For three days all Rocky has wanted to do is to hike somewhere where she could jump in the water. The last time we did that was just shy of Sierra City at Milton Creek and it was FREEZING! but refreshing. We tried a couple of days ago and then yesterday to visit a lake, but between being infested with cows and just being swampy neither lake was acceptable. Today was a different story. 

The Feather River came after a long uphill climb followed by a longer descent. 3600 feet down in a valley is one of the nation's protected Wild Rivers. No mechanized transport to or on the river is allowed; you either walk or ride a horse to get here. 

As we approached we could see a high arched bridge spanning a beautiful River flowing over smoothed rocks with Rapids and big deep pools. Once on the bridge we yelled our hellos to GummyBear and Spike as they swan in the deep pools. We said we'd be back to join them. 

First priority was to set up camp and get our stuff together to wash. After three sweaty days on the trail our shirts were salted and our pants could stand by themselves. Socks we won't even mention because you can probably smell them from there. Once camp was set we joined our friends for a dip. They were heading down the trail but ran us through the course of where to best swim. Rocky and I spent about an hour washing clothes and swimming. She's the more adventurous, angling into the swift water for a quick ride downstream. I lounged on the rocks and took in the sun. Both of us were very happy to have our feet and legs washed. My hands haven't been this clean since Tahoe! 

Tomorrow we have to climb out of here so we'll be sweaty and dirty again in no time. However, it was good while it lasted. 

Horse people impressed with our efforts. Fancy is in the lead. 

The way across in the distance. 

Bigger than it looks. 

Hikingsolo