Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, expect the next update to be on time.   Second, the previous weeks wallpaper is always still available by clicking the preview to the left found on this page.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop. As is the case most weeks, this is a return visit to a park previously featured here, once again enjoy the wonder of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is located in northeastern California and its landscape is filled the reminders of a turbulent past and today it showcases just how active it remains. The eastern portion of the park sets on a large lava plateau with many small cinder cones present. The painted dunes and lava bed remnants around Butte Lake are very impressive and a couple of pictures from this section has been featured here in the past (got a couple more slated for the future too (; ). The western portion of the park contains very active volcanic elements - mudpots, boiling pools, and steaming sulphur vents (but no true geysers here) and the world's largest plug volcano, Lassen Peak which just so happens to be where this weeks shot is from. Lassen Peak stands an impressive 10457 ft tall, and if one is up to the task, offers a magnificent perspective for viewing a major portion of the park. Now if the entire 5 mile round trip all the way to the top is a bit much, one can still enjoy some truly great views on shorter hikes, with this weeks shot being a good example. Taken about 2/3 of the way up the Lassen Peak trail in late August 2006, this is looking south. Lake Helen is clearly visible just left of center in the photo and one can make a several cars on the park road on the southern shore. You can also follow the road as it turns south, goes around the small hump continuing to cut it way through the park. One final thing to point out here are the three peak on the right, starting with the closest, we have the 9222 ft Eagle Peak, the 9087 ft Mount Diller, and lastly the 9235ft Brokeoff Mountain. With a centrally located scenic road for easy sight seeing and over 100 miles of trails to explore, Lassen Volcanic is a great adventure just waiting for your visit. Be sure to check the links section for more info on Lassen Volcanic National Park.