Last weekend, we wrapped up the belfry project, thanks to the Andrew Butt and Robert Ciudad-Real construction crew. We added siding to the base of the belfry and drilled a hole through the ceiling to drop the bell rope through – worked perfectly. While we were at it, we added 15 feet of scaffolding to reach the existing flagpole and inserted a new halyard in the old pully. Now, we have a bell and a flag for the first time in 64 years!

Figure 1 - While waiting for Andrew, Shirley, Robert, Helen and I took a walk on the Bear Lakes Loop Trail

Figure 2Filling water bottles at Big Springs

Figure 3 - Andrew installing siding

Figure 4 - 45 feet of scaffolding

Figure 5 - Flag flying proudly on Labor Day

Figure 6 - Sierra City School Class of 2024

With construction over and scaffolding removed, we rested and recuperated on Labor Day, then Shirley and I took to the trails, walking to Smith lake on Tuesday and taking the Chapman Creek Trail on Wednesday.

Figure 7 - On the Smith Lake Trail

Figure 8 - Smith Lake

Figure 9 - Chapman Creek Trail

Figure 10 - The elusive Pine Drop (Pterospora andromedea)

Thursday was a short walk to Lower Salmon Lake, a beautiful place, but the lake bottom was pure mud.

Figure 11 - Lower Salmon Lake

Figure 12 - Lower Salmon lake

Figure 13 - The abandoned Lone Wolf Mine

Figure 14 - Old burned down gold miner's cabin

Friday, we took an unmarked trail along the east side of Gold lake, a delightful shady walk on a hot day – and took a swim.

Figure 15 - Gold Lake

Figure 16 - Libby, Arlo and Rosie