My poor baby dog Roscoe has been suffering lately. I've only been able to take him on short walks to the end of the road this week because I've been sick. In between work and sleep (thanks to Nyquil), I haven't had much energy for a good walk in nature. But at last the seemingly never ending cold I have battled has lost and I am feeling more like me again. While I give thanks to this glorious weather lately and a little more daylight, we are off to the trail. A short (lol) 30 minute drive down a windy canyon road, no cell phone service and no radio to listen to we find peace of mind. We have arrived at our desitnation: The trailhead of the Yuba River. I look at Roscoe and say, “I have a place in mind where I wanna go.” And as he looks up at me with excitement and a smile, I know he understands me. We grab the essentials, throw them in our tote bag, along with a water bottle, camera, snacks, a blanket and Roscoe's dog water bowl we just launched at work. While I could throw a lot more in there, I'd rather not carry the weight.

Roscoe and I take a moment as we cross the bridge and look down at the river. A crystal clear, yet with a stunning teal blue hue to it, we take a moment and take it all in. The trail is rocky and steep, with a red dirt – well red mud actually - wet from the last rain which was weeks straight. During the summer its a dusty pale rose. Spring is starting out early with buds already on the trees and a faint hint of flower blossoms in the air. We hike along. We passed the turn to the beach. I was so set on going there but Roscoe is leading the way. I could definitely walk some more to take in this unbelievable beauty. I haven't been out this far before and we pass one bend, then another as the trail creeps up the mountain further away from the river below. As long as I can still hear the water rushing below me, I know we're doing alright.

The trees open up, we get a great view of the canyon and a beach. Roscoe and I race down the trail to its waters - he's got four legs and I only two short ones, which is an unfair advantage I tell him as I stumble down the rocks. The beach is beautiful. A clearing through the trees exposes gorgeous quartz and granite boulders with the waters flowing beneath them. It's still cool out but I know I'll be back here during the summer. I snap a few pictures of the rocks and clear water. Now's the perfect time for a little break so I roll out the blanket and break out some snacks for me and Roscoe. Ive been obsessed with these seasonal tangerines our local market only carries once a year. They're so colorful and juicy sweet, great for kicking this cold! I lay back and soak up the rest of the day's light. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of his collar ring as he runs freely to and from. I did have to call him back when he got out to far – the little daredevil. I know this, but tossing sticks for Roscoe is useless, and every time I give it a shot anyways. He sits there with his puppy dog eyes looking at me as though I'm a mad woman. The relaxation takes over me so much that I hardly notice the sky becoming darker. Then it struck me, I didn't bring a flash light! I tell Roscoe, “Hey buddy you've led us out here so far that we need to head back before we get stuck!”

Luckily this trail is very well maintained, yet still lit only by the moon. I've been on trails in this area before where the trail descends so rapidly that you have to walk sideways and cut through the thick brush and rocks to get through, certainly not what I would picture as the perfect ending to a perfect day. Finally, we're back at the top of the main trail and its all down hill from there. As I'm hiking back, I start to think about how really thankful I am for the people who help take part in paying respect to the area and help keep it as Mother Nature intended. Its so quiet that my mind begins to wander again. I can do that anyway with Roscoe leading the way with precision and determination. It wasn't long before we make it back to the bridge. The sunlight has faded to a deep orange glow only leaving a little light left to see the reflective waters below. It gives me a moment to think what an excellent mini adventure! Next time, I'm bringing a flash light though because my inner girl scout is not proud of me.

How lucky I am to live here.

We have a lot of tourists visit the area, which we welcome, but let me end this with a few hiking tips just so you know what to expect: When hiking alone always let someone know where you are going, when you plan to leave and return. I called my best friend and told her if she didnt hear from me that night to worry. And now from personal experience, a flash light should be apart of your essentials.

So go out there and dare to explore!

Here's Some Helpful Links to Help You Prepare for that Day Or Week Long Hike:

• Trails of Nevada County
• Places to stay in Nevada City
• Some Really Cute Dog Acessories
• Hiking Safety Tips
• Tote Bags and Travel Bags from Copper River Bag Co