Leon Turnbull Photography

As of Dec 1 the snow pack in California is about 26% of normal overall. It is a disappointing and pathetic start to the new season. All the rain is going into the Pacific Northwest thus far. This is not supposed to happen in an El Nino year, especially for a strong El Nino. But … obviously it is still early. Winter doesn’t really even begin until December so hopefully it will turn around soon. I would like to see us at least get an average winter. That is not too much to ask, right?

Anyway, I did not feel like doing much this past weekend but I wanted to at least go out with Journey somewhere. Our church service was not until the afternoon on Sunday so we got up early in the morning to go to Auburn. It has been 16 years since I have been to Lake Clementine Falls. It would be nice to go back there with Journey. However, I forgot it was the day of the marathon. The road to Auburn was closed. Ugh. Now what? Journey will be mad at me if I just go back home now (after waking her up so early!). I decided to go the long way around to Auburn. We had lots of time.

I parked at the Foresthill Bridge. The parking is free. If I park at the Confluence it is not free. I know I could get a free pass at the library but it is inconvenient. On the downside, there is a 700 ft. descent from the bridge down to the river, but this would be a good hike for the two of us and not too difficult.

I have not ever walked across the Foresthill Bridge before but I was really pleased I did so and not because of the views (though they are good). It is the highest bridge in California and I guess people have committed suicide jumping off it, though I do not think I have heard of anyone doing so on this bridge. I was stricken, however, as I read all the notes that someone left on the bridge every ten feet all the way across. Positive notes for people who might be thinking of jumping: bible verses, and other notes saying God loves you, don’t give up, etc. I just thought that whoever did this is a very awesome person. It made my day.

When I arrived there was a lot of fog in the valley and the bridge was enveloped in it. I came to a spot that would make a great photo so I stopped but by the time I got the camera out the fog was mostly all gone. Ugh. Maybe the waterfall would have fog? Likely story. By the time I made it all the way up there it had long since dissipated. Oh well.

It was a lovely hike along the river. Except for all the garbage. Why are people such a-holes? I picked up more than my fair share including some yucky stuff but there was plenty more to be seen. We arrived at the waterfall. It is a little bit steep on slick rock getting down to this viewpoint but Journey did great and made it down. I took some photos and we hiked back along the river and then up the steep hill back to the bridge and car. She was quite tired after that big 700 ft. climb. It was a lovely morning in Auburn State Recreation Area.

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