We went exploring today and had fun in "Northern" California. We had heard about "Beale Falls." A quick search showed it is also commonly known as "Fairy Falls," or "Shingle Falls." The trail head is at the site of an old mine in the Spenceville Wildlife and Recreation area. It promised to be an easy 5 mile hike (in and out). We were warned NOT to go on opening weekend of Turkey Hunting or some other hunting season - but this weekend didn't hit any of those. We set out after the kids' Japanese lessons were over.
It WAS easy...through meadows, along streams....nice roads...and then we reached this spot. We picked a trail that we later learned wasn't a trail at all. It WAS fun....and we DID eventually meet up with the Upper Trail and made it to the top of the falls. We went straight at this sign - on to a trail - we "should" have gone right and straight and we would have stayed on one of the main, cultivated roads.
It wasn't bad - its just that the cows weren't happy to see us and one was aggressive...so we put Michael in front....and texted Krista that we were climbing through cow pastures up the side of a hill - which came a bit later.
Even off road wasn't terribly challenging....
Picnic at the top
I wanted my toes in water - and Yuuki wanted to rest. LOL
Ahhhhh......
We came back down the main trail and it was a walk in the park. LOL
Mistletoe au naturale
Don't look for State park signs - look for sharpies. ::snort::
Poison Oak
We found our first cache.....and it was hilarious. Michael and Zander got up close and personal with the cows....and looked like insane tourists...but we loved them for it....note the hilo dragon in the same spot as the black cache.
Foundation of a house
The well
Looking for cache number two.....in the sky....
I was more interested in the giant pine cones
We found a rope swing over a swimming hole. No one was dressed for swimming...but Arielle goaded Zander into trying the rope.....
Then did it herself...
Zander was NOT happy to get wet....
Nolan decided to take the gamble
We knew SOMEONE would eventually fall in....and she was the one in shorts! It's all good.
Yuuki had been having a lovely time rolling in the sand...so she went swimming too. Some day she'll learn cause and effect....she seems to enjoy this tradition now.
We discovered it's much shorter to go through the base and out the Grass Valley gate if you have base access..... Back at home we ate left overs, Michael worked on his sermon some more, the kids and I soaked in the hot tub, showered, AND now we're going to watch Belles on Their Toes. I had planned to cook for tomorrow's Fellowship Sunday - but I'm going to have to get up early. I'm wiped out. LOL
Directions:
From the base: Go out Grass Valley Gate on to Chuck Yeager Rd. Turn RIGHT on to Waldo Road - it's a marked dirt road. You will shortly see a shooting range to the LEFT. Continue past the range all the way to the end where you will a wooden decked one lane bridge. Cross the bridge, turn LEFT onto Spenceville. You will come to a road on the right - but follow the LEFT and continue until you come to a big turn out on the LEFT for parking. There's a yellow gate and a sign that says "Falls" and points the way.
From Marysville: Drive east on Hammonton/Smartville Road. Go past the first Beale AFB sign - turn right on Chuck Yeager Road (used to be Smartville Rd) - you are heading towards Beale AFB. Go about 5 miles and turn LEFT on to Waldo Road - it's a marked dirt road. You will shortly see a shooting range to the left. Continue past the range all the way to the end where you will a wooden decked one lane bridge. Cross the bridge, turn LEFT onto Spenceville. You will come to a road on the right - but follow the LEFT and continue until you come to a big turn out on the LEFT for parking. There's a yellow gate and a sign that says "Falls" and points the way.
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...
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