Grass Valley Getaway

When my chief biking buddy suggested we tackle the Gold Country Challenge (bike event), I agreed. Looking at the details, though, I wondered if I was up for it. [This will be fine ...]

As usual, we headed up to the area a day early to see what we could see; for this trip, Grass Valley would be our home base. Setting out to explore the town, we got lucky: the main drag was lined with vendors selling their wares, including fruits and veggies.

I had mapped out a few local hikes and my friend was game to join me. Having visited this area on prior trips, we were eager for some new experiences.

Our first hike, on the Alan Thiesen Trail, was short (not even a mile). I was wowed by the largest Pacific Madrone I'd ever seen. Common in the coastal hills of the Bay Area, I didn't expect to find this tree so close to the Sierras.

Signs had been placed to identify key native plants, and there were other little surprises in store. [Here's looking at you, kid!]

Next up was a longer hike (about 2.7 miles), along the Wildflower Ridge and Rough & Ready Ditch Trails.

Water still flows in this historic canal, originally dug to supply water for gold mining.

When a tree falls in the forest, blocking a trail ... get creative!

Our third and final hike, 2.5 miles along the Wolf Creek Trail, would bring us close to the Nevada County Fairgrounds (where we would pick up our registration packets for tomorrow's ride).

I was distracted by some butterflies, which turned out to be Mylitta crescents. I am now wondering why orange is a common color for butterflies. [Research needed.]

When we pulled into the parking lot for this trail, we both recognized that we'd been here before. The Northstar Mining Museum was open, and we had time to indulge our curiosity. The place was fascinating!

We even saw the Pelton Wheel in motion (no water now, just a manual spin).

A day well spent!