The American River, California

This is my brother-in-law Tom Passafiume, who has been a dear friend to me over the years. Tom took me and Judy on a wild ride down a washed out dirt road to the American River. He took all these photos with his iPod! Thank you Tom.  

We were the only ones at this gorgeous part of the American River. The swimming hole was gargantuan; the largest I have ever seen. Clear, clean water revealed a sandy river bottom and small trout swimming around the boulders.

 Me and Judy are in the middle of this picture, sitting on the rocks and absorbing the sun. The water was cold, but not so cold that you couldn't swim in it.

As I tried to get back to shore, I foolishly chose to walk right through the rapids and nearly lost my footing. The current was stronger than I anticipated and pulled me so hard it nearly  swept me downstream.  Holding on to the slippery rocks, I clawed my way out of the current, scraping my hands in the process. It was scary.

That would be me, floating in the cold water like a little duck.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." Andre Gide

It was so amazing to find this beautiful spot so close to their home. Its surprising how we can live if we just get up and start moving. Yes its difficult at times, but in the long run, life is way more fun if we take the time to explore our surroundings. Its a beautiful world out there! Susan Little

Carson Pass Trailhead, California

I am visiting my sister and brother-in-law, Tom and Judy. What a treat it was to take a hike up the Carson Pass Trailhead in Mokelumne Wilderness. Our destination was Winnemucca Lake, an easy five mile hike through magnificent wilderness.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera and pressed some button on Judy's camera that turned everything black and white or funky psychedelic shades of color. We didn't know how to fix it, so we just continued taking pictures. That would be me walking up the trail, enjoying the beauty all around me.

Wildflowers were blooming all around us, but many were still in bud. This Scarlet Paintbrush took on bright shades of orange in the camera. In a few weeks the whole Mokelumne Wilderness will be bursting in a profusion of red, white, blue, orange, purple and yellow wildflowers.

That would be me, sitting on a rock in the midst of field of green. While walking the Carson Pass Trailhead, we passed so many beautiful lakes, tall pine trees, huge boulders, unusual plants and flowers.

At Winnemucca Lake we sat on the rocks while the wind blew all around us and clouds moved in. The gorgeous scenery completely overwhelmed me.

This is my wonderful sister, Judy probably wondering where all the color went in this spectacular Mokelumne Wilderness.