Cascade Canal - Oct. '24

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In late October, six of us met in Nevada City on a mid-week morning, to go for a walk at Cascade Canal, at elevation 3,200 ft., in the Sierra Nevada foothills gold country. The 1883 canal was used to make hydro power for stamp mills at a mine in nearby Grass Valley. (Cascade canal water was not used for hydraulic mining, which occurred at nearby Empire Mine.)  

Today's hikers were Linda, Diane, Jean, Karen, Barbara, and me. Some of us had not touched base for a few months so it was time to catch up while on a pleasant stroll. 

You had to keep an eye out for 'tripping hazards' like protruding stones, or small stumps, less visible in the shade.

Upstream walk -

	at the start
		gate valve & neighborhood access trail		dogwood
					big leaf maple
				canal crosses creek

After the pipe crossing we walked uphill until we reached the 3.0 mile marker, where we stopped for a water/food break, sitting on a log.  Then we turned back. 

Downstream walk -

	nice arrangement		sunnier on the walk back		Karen
				< forest near Nevada City & Barb >

It was great being in the woods, accompanied by the sight & sound of fast-moving water. We walked 6.5 miles with only minor elevation gain. 

There were a few neighborhood access paths to the canal walk, and we saw maybe ten locals out, joggers & dog walkers.   We were the only ones parked at the trailhead. 

Afterwards we drove for 20+miles on the route back, and stopped at Lake of the Pines to see Rich in his & Linda's recently renovated lakeside home. Some of us had a beer with two great cheeses and some crackers (not saltines). 

Rich seemed happy to see some of his former hiking mates.    

.	Jean & Rich

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