Wednesday 29th August

After shopping for a coolbox and camping chairs we drove to Auburn State Recreational Area and saw some stunning views on the way in.

We drove down an extremely narrow winding road to Lake Clementine and at one place we had to back up as we met a SUV pulling a boat.

This lake was created by the dam here and only 25 boats are allowed on it at any one time.

Lower down the valley we parked and walked down to the confluence of both parts of the American River where we spent 3 or 4 hours enjoying the cool water. Downstream there were a couple of people panning for gold. Further up this river there is a huge working gold mine.

At the end of the afternoon we built a small stone tower to mark our presence there.

As we were leaving we stopped to look up the river to the place where we had just been.