We arrived at Tsasdi Resort in Lakehead, California with high hopes of exploring nearby waterfalls, lakes, and caves. There’s so much to experience in the Lake Shasta area and I never want to miss an opportunity to see or do something new. Once we checked in, though, we completely changed our outlook. Staying at the resort and utilizing the dock was the best way to spend the entire afternoon. We could easily go with the flow and avoid a schedule completely.
When we checked in and met the owners, they gave us a tour of the property and explained the possible water activities at their private dock. Athena asked if we could go kayaking and I agreed. She hadn’t asked to do anything the entire trip. She happily followed along as I told her what we were doing and where we were going. So when she asked for a specific activity, it was only fair to agree.
We put our bathing suits on under our clothes and walked down to the dock. Rather than getting in a big double kayak, we chose a small single and climbed inside. It was almost 100 degrees outside but there was a nice breeze on the lake and I splashed water on us with the paddle when we felt warm.
I planned to paddle to the bridge and be back within the hour but we started singing and almost two hours had gone by before I looked at my watch again. It’s easy to pass time on the lake, especially when you’re singing and having fun.
When we arrived back at the dock, Athena asked if she could jump in. It always makes me smile when she wants to try something adventurous.
At first, she jumped in with the life jacket on. I pulled her up and she asked me if there were any sharks in the water. Then, she asked if there were any fish that would bite her. I reassured her that nothing was going to get her in the water and she wanted to keep playing.
She tried running jumps and side jumps but she wasn’t sinking enough in the water. I helped her take the life jacket off and she kept going. Although she was having tons of fun on her own, I wanted to join her. Another hour passed in the blink of an eye.
This is my favorite age so far with Athena. She’s old enough to share in conversation and participate in most activities but young enough to still cuddle and look at everything with wonder and joy.
We spent over three hours at the dock. As we walked back to the cabin, Athena asked if she could jump in the pool since she was already wet. The owners told us it was pretty cold this time of year but I didn’t mind if she wanted to play on the stairs.
I should have known it wouldn’t be too cold for her. She was in and playing on a tube within two minutes.
It was almost dark when we finally set foot back in our cabin. She found a quilt and cuddled up next to me on the bed to get warm. We didn’t make it to one waterfall or venture off the property all day but it was one of my favorite days together. We laughed, sang, played, had a little bit of adventure, and snuggled. It doesn’t get any better.
Bucket List Publications 
sounds lovely 🙂
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I love living in southern California for the beaches, the weather, and the opportunities for endless entertainment but there is so much to be said about the quiet, naturally beautiful north. I love that I was able to experience it with Athena 🙂
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At 29, my darling daughter is still not too old for a cuddle with mom. I hope you’ll be as lucky as I, Lesley! 😉 xoM
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I agree. I still love cuddling with my mom. I still call her mommy sometimes too 😉
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What great memories you are building together! Of course, I think a quilt makes it that much better! 🙂
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I agree. My grandfather use to make beautiful quilts. I wish that I had of learned from him. It’s such a beautiful gift.
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Why travel over sea’s, when there is so much at home!
May you build memories throughout all your travels chris
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We like to do both 😉
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oh wow! That place looks gorgeous. That room looks so cozy too! Cuddles under a quilt is one of the best things 🙂
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I hope that it never ends. Athena brings me so much joy and our cuddle time is the best part 🙂
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That looks like a home away from home. A cosy spot with a lovely swimming pool and plenty of outdoor activities. What a great formula for a family vacation.
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There were so many options for families and the friendly people made it that much better.
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Spontaneous days are the best! Love the idea of kayaking in the lake and it looks like such a cozy cabin to relax for the evening.
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I spend so much time planning and keeping busy that sometimes I forget that these days are important too. I’m grateful for the time with Athena.
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I’m so enjoying your posts from Northern California. You’er finding places I don’t know about, even though I’ve lived here for many years. I’m making a list! I hope things are smoothing out for you, and you feel like you’ve found your way again. Sending you best of wishes.
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Thank you! I really do feel like I’m finding my way and enjoying slowing down a bit. Sometimes I have too many things planned to actually enjoy the moment. This was a needed trip.
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Super cute cabin, and wonderful surrounds! Love that there’s so much opportunity for outdoor adventure, and amazing to have waterfalls, lakes, and caves so close by!
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California has so many hidden gems. It’s remarkable.
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What a lovely place. I can completely see why you decided to spend some time in the resort. I have not heard of Lakehead previously. Sounds like my kind of area to visit with the waterfalls, lakes and caves.
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It’s in Lake Shasta area. Such a great place to discover natural beauty. 🙂
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Aww so fun! Love the pool too!
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I can see how that would be a wonderful day even if you didn’t make it to the waterfall or any of the other spots. Kayaking, swimming by the dock and in the pool all sounds great, especially since your daughter was having such a great time! Looks like a perfect spot to stay!
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Would love to go to such a resort with a variety of water related activities.Amazing pictures.
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What a wonderful time you painted with your daughter. I’m very close to our three daughters even though they are all grown with teenagers of their own, we remain close. Sometimes I can’t believe they are already grown. I love the fact that Athena is just as adventuresome as her mother. You will cherish the days you have spent together and the beautiful places you have shared together.
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Best kind of day ever 🙂
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This looks like an incredible getaway. So peaceful!
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Oh wow, this is amazing!!! I would love to have a cabin like this for myself! Definitely copying their pool design. Xx
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