Yesterday was my daughter, Sasha's, 22nd birthday and as part of the day's celebration, she and I took the dog, Loki, and drove down to the 49er bridge where we took the trail to Hoyt's crossing. Considering that Sasha is recovering from Lyme disease, and spent the better part of the winter too sick to get out of bed, this hike was quite an accomplishment. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The sun was shining, the river raging, and unlike summer when the river is packed with both locals and visitors, we had the place to ourselves. At the beach, we threw rocks and sticks into the freezing water for Loki, who didn't seem to mind the cold temperature. Like many Golden Retrievers, as long as she has something to chase, she's in ecstasy. If ever there was a day when I should have had my camera it was yesterday, but unfortunately, I'd left it at home.
This morning, Sasha and I decided to hit the trail again. Our destination: Deer Creek Falls--a place I'd never been to before, but one of Sash'a favorite hikes. We drove about ten miles from Nevada City out Bitney Springs Road and stopped just short of the North Ponderosa Vineyards (known for their organically farmed wine grapes and fine wines including their Chasewater Syrah). The first two miles of the trail takes you down a gradual grade through manzanita, scrub oak, deerwood, money flowers, and other Chaparral species, with sweeping views of Penn Valley. Just about the time the roar of the falls becomes deafening, a crooked path on the right makes a steep decent to a breathtaking view. This time we had a camera. The water was moving a little too swiftly for Loki to go for a real swim, but she is a dog and she did get wet. The photos Sasha took are below. With scenery like this, who needs Hawaii?
View from the top of the trail looking down at the falls
Deciding whether to jump in or not.
Loki says, "Next time, bring my ball!"
