Where is the trailhead? Lesson from Mt Shasta

Sometimes I get impatient. I just wanted to get on the mountain, ascend alpine style and get back home before work. Even on a popular mountain, it can be hard to get to the trailhead. For example, the last time I went to Mount Shasta, I found the gate closed. Shoot, I didn't even know there was a gate. It was after dark. My intent was to do an alpine start. Instead I went back home. I wasn't prepared to change my plans. Time is of the essence when you are a working girl. I called the Mt Shasta Ranger station. They told me of an alternate route, where to park and I made topos to bring with me the next time. Mount Shasta is in my backyard and teaches me many lessons. If I had gone somewhere farther from home, I wouldn't have gone home. I would have been on an adventure.