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and mental health
benefits of walking if we walk in nature, and especially
if we walk in the canyon. This is where our spirits are
renewed and our hearts take wing. What the scientists are
proving over and over again is that the biochemical-physiological
events that accompany our bodies getting exercised and our
hearts taking wing are of great benefit to our health and
longevity."
Many teachers are observing a trend towards obesity in our
young children. Perhaps an improved diet and a regular hike
in the canyons would reverse that trend.
Moonlight
Western States Trail Hike
The
most famous American River trail, the Western States Trail,
(WST), crosses the river on Mountain Quarries Bridge also
known as "No Hands Bridge". Portions of this trail,
once used by pioneers, are now used in two world-class 100
mile endurance events.
From the Cool side, south of the Hwy. 49 bridge, walk .2
of a mile on the WST connector trail to "No Hands Bridge".
A turn to the right across the bridge takes the hiker and
the equestrian, (this trail is closed to mountain bikes),
through the heart of the proposed American River Confluence
Parkway dedicated to the memory of Frank Olrich. A river
paradise of cathedral rock formations, shimmering rapids
and a lush canyon temperate forest greet the hiker on this
4.2 mile uphill jaunt. Birding is a popular activity in
the canyons and the birding is especially good as the trail
rounds the Robie point area. Continuing on the trail offers
views of the stretch of the river to be restored by the
Bureau of Reclamation at the abandoned Auburn dam site.
As the trail gently curls in and out of several ravines
it eventually reaches the official Western States Trail
head on Pacific Avenue behind the Auburn fairgrounds. Many
folks choose to reverse this by starting from the Pacific
Avenue trailhead.
Hike
date February 15. For details call Eric Peach
at 530 885-8878.
Guided
Beyond the Tunnel Hikes
Beyond
the tunnel, in the fall and winter after Folsom Lake levels
have dropped, a hauntingly beautiful stretch of American
River emerges from beneath the lake. Tumbling through lake
washed rock formations of granite and metamorphic rock -
past sugar sand beaches - the river hosts a wild
assortment of life. Here are a couple of PARC Hikes that
sample the American River canyons around and beyond the
Auburn dam diversion tunnel.
Saturday,
January 11, 2003
Auburn
to Rattlesnake Bar on the Pioneer Express Trail. Approximately
8 miles. Rain cancels. Limited to 12 people. Lots of Gold
Rush and early settler history - mine shafts, canals homestead
sites, etc. Exceptional views, winter waterfalls and plants
are on this historic trail which follows a canal constructed
in the 1850's. Call hike leader John Krogsrud at
530-885-5884 for details.
Sunday, February
9, 2003
Auburn to Cool
through Auburn Dam construction site. Rain cancels. Limited
to 12 people. We will see both the construction site and
undisturbed canyon areas. A good route for wildlife observation
- recent sighting of mountain lion, bear, golden and bald
eagles. Call hike leader John Krogsrud at 530-885-5884
for details.
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