Picnic and Canyon 2004

Saturday: Sacramento Hking Group Picnic 2004, at Goethe Park. From left: David, Zyrtec.geo, Trillian1965, Keyka1a, Sierraguy98, Jay, Sherpatrails, Ladymaritel, Tiocampo

2009-02-21T18:54:39Z

Frank Farmer
Saturday: Sacramento Hking Group Picnic 2004, at Goethe Park. From left: David, Zyrtec.geo, Trillian1965, Keyka1a, Sierraguy98, Jay, Sherpatrails, Ladymaritel, Tiocampo

Setting up for the group photo

2009-06-05T05:49:50Z

Frank Farmer
Setting up for the group photo

We had a wonderful picnic!

2009-07-20T01:57:41Z

Frank Farmer
We had a wonderful picnic!

Sierraguy98. Thanks for putting this all together!

2009-07-20T02:07:08Z

Frank Farmer
Sierraguy98. Thanks for putting this all together!

Jay, Trillian1965, and Sherpatrails. Gnoshing cookie bars, talking about past and future hiking and backpacking trips

2009-07-20T01:35:21Z

Frank Farmer
Jay, Trillian1965, and Sherpatrails. Gnoshing cookie bars, talking about past and future hiking and backpacking trips

David and Zyrtec.geo

2009-07-20T01:42:08Z

Frank Farmer
David and Zyrtec.geo

Keyka1a

2009-06-05T04:40:57Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a

Lady Maritel

2009-06-05T04:27:22Z

Frank Farmer
Lady Maritel

Sunday: We're about to take this hike, from Iowa Hill to Secret Ravine, on the Stevens Trail.

2009-07-20T05:02:55Z

Frank Farmer
Sunday: We're about to take this hike, from Iowa Hill to Secret Ravine, on the Stevens Trail.

Trip route map

2009-07-20T02:25:36Z

Frank Farmer
Trip route map

Iowa Hill -- just driving here is an adventure!

2009-07-20T01:35:09Z

Frank Farmer
Iowa Hill -- just driving here is an adventure!

Keyka1a. Ready to hike! Thanks for organizing this hike for us!

2009-07-07T10:55:03Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a. Ready to hike! Thanks for organizing this hike for us!

Wimpehiker, Christa, and Grr

2009-07-20T01:12:51Z

Frank Farmer
Wimpehiker, Christa, and Grr

Tiocampo, Grr, and Wimpehiker

2009-07-20T00:47:56Z

Frank Farmer
Tiocampo, Grr, and Wimpehiker

Keyka1a setting up the "before" group shot

2009-07-07T10:19:41Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a setting up the "before" group shot

Obligatory Before Hike Group Photo. From left: Christa, Frank, Larry, Grrr, and Karen -- Photo by Karen (AKA Keyka1a)

2009-07-20T05:26:31Z

Frank Farmer
Obligatory Before Hike Group Photo. From left: Christa, Frank, Larry, Grrr, and Karen -- Photo by Karen (AKA Keyka1a)

BLM Trail Sign

2009-07-20T02:39:14Z

Frank Farmer
BLM Trail Sign

Keyka1a heads down the trail. The trail starts on a ridge top, and quickly drops into a shady north-facing canyon

2009-07-20T02:24:50Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a heads down the trail. The trail starts on a ridge top, and quickly drops into a shady north-facing canyon

Grr pulls Wimpehiker along at a fast clip. Grr lead the way, all day.

2009-07-20T01:27:48Z

Frank Farmer
Grr pulls Wimpehiker along at a fast clip. Grr lead the way, all day.

Stream-eroded cobbles on the ridge top, among beautiful manzanita. Evidence of very intensive mining and ore processing activity.

2009-06-05T21:48:31Z

Frank Farmer
Stream-eroded cobbles on the ridge top, among beautiful manzanita. Evidence of very intensive mining and ore processing activity.

Some sort of flume or channel?

2009-07-20T01:41:16Z

Frank Farmer
Some sort of flume or channel?

Beautiful pine cones

2009-07-20T01:31:17Z

Frank Farmer
Beautiful pine cones

Spectacular canyon view. The North Fork of the American River.

2009-07-20T01:45:56Z

Frank Farmer
Spectacular canyon view. The North Fork of the American River.

Busy photographers

2009-07-20T02:05:33Z

Frank Farmer
Busy photographers

Ferns and moss covering the canyon walls

2009-07-20T01:29:36Z

Frank Farmer
Ferns and moss covering the canyon walls

Looking across the canyon

2009-07-20T00:54:24Z

Frank Farmer
Looking across the canyon

First view down to the American River

2009-07-20T02:03:19Z

Frank Farmer
First view down to the American River

Christa and Grr crossing a shady grotto. Several weeks ago, it rained at least five inches up here, ending a bone dry summer. Quite a bit of moisture was still evident.

2009-06-05T05:38:19Z

Frank Farmer
Christa and Grr crossing a shady grotto. Several weeks ago, it rained at least five inches up here, ending a bone dry summer. Quite a bit of moisture was still evident.

Looking down into a side canyon

2009-07-20T02:01:33Z

Frank Farmer
Looking down into a side canyon

Something up above has attracted Grr

2009-07-20T00:50:53Z

Frank Farmer
Something up above has attracted Grr

Christa takes a photo

2009-07-20T00:58:24Z

Frank Farmer
Christa takes a photo

Water flowing down from above us

2009-07-07T09:57:30Z

Frank Farmer
Water flowing down from above us

Ferns and moss

2009-07-20T01:43:31Z

Frank Farmer
Ferns and moss

Dense growth in a side canyon

2009-07-20T02:39:27Z

Frank Farmer
Dense growth in a side canyon

Keyka1a takes a break

2009-07-20T01:01:23Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a takes a break

Many small trees

2009-07-20T01:04:11Z

Frank Farmer
Many small trees

Christa, among the ferns

2009-07-20T01:34:18Z

Frank Farmer
Christa, among the ferns

Ferns, shrubs, trees

2009-07-20T01:49:38Z

Frank Farmer
Ferns, shrubs, trees

Big ferns

2009-07-20T01:52:04Z

Frank Farmer
Big ferns

More ferns

2009-07-20T01:15:54Z

Frank Farmer
More ferns

Breaking out into a canyon view

2009-06-05T05:03:55Z

Frank Farmer
Breaking out into a canyon view

Light and shadow texture in the canyon

2009-06-05T04:44:20Z

Frank Farmer
Light and shadow texture in the canyon

Canyon vista

2009-06-05T04:56:19Z

Frank Farmer
Canyon vista

Looking down on the North Fork of the American River. The water is exceptionally clear, as we will soon see.

2009-06-05T04:54:52Z

Frank Farmer
Looking down on the North Fork of the American River. The water is exceptionally clear, as we will soon see.

Zooming out on the river view

2009-06-05T05:13:00Z

Frank Farmer
Zooming out on the river view

Heading down the trail, a recently burned area comes into view

2009-06-05T04:32:36Z

Frank Farmer
Heading down the trail, a recently burned area comes into view

The opposite side of the canyon is in the full sun

2009-06-05T06:19:26Z

Frank Farmer
The opposite side of the canyon is in the full sun

Rocky slopes on the opposite canyon wall

2009-06-05T21:54:49Z

Frank Farmer
Rocky slopes on the opposite canyon wall

A rough area where the trail was cut by a rockslide. It took a bit of class 3 climbing to get around this part.

2009-06-05T04:40:43Z

Frank Farmer
A rough area where the trail was cut by a rockslide. It took a bit of class 3 climbing to get around this part.

Somebody was here

2009-06-05T04:26:41Z

Frank Farmer
Somebody was here

Getting close to the river. We are still several hundred feet above the water. Check out the exceptional water clarity ... that is a DEEP pool!

2009-06-05T04:32:18Z

Frank Farmer
Getting close to the river. We are still several hundred feet above the water. Check out the exceptional water clarity ... that is a DEEP pool!

Spectacular rapids. There is a trail on the opposite bank.

2009-06-05T21:41:19Z

Frank Farmer
Spectacular rapids. There is a trail on the opposite bank.

Rapids beyond the trees

2009-06-05T21:45:14Z

Frank Farmer
Rapids beyond the trees

Beautiful rocks and moss

2009-06-05T04:34:41Z

Frank Farmer
Beautiful rocks and moss

Keyka1a and Wimpehiker taking a break, as long as Grr goes for it

2009-06-05T21:43:32Z

Frank Farmer
Keyka1a and Wimpehiker taking a break, as long as Grr goes for it

Moving water, deep water

2009-06-05T22:03:43Z

Frank Farmer
Moving water, deep water

Deep pools in the sun

2009-06-05T04:36:14Z

Frank Farmer
Deep pools in the sun

Spectacular rapids, beautiful rocks. We have arrived at Secret Ravine, on the opposite bank.

2009-06-05T21:39:11Z

Frank Farmer
Spectacular rapids, beautiful rocks. We have arrived at Secret Ravine, on the opposite bank.

A loop of wire, coming out of the ground. This was part of a wire suspension bridge, built by miners in the 1860s.

2009-06-05T06:40:43Z

Frank Farmer
A loop of wire, coming out of the ground. This was part of a wire suspension bridge, built by miners in the 1860s.

Wimperhiker's foot, next to a wire bundle in the ground. Part of a historic bridge, long since destroyed.

2009-06-05T05:04:47Z

Frank Farmer
Wimperhiker's foot, next to a wire bundle in the ground. Part of a historic bridge, long since destroyed.

Helping Grr get out of the river. He jumped into the water for a swim. It took him a couple of tries to get out of the water, as the rocks along the shore are steep and slippery.

2009-06-05T04:33:07Z

Frank Farmer
Helping Grr get out of the river. He jumped into the water for a swim. It took him a couple of tries to get out of the water, as the rocks along the shore are steep and slippery.

River scene, clear water. Secret Ravine is on the opposite side. Recent fire damage is apparent. Heavy rainfall washed away most of the ash, a couple of weeks previously.

2009-06-05T05:59:27Z

Frank Farmer
River scene, clear water. Secret Ravine is on the opposite side. Recent fire damage is apparent. Heavy rainfall washed away most of the ash, a couple of weeks previously.

Big rock in the river channel

2009-06-05T04:56:38Z

Frank Farmer
Big rock in the river channel

Deep water

2009-06-05T05:01:39Z

Frank Farmer
Deep water

Burned hillside, rocky wall, river channel

2009-06-05T04:32:45Z

Frank Farmer
Burned hillside, rocky wall, river channel

Dramatic skyline view of the fire-ravaged opposite side. Some of these trees will survive.

2009-06-05T05:31:33Z

Frank Farmer
Dramatic skyline view of the fire-ravaged opposite side. Some of these trees will survive.

Time for lunch!

2009-06-05T04:29:34Z

Frank Farmer
Time for lunch!

Wimpehiker tells Grr that his lunch is over. Grr enjoyed a bowl of water and another of kibble. Can't beat that!

2009-06-05T21:39:41Z

Frank Farmer
Wimpehiker tells Grr that his lunch is over. Grr enjoyed a bowl of water and another of kibble. Can't beat that!

Handsome pose

2009-06-05T04:44:32Z

Frank Farmer
Handsome pose

Wimpehiker is anything but wimpy. Larry is a great guy, with lots of experience and knowledge about the Desolation Wilderness and the Sierra Foothills.

2009-06-05T04:44:35Z

Frank Farmer
Wimpehiker is anything but wimpy. Larry is a great guy, with lots of experience and knowledge about the Desolation Wilderness and the Sierra Foothills.

Christa stretching out, in anticipation of the big hill climb to come. She enjoys being out in a natural setting, and getting good exercise. She is an actress and artist, and showed us a mov ...

2009-06-05T04:32:17Z

Frank Farmer
Christa stretching out, in anticipation of the big hill climb to come. She enjoys being out in a natural setting, and getting good exercise. She is an actress and artist, and showed us a mov ...

Grr looks at Keyka1a up on the trail ...

2009-06-05T21:48:48Z

Frank Farmer
Grr looks at Keyka1a up on the trail ...

Karen tells us that lunch time is just about over and it's time to head back.

2009-06-05T21:55:57Z

Frank Farmer
Karen tells us that lunch time is just about over and it's time to head back.

Time to pack!

2009-06-05T21:48:31Z

Frank Farmer
Time to pack!

Hikers on the opposite side, arriving as we are ready to leave. They are pretty close, but a deep, swift, river separates us!

2009-06-05T05:22:10Z

Frank Farmer
Hikers on the opposite side, arriving as we are ready to leave. They are pretty close, but a deep, swift, river separates us!

Time for a few more pictures before we go ... check out this pool in the river!

2009-06-05T21:37:01Z

Frank Farmer
Time for a few more pictures before we go ... check out this pool in the river!

Extremely clear water!

2009-06-05T04:31:52Z

Frank Farmer
Extremely clear water!

Rocky banks, scoured off when the river is higher.

2009-06-05T21:57:45Z

Frank Farmer
Rocky banks, scoured off when the river is higher.

It must have been pretty spectacular (and scary) to see the fire approaching the river ... Did it jump the stream? Happily, it did not.

2009-06-05T21:46:58Z

Frank Farmer
It must have been pretty spectacular (and scary) to see the fire approaching the river ... Did it jump the stream? Happily, it did not.

Beautiful rapids, beautiful rocks

2009-06-05T04:38:01Z

Frank Farmer
Beautiful rapids, beautiful rocks

Some sort of rocky structure. Possibly part of a bridge abutment?

2009-06-05T21:40:23Z

Frank Farmer
Some sort of rocky structure. Possibly part of a bridge abutment?

A wider view of the rock structure

2009-07-20T00:55:52Z

Frank Farmer
A wider view of the rock structure

Apparently, this was actually a wagon road, between Iowa Hill, Secret Ravine and Colfax. It seems pretty narrow!

2009-07-20T01:59:45Z

Frank Farmer
Apparently, this was actually a wagon road, between Iowa Hill, Secret Ravine and Colfax. It seems pretty narrow!

Camping gear, strewn on the opposite hillside. Keyka1a said it looked like an angry girlfriend tossed it there!

2009-06-05T04:36:11Z

Frank Farmer
Camping gear, strewn on the opposite hillside. Keyka1a said it looked like an angry girlfriend tossed it there!

Karen pausing for a picture. Steep dropoffs border this trail, for nearly the entire distance. Some parts are pretty airy!

2009-07-20T01:38:38Z

Frank Farmer
Karen pausing for a picture. Steep dropoffs border this trail, for nearly the entire distance. Some parts are pretty airy!

Looking down on some rapids

2009-07-20T00:57:55Z

Frank Farmer
Looking down on some rapids

Steep dropoff as the trail rounds a curve. Looking back toward Secret Ravine.

2009-07-20T01:47:08Z

Frank Farmer
Steep dropoff as the trail rounds a curve. Looking back toward Secret Ravine.

Beautiful ravine on the opposite side

2009-07-20T01:29:42Z

Frank Farmer
Beautiful ravine on the opposite side

Interesting angular rock. Was it altered by humans? I'd bet that it was ... this entire area has been heavily altered, including hydraulic mining, before that method was outlawed

2009-07-07T10:45:36Z

Frank Farmer
Interesting angular rock. Was it altered by humans? I'd bet that it was ... this entire area has been heavily altered, including hydraulic mining, before that method was outlawed

Taking a break, looking across the canyon. We are in the shade, but bright sun is close by.

2009-07-20T00:53:09Z

Frank Farmer
Taking a break, looking across the canyon. We are in the shade, but bright sun is close by.

Looking back at the burned hillside, on the other side of Secret Ravine.

2009-07-20T02:39:48Z

Frank Farmer
Looking back at the burned hillside, on the other side of Secret Ravine.

Climbing back to Iowa Hill, with our last spectacular view of the river below.

2009-07-20T01:41:45Z

Frank Farmer
Climbing back to Iowa Hill, with our last spectacular view of the river below.

Sun and shadow, playing on the side canyons

2009-07-20T01:16:28Z

Frank Farmer
Sun and shadow, playing on the side canyons

Fall colors in the trees

2009-07-20T00:53:25Z

Frank Farmer
Fall colors in the trees

Ferns, blackberries, poison oak

2009-06-05T21:48:30Z

Frank Farmer
Ferns, blackberries, poison oak

Leaves turning yellow

2009-07-20T02:03:01Z

Frank Farmer
Leaves turning yellow

Karen taking another picture

2009-07-20T02:23:24Z

Frank Farmer
Karen taking another picture

Zig-zagging river, contrasting sun and shadow

2009-07-20T01:14:00Z

Frank Farmer
Zig-zagging river, contrasting sun and shadow

Spectacular promontory, upstream on the North Fork of the American River

2009-07-20T02:14:36Z

Frank Farmer
Spectacular promontory, upstream on the North Fork of the American River

A douglas fir stump, about four feet in diameter. The primitive cutting method makes it apparent this is a pretty old stump. However, ths moisture and variable temperatures in ths area shoul ...

2009-07-20T01:49:13Z

Frank Farmer
A douglas fir stump, about four feet in diameter. The primitive cutting method makes it apparent this is a pretty old stump. However, ths moisture and variable temperatures in ths area shoul ...