Quarry Trail

So, last Saturday morning I went hiking with a few friends on the Quarry Trail in Auburn. Let me just say... I almost died. My "hiking" sandals turned out to be anything but hiking friendly. They were great for my 3 weeks walking around Africa, but hiking 8 miles in the Sierra Foothills? Not so much. I had blisters the size of quarters on the ball of my feet, go figure, making for a very long, slow hike out. Thank God I have a great friend who didn't mind... (Thank you Kristin! You pretty much rock!).

That being said, it was amazing. The trail is actually an old quarry road (hence the name....oooohhhh) that was highly traveled in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It is now a 14.5 mile out and back trail that ends with a waterfall and swimming pool (which I have yet to reach). My personal favorite landmark is a now gated-off cave that formed naturally from the water run-off. People over time figured out it is a great place to bury their dead, mine, and (in more recent years) party. It is a great spot because a fairly strong breeze exits that acts as a natural air conditioner. The weather was beautiful, the company entertaining, and the views breath-taking. We even saw a little water snake, which I was excited about because the only "wild" snakes I have seen have either been behind glass or flat on the road. Once my feet heal, waterfall here I come!

Independence Trail....Or Not

For Labour Day my dad and I decided to take the puppies for an outing to a hiking trail we found in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Sacramento. It is called the Independence Trail and is located along the Yuba River a few minutes north of Nevada City. It is actually an altered maintenance path that was once used to transport water up the steep canyon via a flume by the Excelsior Mining and Canal Co. in 1854. It is now a wheelchair accessible path to a nice picnic and fishing area, hence we decided on this trail to start our hiking adventures (we are trying to gear up for the Grand Canyon. Pray for us.). We thought it would be a nice walk in the park.

Too bad we took the wrong trail. What was supposed to be a nice 2.8 mile meander turned into a 0.4 mile marathon to the same picnic area. I almost died...on Labour Day. And to add to my embarrassment, kids were doing the hike in flip flops! Ok, so I exaggerate for dramatic effect, minus the part about flip flops, but it was hard!! Thank God the hard part was the second half to return to our cars, otherwise I never would have done it! Turns out, I can and did. The best part? The views were worth every heart pounding second.