“This blog is an expansive review of my life for several years, detailing high travels. However, there are events and features omitted, moments that deserve to remain in the privacy of a mind.” – Old Sean
Reminiscence
Following our time driving Route One along California’s coast, my friend Ari and I trundled into the central portion of the state.
After a brief night of sleeping in the car, we blew through Sacramento and finally arrived at the charming Grass Valley.
We arrived here to visit the grave of a departed friend. Beyond that, I won’t expand on details, because I believe that some moments are just for me and those around me.
However, Grass Valley is worth a few notable mentions. The Downtown area is a gorgeous line of old, expertly restored buildings with an old, mining-town flavor. The streets are wide and several are closed off for foot traffic. The shops are small niche creations selling gemstones, antiques and other odds-and-ends.
We discovered a fantastic pizza place called Pete’s Pizza where the to-go beer was clandestine (Vanilla and Icelandic) and the large pineapple pizza was devoured in one sitting. One of Ari’s friends from the island (Hawaii) put us up for the night, at which point we dozed off after being extremely grateful for our showers.
Joined the Party
The next morning, we woke up early and found another companion (K’na) who directed us to “The River.” This river is actually called something else, but already too many out-of-towners are visiting without local guides, making the area a tad too crowded.
As such, I’ve been asked to refrain from mentioning the location, even though it’s fairly well known.
All that needs to be disclosed is that the river is a fantastic swell of white water interspaced by wide, deep swimming holes. Great stone peaks of smooth white and grey rock tower overhead, providing terrifying springboards to waters below. Medium-sized fish, accustomed to humans flailing about, nibble close nearby and prod at wiggling fingers.
The hike to the river was a challenge in its own right and we hadn’t brought quite enough water for the trip. But fortunately, we managed with what we had.
We had a good time at the river, mostly going for those full-body tans (or in my case, full-body sunburns), lounging on stones, playing in the rapids and taking long swimming strokes through the quieter portions of the stream. The rest of our time was spent resting, reading, lounging and listening to a live guitar performance.
Journey Prep
The rest of the night was spent writing, drinking apple juice, watching a nearly full moon and resting at a tiny-cozy home, owned by a lovely woman named Flinn.
She served excellent tea, her cat was a very active companion and a full moon was blossoming in the sky. We harvested some vegetables from the garden, cleaned up the best we could and settled in for the night.
Overall, it was very relaxing day. And this is finally the end of yet another miniature, many-mile adventure through the United States.
Tomorrow we’re going mining. Then camping and then climbing. Then driving, getting lost, evading checkpoints and all sorts of other fun stuff. Should be a pretty typical day.
Regardless, best regards and excellent trails,
Old Sean
Written June 31st 2020
Read more about visiting Grass Valley and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.
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I bought this Horizon Hound Trek Blanket for a late-autumn trek in the United States. Since then, it’s gone everywhere with me. The blanket is lightweight, stuff-able, warm and durable. But my favorite features are the buttons. The blanket can be buttoned up the sides, turning it into a long thermal poncho when I don’t want to leave the warmth of my bed.
