Just an overcast day. Slight rain and some mist. Very muggy. Not too many bugs at all. And I messed up. Once on the Pleasant Valley Loop trail and then taking the marked fork to the left to the lake, I did not take the eventual fork to the right that descends down to the lake (should have read the trail report more carefully). I just kept climbing and climbing and climbing and what an ascent that lake trail is, actually. Phew. Beautiful trail and experience into the deep woods, though, with downed trees and overgrown shrubs .. just no lake.
Once back on the loop and 1/2-way back to trailhead, I had a really special encounter with a mamma grouse and 4 babies (more like teenagers) walking along the trail. They stayed with me for about 2-3 minutes and then went on their way magically disappearing into the forest floor right in front of my eyes -- amazing camouflage. It was just super cool.
Total of 8.5 miles on this trail. I love American River and the peacefulness of this trail. So beautiful and secluded.
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