We arrived in Chicago Park, California on Tuesday, June 29. Decided to work around the ranch for a few days before heading off to prospect. It's been pretty warm in these parts. Our first few days were spent weeding, rototilling, weedeating, mowing and moving sprinkler lines.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tofte Ranch

Larry: Another beautiful day. Lots to report. C gets her hair cut early this morning. Then we pack up and head out to the river. Sutherlin cants us back early? D&V sold their house and have to be out by Sept. 6 soooo if we are going to help them we have alot to do in the next 2 months IF we decide to return to Oregon. Like, find lots of gold! My challenge today is uncertaintyfear. I must trust Spirit to lead and just stay present..... too many unknowns.

Later - Shirttail Creek (Angel Falls) Here we are, sitting in the shade at Angel Falls remembering our time here 29 years ago. This canyon echos with our presence. Just below, on the side of the creek, we began married life - two innocents beginning a life of adventure. Each turn of the road holds a memory. We met a fellow whose folks had one of the cabins at the bridge and he shared his childhood memories with us. His family cabin was on the flat cement area where we had our wedding reception. We've decided to just "be" this afternoon - get in touch with ourselves in the company of nature.

Charlotte: It seems to be chilly here most mornings but it can sure warm up during the day. Where will we be this time tomorrow? This is our first D-Day (Departure Day) of the season. We are headed to Shirttail for 4 days of prospecting.

LATER - Shirttail Canyon - Devil's Falls (We renamed it Angel Falls years ago). It's HOT and we are lazy and sleepy. It's about 10 degrees hotter in the canyon that up in Colfax. We arrived at the Yankee Jim Bridge about noon. When we arrived there was hardly anyone here but now the bridge area is packed with young people.

3:30 PM - We have moved up to Mexican Gulch. It is cooler and much quieter than down at the falls or the bridge. It is a lazy summer afternoon.

6:30 PM - We just got evicted by a State Park employee. They say we cannot park here for the night so we are going to pack up and head back to Chicago Park to regroup.