Paleo Mermaid: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Hiking - Bassi Falls - April 29, 2013

Second time hiking to Bassi Falls in three days! This time with a group I am leading. We got there (and back!) safe and sound ... Well, except for a few sore face muscles and rib cages from all the laughter! Lots of fun ... Thanks for joining me, ladies!

Snow Plant

Western Phlox

Mahala Mat

Manzanita

Friday, April 26, 2013

Hiking - Bassi Falls - April 26, 2013

I am hosting a hike to Bassi Falls on Monday, however, I've never been there before, so I felt the need to make a RECON trip. Karen can't go on Monday, so she volunteered to go with me. We had a blast! About a month ago one of the local hiking groups posted a hike to Bassi Falls. Several of us wanted to go, but opted against it when there were 55 people signed up to go.
This is the information that was made available to us before the hike:

Distance: 5 miles in and out, beginner, with an optional .5 mile in and out, strenuous plus, from the base, to the top of the falls and back.

Elevation: From 4800 ft to 5400 ft. Change of 600 ft.

Pollock Pines, Eldorado National Forest, El Dorado County, Bassi Creek

Bassi Falls Height: 109 ft.

Bassi Falls are their most beautiful in the early spring. We did an exploratory hike along Bassi Creek to the base of the falls on Saturday, March16th and found the falls were flowing in full force. We will park along the pavement at the intersection of Ice House Road and the unmarked dirt road (Road 12N32A). We will hike about .5 miles along Road 12N32A, and stay to the right in the fork in the road, which will turn down towards the trailhead at Bassi Creek. The Bassi Creek Trail will wind along the Creek for 2.0 miles and end at the base of Bassi Falls. Along the creek trail there are numerous photograph opportunities of crystal clear pools and small but spectacular waterfalls. There was still snow through the area and we could be hiking over small patches of snow and snow run off along the trail. We will enjoy lunch at the base of the falls and those who wish to take the optional hike to the top may do so. Upon their return, we will return back to the trailhead and parking area.

The optional hike from the base of the falls to the top of the falls is about .5 miles and strenuous plus, but worth the trip.

Western Phlox

Manzanita

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Hiking - Independence Trail - April 24, 2013

Lynn, Karen and I set out on another great hike with the hiking group we joined. Super nice people, plus great locations make for fun adventures! More wildflowers that we could identify!

The following information is what was made available to us before the hike:

"The Independence Trail, just north of Nevada City, is a great trail for wildflowers. This will be an easy 4-5 mile walk with a moderate uphill section on the way back.

Expectations: Be prepared for lots of stops for flower viewing. The first part of our hike will follow the path of the Excelsior Canal which was built during the Gold Rush, and is very level. After passing Rush Creek waterfall, we will take a dirt road down to the river at Jones Bar, and have lunch there before working our way back up to the trailhead."