspiciousness. After stowing our bags in Ari's house (which would be our home base), we went to Cameron's to lifts weights. Yes, really. Being a moderately obsessed lifter of not-too-heavy weights, I was naturally concerned that my meager musculature and strength would melt away before I could say "protein powder" during our 3 week long holiday. Add to that the 2 days on each end where I wouldn't lift and we're looking at a 25 day (!!!!!) hiatus. I'm fairly certain my concerns are valid.
Cameron has installed a power rack at his house in a bed room (aka "The Danja Zone"), which is nice. The carpeting on the floor (USA#1ians have yet to understand that this sucks for obvious reasons), not so much. Me, Cam and Arild banged out some sets of squats, bench and various other stuff. Add the pre-lift In-N-Out burger, famed from Big Lebowski (aka the best movie ever), and all was again right with the world. I gotta say though guys, the burger wasn't all that and the choc shake was pretty disgusting.
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| Weight lifted withheld to protect the jealous and weak |
After that Cam and Ari took us to eat at a place where a friend of Cam's, Corey worked - the Tapas Downtown. No offense to Corey or the Tapas, but the name is kind of funny to Europeans. Sort of like naming a Chinese place "Chinese Restaurant". The food was delicious and absolutely reminiscent of good Spanian tapas. In what would prove to be a continuing theme, Cam and Ari paid for all of us.
Cam had been doin work in advance, making sure to stock up the fridge with the best of the (mostly) local beers fit to satisfy even our gourmet-like tastes. Cam's good friend Jay the Jackass joined us, and even though we planned to party the day after none of us were shy about getting into the beer. Even with just the three of us, Cam, Ari and Jay it was a night to remember, with lots of good beer and tons of laughs. Jay was a complete riot to hang out with, even though I'm never hitching a ride with him, and Cam learned to count to 10 in Norwegian at record speeds. Ari was very disappointed our accents weren't thicker, but seemed to recover and enjoy the evening as well. A great way to get to know new friends.
The next day Cam had planned some outdoor action for us. He likes going to the various lakes, falls, rivers and so on that's around Redding. Given that the temperatures are often 100+ F/37+ C, it's easy to see why. However, this particular day we experienced a downright chilly 20 C/68 F at our first stop - Kembo Falls. At least that's what it's called in my mind since I can't recall the actual name.
Cam, Arild and Pål (after some convincing) went at it, jumping from a log raised up to the waterfall. I'm a huuuge wuss with cold water so I skipped it. Confirmed non-viking. The water was fairly cold, but not freezing - probably around 14-15 C/57-59 F.
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| Pål i fritt fall |
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| Yes, water is trickling right out of the rocks on the right-hand side |
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| Pål, Lars, Ari and Cam |
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| Ari showed off her "how to put a lizard into a coma" skills |
Finally, we turned back towards Redding, drove through and found Whiskeytown Lake. I'll let the pics speak for themselves.
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| Pål, Lars and Ari chillin while the men-folk are out catching fish with their bare hands |
Headed back to Ari's to prepare for the night's BBQ and beer feast. After a while the guys showed up. Cam's friends were a great bunch, the food was great and we were introduced to beer pong. Pro tip: playing beer pong with stronger beer goes downhill fast. I vividly remember Mammoth Lakes Brewery's 395 IPA and Big Sky's Moose Drool (a brown ale) as the best beers I drank that night. Very solid (although we would later taste an even better IPA).
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| Pål "Crazieyez" Hellesnes in the house, winning through evil eye skeyoz |
We'd all like to thank Cam and Ari from the bottom of our hearts for opening their homes to us and sharing so generously. It was great meeting you guys and all your friends!
Next up: Sonoma (wine country).
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