This trail is kicking my ass!

I've just got to tell you...yesterday I finally parked at the bottom of the canyon and set out to run some REAL trails. You know, the kind that have big rocks, deep water ruts, red dirt, mud slides, wild critters and gorgeous views?

It's about time.

I live 5 minutes from some of the most scenic trails in the country. I've lived here for 2 and a half years, and only been on 1 trail!
That's pathetic.

I have a book that describes all the trails around here. I choose one that looked good for me. Unfortunately, while I was on the trail, I missed an important turn and instead kept going up. I ran and ran. Uphill. I had to walk (hike) twice. I thought to myself, "This trail is kicking my ass!"
However, there was consolation. The view of the river, where the north and middle forks of the American River converge was gorgeous!
Finally I came to a dead end at Foresthill Road. When I got back down, I consulted my book. Sure enough, I wasn't on Stagecoach Trail, like I thought.
I decided to do another trail. That's when I met Norm. Norm looked to be about 60 years old and asked me if I was going to hike to the dam. He told me all about it and said with a tear in his eye, "It's just beautiful. I've been there 4 times already just this week!" That did it, I was hooked! He said it was only about a mile up the trail and told me how to get there.

No problem. I knew I could easily do it, if this older man does it everyday. Well, it turned out the dam was 2 miles uphill. I ran it and thought to myself, "Damn, Norm must be in great shape to do this everyday."

Finally I got to the dam that brought an old man to tears.

It was beautiful. The water from Lake Clementine crashed down on big boulders you could barely see because of the overspray of the waterfall. The water made a stunning transition from bright white to emerald green. At the base of the waterfall a perfect rainbow shined brighter than I've ever seen.

Next time I'm bringing my camera.
You've just got to see it.

As I ran back down the trail, I wondered..."Shouldn't I have just paid to see that? I am in Ca."