Pack bags for a low-cost vacation

We here in the North State are blessed with so much, but we seem to want to get out of town or even travel outside the state whenever vacation time rolls around.

I had a perfectly great trip ready and just waiting for my vacation. This trip would take my gang to the California coast, beaches and seafood meals liberally sprinkled between camp food fare.

But I am reconsidering. While it still may happen that we vacation where the ocean breezes blow, there are some great escape spots that are much closer to home.

With most everyone feeling the economic crunch, it may be time to think a bit wiser. So, I'm considering a few short trips nearby rather than a longer visit out of the area.

Mount Shasta, McCloud and Lake Almanor are not so far away that you can't get back home in a day's drive. There are plenty of campgrounds in these areas, too.

Go online to research the communities and see what is available.

In McCloud, the McCloud Railway's Shasta Sunset Dinner Train serves exquisite meals. I've enjoyed this venue in the past. But with children, another concept can pave the way for an affordable day or overnight adventure. I'm thinking the McCloud Railway excursion trips that leave the historical town of McCloud. Rides on these cars, powered by diesel locomotives, are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12 unless otherwise noted.

The excursions operate on Fridays in July and August and on Saturdays June through September, boarding at 3:45 p.m. in McCloud. The trains depart at 4 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. This short excursion fits into my day-trip plans perfectly.

I remember one train excursion that I took with my parents just a few years ago. The Civil War Re-Enactors group put on quite a show robbing the train as it traveled a few miles from town. It was pretty exciting for everybody onboard, young and old alike.

There are several fine bed and breakfast places in McCloud and nearby camping accommodations as well. And, with the town of Mount Shasta nearby, there are plenty of options for dining and a night or longer stay between motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.

The more I think about it, the more I like this idea. Downtown Mount Shasta can be entertaining early in the day with the train excursion later that same afternoon.

There's a fish hatchery in Mount Shasta that can be visited, a drive up the road to towering Mt. Shasta's old Ski Shasta site can also fit into a day's schedule.

Now, for me, it's just deciding whether to camp at Lake Siskiyou, McCloud River campgrounds, an RV Park, bed and breakfast or motel it. Hmmmm? Decisions, decisions!

We'll figure it out this trip, though.

Sometimes when vacationing, being spontaneous is more fun. But I've learned to arrive early in the day to nail down a night's stay or at least call ahead to ensure that I won't be left spending the night in my car somewhere out in the untamed wilderness. That has happened to me on one very rare occasion.

I really believe this excursion train is the answer.

However, if a two-day activity is better for you, consider a trip to Burney Falls then drive on the McCloud highway, a short-cut to the excursion train, followed by dinner in Mount Shasta and wherever the final decision for the night puts you.

I always camp light. I'm not much into cooking on a vacation. But snacks and drinks in an ice chest are a must, especially with kids. We pack two small dome tents, foam pads, sleeping bags and sock-sleeve chairs all jammed into the car-topper. It's a quick set-up and tear-down. In the morning, milk in the ice chest on top of some cold cereal takes care of breakfast or it's off to town for a meal.