Ted's Hiking World South Yuba River Trail
Edwards Crossing, Tahoe NF

October 21, 2008

Nevada City is gorgeous today.  A stroll about town amid the fall colors and Halloween decorations proves most nostalgic, as I had previously lived here for a total of six years.  A reminder of one reason for leaving is that the house I had sold for $72,000 in 1983 is on the market again — at $600,000.

Hoping to see some additional autumn flora, I set out upon the South Yuba River Trail, this portion of which runs westward from Edwards Crossing.  Within a couple hundred yards, the path enters state park property.  Subsequent no-trespassing signs warn hikers not to stray from the path toward the water.

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Start of the trail

Having nowhere else to go, the route parallels the river, albeit high above it.  About a mile into the walk, I encounter a party of seniors.  They grill me for information, of which I am able to provide just a little.  The only person in the group under sixty years of age is the only one with two walking sticks.  Go figure.

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A group of seven

The trail is shaded throughout the walk, and the going is easy.  Because the steep southern wall of the canyon partially blocks the late-season sun, the river itself is mostly in the shade as well.

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South Yuba River

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The trail is cramped but well-maintained

About two miles down the path, I decide to turn back.  My body is enjoying the walk, but there isn't much here in the way of autumn splendor.  As mid-afternoon approaches, more sunlight enters the canyon, providing better views.  It actually is a bit on the warm side now.

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Sunlight at last

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A nice swimming hole

Of course, no flowers are around at this late date; yet some interesting photo-ops are available.

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Nice patterns in the Sword Ferns

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a yellowish object rapidly approaching from behind.  Whirling around with a startled exclamation, sharp walking stick at the ready, I am greeted by a little cougar-colored dog which immediately begins yapping like mad.  It is followed by two more doggies and a young man on a unicycle, of all things.

Sitting down to say hello to the animals, I am too busy gathering my composure to think of taking any pictures.  After apologizing for the surprise encounter, the rider zooms rapidly out of sight on one wheel.

Presently the roadway reappears, signaling completion of my trek.  The river area on the other side of the bridge once was a favorite swimming hole of mine; but it has been destroyed by gold panners who blew up the place.  Just a few miles to the north is Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California's biggest and most infamous hydraulic mining site.

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Edwards Crossing

The seven oldsters, enjoying lunch on the sunny north bank, are joined by the crazy cyclist and his three companions.

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Time for a picnic


§: I recommend that you begin this walk well after noon; the river views will be more attractively sunlit, even as the trail remains shady.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
Personality *
Solitude *

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