They are happy cows, and where I live is happy cow country, or at least, happy cow county.
So, a few different options.
I love the wilderness/outdoors deal and we have a bunch of it. In no order.
a) hike up Mount Lassen, and camp in the caldera. It's like nothing else in the world, or at least that you can get to. Lassen went off in 1910 and the steam vents are still steaming. Takes about 4-5 hours to hike to the top, lets add time if we all have packs. And Lassen has other volcanic works, pure crystal clear lakes, and one lake that is set in the lava flow from 1910, its in black cinder, and gets very warm.
b) Death Valley, mind blowing and real ghost towns to boot.
c) Yosemite - either the valley floor with the waterfalls, or up top in the medows.
OR, for the non campers
Benbow area There is a set of old fashioned highway 'cabins' not far from the Inn and right on the Ell River. Look up Benbow Inn, you'll like it. Good smoking up there too. And not too far from the great redwood forests and the all victorian town of Fernwood, look that up too.
Or, TG Disneyland, Good old SF, world class art, rock clubs, beachs and cliffs, shopping, dancing, dining and great bike rides.
