When you think ‘California’, the first thought that pops in your mind is . . . California Sunshine, right? 

We arrived in Placerville, CA on Monday morning with pouring rain.  As the day went on, the temperatures dropped and that dumping rain turned into a full-on blizzard. 

Despite the blizzard conditions, a group of over a dozen paddlers put on the Middle Consumnes.  With only one person having done the run before, blizzard conditions, high water and a put-in time of 4:30 p.m., they were a little pressed for daylight.  However, with a crew consisting of the Jacksons, Demshitz and a few others, there was no doubt everyone would make it to the take-out at a reasonable time.

It was a rough start to our Cali trip, but after one day of horrific weather, we were pleased to see sun and 85 degrees every day.

We spent two days at the South Branch of the Middle Feather with the entire crew.  Highlights from these two days:  rolling over one of the most beautiful 50 foot waterfalls and watching over 20 other boaters roll off the lip; gazing downstream, below the 50 foot waterfall, towards another 100 footer, followed by another 100 footer and some stout rapids below– this view was literally something out of a fairytale; watching KC Jackson and all his energy and spunk; and, hanging out with some top notch peeps.

After the South Branch, we headed towards Downieville . . . For the first day in this area, it was just Nate and I, so we headed off to do Pauley Creek.  This was a super cute, little creek with a few drops.  It was pretty entertaining . . . !

The next day was the highlight of my cali trip:  49 to Bridgeport of the Yuba.  The crew consisted of Stephen Wright, Nate, myself and a team of three people from out of state, who asked to paddle down with us at the put-in.  With Stephen’s perfect beta, we didn’t have to get out and scout anything.  He knows this run so well, that he can tell you exactly which rock to boof off and which line to take.  I had so much fun . . . One of my favorite creeks to date . . . Thanks, Stephen!

Well, that pretty much wraps up our quick Cali trip.  From there we headed home with a sunshine and whitewater ‘high’ and joined our friends for the Clackamas Whitewater Festival near Portland. 

Can’t wait to get back to Cali . . . It will be sooner than later!  And, thanks to the Jackson family and fellow Jackson team members for fun times on and off the water!

Heather