sheepshepherdess

Eureka!!!!

I have been looking for this place for about 2 years... All directions have been put under lock and key, due to the fact that most of this fragile yet rugged land has been up for sale.  Sadly it may some day be lost to all.  In the meantime I savor it and Thank God for granting me the health and courage to see such beauty that he has set before me. 

Me and Joshua.

Steep notice my backpack I chose not to try to get down this steep cliff with.  I have a incredible fear of heights and this trail is a good test of mental strength for me.

 

The last of the falls before the North Fork American River.

Joshua at the bottom of the trail.

Grand Views as always.

Such rugged terrain, lending this canyon to numerous waterfalls.

Rugged incredible geology.

 
Amazing GRAND view from the trail.

North Fork American River.

This Hike was by far the most dangerous hike given the goat trial of a delicate path.  This trail is very delicate and must be hiked with caution and care for the land.    

 

 

  

Comments

It seem I have offended some one or who know how many others with the pics and the locations of this beautiful canyon... There is a book that describes these trails very well as I do not. The book is dedicated to Russell Towle, with out his insight on this area I may have never come to be so intrigued with what is one of the most beautiful wild places I have seen.  It really hurts my heart to have received the couple comments I have received from some one who knows nothing about me or what my past is with the rivers in this area.

I am really not sure what to think.... Do we selfishly hide these place so our children never know about them? or do we try to encourage our children to be good stewards of the land?  I was really taken back by this comment and another left on my flicker stream.  I have carried out trash on the Yuba and American rivers for years, and understand well this concept. I have installed values in my children to do the same... I have changed my blog titles not to include the names of the places I have been, but how it that ok?  There are some places I do think need protection, and I am good with the fact that too many people will impact the area. One place that comes to mind is University Falls I cannot even bring myself to see what has happened.... so these comments do not land on deaf ears... If any one has any input on this I'd love to hear opinions.

This is one of the comments both were from this person.

Hi Sheepshepherdess: Great Photos. Please remove the identification of the whereabouts of these photos. Too many people are seeing this on the internet and we are getting an influx of people who do not respect the place and are they are leaving it trashed. These photos (with their wherabouts attached) pose a big threat to the area. I know you are excited about this place and obvious have some spiritual connection to it, like all of us...but let's keep it from becoming like some of the other nearby canyons, OK? Maybe after you have been a repeat visitor and good steward over the next 40 years, you will feel the same way as many of us do...

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Full Moon in the North Fork American River

The first backpacking trip that I have done since Chris and I backpacked.  Bittersweet for sure.  On July 25th we made our way down into the North Fork of the wild and scenic American River.  The beauty that abounds in the are is beyond belief and beyond what my camera can capture.  

 

Every hike, every step, I take with Chris in my heart and soul. So this hike is dedicated in your loving memory "Chris"and all the places the Sierra Designs took us in our years together hiking and backpacking.

I can only follow that with what I thought was my favorite picture.  I took down my Canon 5d a wide angle lens and a zoom 24-70 and around my neck my Canon G11.  I also had my tripod anchored to my Gregory Backpack where an ice pic should go.  I think Gregory made it just for me because now it is impossible to get such a great fit.

 

Amazing old growth Sugar Pine.  The Gregory photo rig on my back.

Who needs food when you have gear to carry.

There was food... Going as light as possible with Titanium... How did we do it before? The way I see it the lightness of Titanium leaves room for more camera gear.

 
Camp

  What a great camp site wood and a view.

Falls

North Fork American River just simply stunning.

 
upper view

Upper view

    
Snow Mountain.

Last morning looking down the North Fork.

Chasing Rainbows...

 
Slow river

Slow river 

Slow river

Just another view... one that is hard to tire from.

 
Cedars

Alpine Lily

Checkerbloom

Juniper

Juniper Tree estimated to be 2000 years old.

Mariposa Lily

Meadow Lupine

Mountain Hollyhock

Torreys Monkey

The Last Dance for the Snow Flower.

Looking into the canyon where I leave a bit of my soul till I return.

If some one can correct me on any mistakes I made on plant identification It would be appreciated.  I did take time and care to identify all plants as well as possible. Scientific names were left out for the ease of blogging.  I hope to compile my plant picture some day with scientific names included.