Summer is the best time to go camping. I love being able to sleep under the sky next to the campfire, feeling the cool earth below me, looking towards the velvety night sky. During the summer, my buddies and I will strap a backpack on our backs with cans of food, water and a small tent in it. We've trekked across Yosemite's Vally Floor, hiked through Central California and slept next to Disappointment Lake. Even though it does get a little too warm at times, I would rather be able to dive into the lake on a hot day than shiver next to a campfire.

I love how it feels to be in the great outdoors. Sometimes I have to get out of the office. I don't care if it's a corner office with a spectacular view of downtown Los Angeles at night, or a small cubicle graced with nothing but a computer, a person needs to get out and feel fresh air blowing on his face.

This particular summer my buddies and I decided to hit Deadfall Lakes. These lakes are known to be quite beautiful, and weary hikers tend to swim in the lower and upper lakes. We grabbed our gear, strapped on our shoes, and headed out on the hike. It was mid-summer, and the temperature was high. There was a lot of vegetation, even in the heat, and we wondered how plants grow in such high temperatures.

There were other hikers along the trail, and they, too, had simple gear packed on their backs. With nothing more than a tent and some food and water, like us, these hikers were out on the trail for the love of nature. The sun was shining brightly, and it felt good fortune was with us as the stress we had also brought along with us was slowly melting away.

The hike itself is ten miles round trip, and the highest point is about 9025 feet. The three of us on this particular hiking expedition were experienced hikers; this hike would be easy, even with our gear on. We started the trip in the early morning when it was still cool. By the time we reached Lower Deadfall Lake, it was time for lunch. We sat near the lake, and enjoyed the beautiful view with about 2 other hikers.

We reached Middle Deadfall Lake soon after we started hiking again. There marigolds grow along the marsh. It was mid-day, and about the hottest time of the day. We stripped off our gear and decided to cool off our feet. The water was cool, and we spotted several tents along the campsite there. But we wanted to see Deadfall Summit, and get a great view of Mount Shasta.

The view was quite beautiful as the sunlight radiated off Shasta in the distance. We decided to pitch our tents at the nearest campsite, so we could enjoy the views for another day. Alpine wildflowers grow there, and the colors add to the beauty of the place. When our tents were successfully set up, our canned foods and trail mix consumed, and our firewood collected, we stripped off our clothes and ran for the nearest body of water to cool off in.

In the evening, the beautiful clear night sky glittered with stars. We saw several shooting stars, and I wondered how I had become so blessed enough to enjoy such a marvelous sight. I felt the peace I was seeking grow in my chest. We didn't even have the chance to sleep in our tents- we were too busy enjoying the night sky to remember to use them.