Jan 20 2011
God’s Country
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Wow! What an amazing ride we had today. Mom had been wanting to go down into the canyon, so last night we mapped it out on the GPS. We took Doon Grade Road to Coutolenc and then connected to Jordan Hill Road. Jordan Hill Road, like Doon Grade, is a dirt road. Off-road vehicles can get down it, but it is very rocky and steep. Quite a trek!
I have never been into any canyon before and as we were traveling down, I was struck by the sheer power of the view. Everything is so quiet, yet you can hear the sound of a life force in the distance.
Water has no taste, no color, no odor; it cannot be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself. It fills us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses. – ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPERY
We made it down to the West Branch of the Feather River and we stayed for awhile, to rest the horses and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. I felt as if I was home. Nothing but life surrounded me – the trees, the grass, the birds, even the gnats. Everything had its place and was working as it should, not to be rushed or slowed, but in its own perfect time, as always.
I was struck by how many times I had passed Jordan Hill Road, never knowing what was at the bottom of that hill. Beauty lies in our backyard, but we often fail to see it.
Stopping for just a moment before our descent.
Mom and Sophie at the top of the canyon.
Miles and miles of backcountry to explore…
Jordan Hill Road
West Branch of the Feather River
“Little Falls”
Sophie enjoying the view.
The entire trip was 16 miles. Originally, we had thought it was going to be only 8 or 9 miles, but Mom failed to realize that her GPS was calculating a one-way trip. Double that and you’ve got a round-trip at 16 miles! Great for Asali and I because we need the training, but next time I’m bringing some emergency peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A banana and one granola bar didn’t cut it for this trip.
Great job guys. Those are some outstanding pictures!
Gary recently posted..MOBS New Outsourcing Resource Center
Thanks, Gary, but the pictures don’t do it justice. It’s one of those things you just have to see, hear, and feel…