Wow, what a neat place to visit. The 4th graders went on a field trip there (on Friday), and I gotta say ... I'm sure glad I went, too. I did not ride the bus. I went with another 3 moms who decided to drive along separately. I'm so glad I did that. There were six miles of twists and turns that I don't think I could have handled on the bus. The car was bad enough. Those were the longest six miles ever. Ick. Once there, I was "in charge" of four girls. We were able to walk around and do our own thing. They panned for gold as a class at Frank Bekeart's Gunshop, we ate a picnic lunch, checked out the many gift stores, a little museum, nature center, and bought some old fashioned candy sticks. We then did some more walking around and saw the old Catholic cemetery and church, the old school house, and many other original and restored buildings. The picture above shows the replica of the original saw mill, called Sutter's Mill. To the left, and out of view is the American River.
Ridge, Lauren, Bailey and Madison checking out the many neat things along the way.
Panning for gold at Bekeart's Gunshop. There wasn't much gold to be found. I think Bailey found 4 or 5 teensy tiny flakes. But she did find lots of Pyrite (Fools Gold), Garnet (some pretty good chunks), and an arrow head. (Something they obviously deposit into the panning area, but she was stoked! We didn't hear of any other kids finding that.) 
This is Rattlesnake Rusty. He was the panning expert, and quite a character. Very helpful, and wanted to be sure the kids yelled "Eureka!" when they had found gold.
Neat old building on our lengthy walk. (Yes, I was completely wiped out at the end of the day. Especially with my rib, and back out of sorts, but as I said, it was totally worth it!)
An Icee at the end of the day, and checking out the American River ... up close and personal. Madison had said all day "I want to touch the American River". I'm not sure why she said that all day, but boy was I glad she had that wish come true. Haha.
Proof that I was there! And yes, as the day went on and it got quite toasty, I was sure wishing I had a shirt on like Bailey's. Haha.
2 comments:
I love historic places like this! Looks like you guys had so much fun (and looks like you guys were nice and hot and tired too!)
Love you,
Lex
I remember this field trip.... however, being the "trooper" that I am.... I rode the BUS!! Yes, I sucked it up and felt sick the whole way. It actually was kinda scary in the bus on the twist and turns. We went when Kayla was in 4th grade. Had a great time too. We had to pan for gold actually in the river and the water was freezing!! LOve the pictures....good to see proof that you were there since I hardly ever see you in pictures any more.
Love ya!!
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