Shasta, Mountain in California: features and photos

The mountains have long attracted the attention of people, let alone talk about such outgoing masses in the sky, around which there are a lot of myths, legends and legends. This article will tell you about one of such natural hills. Shasta is a mountain, considered a truly anomalous zone. Why this is so, this article will tell.

What is Mount Shasta in California?

This peak (in English Mount Shasta) is an extinct, but potentially dangerous stratovolcano, part of the Cascade Mountains system in California, USA. One of the peaks of this mountain is the second highest (3758 m) in the Cascade mountain range and the fifth in the whole state. Is the mountain of Shasta far from the central cities? The distance from Los Angeles, the largest in terms of the population density in the state, is overcome in about 10 hours.

Elevation can pose a real threat to the population. Mount Shasta, the mainland of which is North America, today is bound by a thick layer of snow and ice. Nevertheless, a lava explosion can occur at any time, and sooner or later it will inevitably happen. Therefore Shasta is a mountain, regularly observed and checked for stability by scientists and geologists, but not only by them. Spiritual teachers of our time see at the top the center of concentration of occult and esoteric forces, and some believe that in its depths even people live, representatives of an unexplored and extremely progressive people - Lemurians!

Excursion into the history of origin

Shastina, the main peak, is surrounded by four intersecting cones-satellites of volcanic origin. It was formed about 9 thousand years ago already after the glacial period, since geologists did not find on it traces of the effect of ice and erosion. Shasta itself is a mountain, which, according to rough estimates, appeared 600 thousand years ago due to the oldest lava eruption; After another 300 thousand years after this, the volcano, which raised the hill, exploded from within, resulting in the formation of the Shasta River valley. The highest and the youngest peak, Hotlem, was formed and finally formed 8 thousand years ago, and during its existence it erupted about 8-9 times. The last eruption, which took place in 1786, was described by Jean-François de La Perouse. However, scientists urge to remember: despite the ancient origin of Mount Shasta, the volcano is classified as acting, just temporarily "sleeping." This means that over time, he will certainly show his restless disposition. So Shasta is a mountain that has not only a long history and has seen much in its time, but also requires close attention even today.

Geological information

If we talk about the modern situation, now the peaks and slopes of the mountain are covered with seven eternal glaciers, which do not melt even in good sunny weather. Upland ridges are composed of Pleistocene, Pliocene and Miocene rocks and have a zonal structure. In the basement and on the slopes of the volcano there are basaltic lavas, magmatic volcanic rocks of the andesite and basalt family that appear to look like dark gray stones with small light patches, as well as numerous Devonian rocks that consisted of limestone, fossil sediments of living organisms, sandstones and Clay. There is also granite.

Climate, flora and fauna

Although at the foot of the volcano a tourist and climber is waiting for a lawn with a spring spring constantly beating from under the earth, at an altitude of 2.5 thousand meters there is already noticeable cold. Short summer nevertheless does not hinder the development of vegetation adapted to harsh conditions - here, like the flora of the mountains of Western Europe, laurels, heathers and blueberries are well established. The beginning of flowering is observed in early spring, and its continuation is in summer and still warm autumn. In the vicinity of Shasta Lake Klamath you can find blue-green algae, long known for its healing properties.

Together, the unique structure of the ecosystem allows Shasta to remain a place for tourists for many years to come from all countries, because everyone understands the benefits of plants cleaned with oxygen and air filled with this area. The atmosphere is also reinforced by representatives of the animal world: freedom-loving falcons, bald eagles, horned deer have long been chosen this quiet place.

What kinds open?

From the height you can see all the inviting and fascinating beauty of this ancient territory: for example, there are special viewing platforms, the visibility of which covers the area of the river with the same name. The dam on the river. Shasta is the 2nd largest in the US in size, so tourists can observe the impressive procedure of water discharge.

Now the mountain valley is subject to drought - precipitation is not enough to restore natural reservoirs, and therefore the rivers are drying up rapidly. It remains only to hope that the rains will come to these lands. Nevertheless, the sandy slopes, sharply turning into forest thickets, look spectacular. Complement the picture and the general impression of visiting this place caves, formed about 200 million years ago! These are the mysterious Shasta Caverns, where regular excursions are conducted among stalactites, stalagmites and heliktites.

What can you do not under the ground, but at altitude?

If the atmosphere of the caves seems to be pressing, do not forget that Shasta is a mountain where there are many other ways of active pastime. You can go hiking or horseback riding, chat with locals living right at the foot of the volcano, do trekking, which is conducted in the vicinity and, finally, try yourself out as a climber. Climbing takes place from April to October, but experienced in this matter, people sometimes practice climbing the heights even in the winter.

The most popular sporting route is along the Evalanche gorge: climbers climb to a height of just over 2000 m, overcome the most difficult stretch of the road to Red Banks and finish with the last relatively light 300 meters.

Fans of extreme sports come here in the winter to ride with a breeze on snowboards and skiing along the long descents with which the mountain of Shasta is so rich. In California, thus, everyone can find a lesson for themselves. And now back to history, legends and legends.

Mount Shasta: the hypothesis of the appearance of the name

With the way in which an elevation was formed in nature, everything is clear. And where did the name of Mount Shasta come from? The hypothesis says that it can come from the Russian word "happiness", borrowed and transformed in its own way by the indigenous population of these lands, Indians. But how could these two people come into contact? The fact is that the Russian settlers actually met on the territory of modern America and, as a consequence, they somehow or other entered into contact with the indigenous population. So, perhaps, the mountain of Shasta, which is familiar to the world today, originates from here. The hypothesis regarding the name of the mountain was officially never confirmed, but it was not refuted, and the scientists continue to rack their brains.

Legends and legends that are hovering around the slopes

It is believed that Mount Shasta, whose name remains unexplained, has a number of strange features attributed to her. So, this place has long been considered a kind of Mecca, a temple of natural origin - representatives of different religions flocked here (and continue to do so). Here they prayed, meditated, made unrestrained dances, paying homage to their gods. There is a legend that in the XIX century. A lonely European traveler, paving the way for a mountain, suddenly saw the reserve of strength and vivacity, which a minute before it was running out.

A representative of a number of esoteric faiths believe that Shasta is a sacred place, containing a large energy reserve. Residents of local towns allegedly noticed lights and sounds in the tops. Today, many believers and harmony seekers live here, arguing that in this place they finally found the desired peace.

Lemurian race: is it worth believing in underground inhabitants?

This may seem funny, but many people believe that the Lemurians - mystical people with their own ancient and well-developed culture - are really hiding inside the mountain. According to the legends, they are the descendants of the continent, like Atlantis, Lemuria, which today is not particularly sad; Inside the hill they have a comfortable life, plenty of food and various riches.

The legend of the Lemurians is associated with the name of Dr. M. Doreal, who once said that he visited the underground inhabitants. He described the representatives of this society as externally very stately and graceful creatures who also mastered the achievements of science and technology known to man 18 thousand years ago! They allegedly control the devices and devices created by the power of thought, use crystalline energy, have a sixth sense, and also the ability to teleport and become invisible.

True or fiction - is unknown, but one remains indisputable. Mount Shasta, a photo of which is attached in this article (if suddenly one will be able to see at least one Lemurian?) - this is a place wrapped in mystical unknown secrets, which for a long time will attract the attention of humanity.