Hiking and a few cemetery stops

Today's hike was along the historic Western States Trail.

 But before we got hiking we made two stops in Foresthill. 

 First at the rangers station and then at a quaint, little cemetery with an incredible view of the Sierras.

Then we reached the beginning of our day's hike,

it looks like a few hikers wore through their shoes here!! 

 We were only doing the El Dorado Canyon, but don't let that 2 1/2 mile distance trick you into believing this wasn't a challenge...the elevation made up for it.

 The views were GORGEOUS!!!

Some of the trail looked like this, with this interesting rock (or wood) on the side.  

We needed a geologist with us.  

Some of it would break and sounded hollow like wood, 

but some of it definitely looked like sheets of solid rock.

When we reached the bottom of the canyon there was a cute bridge

 and beautiful water underneath it. 

 As we crossed the bridge we found the most lady bugs any of us had ever seen!!

We climbed down to the water, where I tried several times to get into the photo.  It was funny.  I finally moved my camera a little closer which helped.  We got some good laughs.

 

Along the water's edge with it's sound in the background was a perfect spot for lunch. 

The hike up, 1600 feet climb in elevation, left us with a good workout.

On the drive home we stopped at one more cemetery with these huge, beautifully carved angels.

So unique.
Another great day, with pretty views and incredible women.  

For more details see Heidi's post here.