The best part of our expedition in 1998 was Lassen Volcanic National Park, with some of the greatest thermal wonders in the United States. We found ourselves there in October. Fall is a great time to ride there because you have the whole wilderness to yourself. Lassen Park was empty of the Summer crowd. Our north entrance to the park gave spectacular views of 10,000 foot Lassen Peak's north face glaciers. We were close to where the last eruption occurred that decimated the area.

The next stop was Drakesbad Resort. They have a swimming pool heated by hot springs. We had to ride along next to some of the hot springs and we could feel the heat. I was hoping the horses would not get hot feet and run off. The ride to the resort was down a solid lava ledge with some terrific views of the valley along the way.