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 
