Gold Run

Think of ants running everywhere but their destination.  That is what 5 of us did while exploring a diggins in the American River Canyon just up the freeway from Colfax.  We were repeatedly told to turn around, we had been here before, let me find the trail.  While it was great exercise in the colorful autumn light, our feet and legs were getting tired from the uneven steep slopes we were trying to traverse.  The nature of a hike like this is that it leaves ample time for exploring.  We climbed into various drainage tunnels over loose tailings and along a very old ditch. 

return trip

The well-advertised goal of the hike was to "walk the plank".  When we finally found the plank, we were all surprised by it's non-event status.  Someone's memory had exaggerated the lack of width.  However, I have failed to mentioned that the hike was being led by a black fur-wearing quadriped who picked us up at our parking space.  She dutifully eeked out pee at the numerous bear droppings - why do bears choose the roads??  We carefully watched her as we would go one way and she was quite obviously trying to lead us the other way.  The glitch came at the plank.  "No way!" she said.  But Tammy and Frank convinced her by leaving a path of food to cross both ways. 

 

When we left the area to drive home, she lay down next to our car and maybe she waited for the next hiking group.  Or maybe she was waiting to be called in to dinner.  Wonder what she'll tell her people?

 

John wants to add the following: we were hiking towards Canyon Creek, a tributary of the N. Fork of the American River.  This is not the same Canyon Creek we hiked last week -- it's a common name for creeks, it would seem.  The landscape in this area is jumbled, largely because of the 19th century hydraulic mining.  It's hard to get one's bearing, and the GPS is of limited use, due to the heavy tree cover and canyons limiting access to satellites.  When we finally reached Canyon Creek, we found it to be quite beautiful, with lovely rocks, deep pools and narrow slot canyons.  We definitely want to come back here again, and, knowing the way (we hope), we'll have time to hike all the way down Canyon Creek to the American River.  Something to look forward to!