Hello Everybody - Sorry I couldn't join you this week but next week should be okay. The following is John's take which is quite thorough in his fashion. Darned good! So one thing has me concerned: messages we post here are not seen by 5(!) of our hikers: Laurie, Jo, Grace, Stan, Karen. We might want to remember that if any big decisions are made.
11 intrepid hikers braved threatening skies on Wednesday to hike the Hoyt Crossing trail. Akiko, Barbara G., Grace, Jo, Karen, Lori, Marilyn S., Selma, Stan, Tiana, and John carpooled to the magnificent "old bridge" on Hwy. 49 where it crosses the So. Yuba. The parking lot, which is so crowded in the summer, was empty, and the river was shockingly low for this time of the year. It's still incredibly beautiful, however, with the sculpted boulders and lovely cliff faces. We hiked up the north side of the river on a well-built trail the fairly short distance to the Hoyt Crossing beach and pool. Several took photos of the sign instructing us to refrain from fires, camping and wearing clothes. We took that under advisement. We then set off on the Hoyt's Road trail, which ascends northwest from the beach area and then climbs steadily northeast, with occasional views of the S. Yuba far below. The trail is mostly well maintained, and is quite wide in some places, being an old road from the mid 19th century. We were able to see across to the beginning of the old Excelsior Ditch, which at one time delivered water all the way to the hydraulic mining sites at Smartsville. Portions of that ditch now are the right of way for the Independence Trail. After a steady climb of 1300 feet, we reached a saddle that allowed us views Northwest in the direction of the Milhous Boys Ranch, which is off of Hwy. 49. We turned around at this point and returned to the beach for lunch. It was a short hike from there back to the cars. The hike totaled only 5 miles, but was a nice workout due to the substantial elevation gain. Thanks to Grace for trenchant analysis of the fashions worn at the various inauguration functions of the day before, and to Akiko for informing us that President Nixon's middle name is in fact from the same family that was responsible for the founding of the Milhous Boys Ranch. And thanks also to The River, the Hank Meals guide book, for some of the historical details cited above.
Next week's hike is set: Bridgeport. Those living in that direction will meet is at the parking lot at Bridgeport. The rest of us will assemble for carpooling at the regular meeting place.
A couple of other things: Some people expressed interest in the veggie and fruit boxes that Elly and I subscribe to. They are both through Mountain Bounty Farm mountainbountyfarm.com. In the summer, the veggies come from their farm on San Juan Ridge, and the fruit comes from a farm they contract with further down the hill. In the winter, the vegetables come from Riverdog Farm in Guinda (northwest of Woodland) and the fruit, mostly citrus, comes from Chaffin Family Orchards, near Table Mountain, Oroville. It's all organic and the quality is excellent. We pick up the boxes in Grass Valley every week but they also drop off in NC and other areas.
Also, sometimes hiker Tom Behlmer has emailed us wanting to spread the word about his financial consulting services. He offers to audit mutual fund investment holdings and annuities for excessive or hidden costs, that incur unnecessary taxes. If you are interested in contacting him, his email is gogettom@hotmail.com
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>John GouldBay Area:1300 Quarry Ct. #413Richmond CA 94801510-232-6811Sierra:13055 Jack Pine RoadGrass Valley, CA 95945Phone 530-273-3518Cell 415-710-9390email jgbookman@aol.com
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