Swimming on a day off

	On the last page we did, we mentioned the disadvantage of living far away from a favorite restaurant. What we didn't mention that there are a lot of advantages as well, like if you want to go swimming in a real swimming hole on a hot summer day, there are a number very close by to choose from.
	On this day, our local girls Stephanie and her sister Sophie, brought me to Preston Falls on the Tuolumne River. Getting there was a bit of a drive. Once the car was parked, there was a bit of a hike. In fact, more than just a bit of a hike. If you want to know how out of shape you really are, try to keep up with a couple of teenagers on a steep rocky trail alongside a river. No, this picture is the one flat part. I was breathing too hard to take pictures on the steep part.
	After twenty minutes of strenuous hiking, we came upon this beautiful calm spot in the river. I was impressed, but not overwhelmed. It was nice, but was it worth the hike? The girls stopped to look for salamanders, I think they really stopped to let me catch my breath.
	After too short a stop, too short for me anyway - we were off again. Preston Falls the destination!
	When we arrived, what little breath I had left was taken away. An honest to goodness natural swimming hole in the Tuolumne River. It was wide, placid and at least thirty feet deep.
	Everywhere we turned the views were magnificent. It wasn't long before we were cooling off in the chilly waters.
	Upstream were the cascades, beyond that, Preston Falls. We didn't go that far today, but we'll be back!
	We only went back to shore to get the underwater camera to take some pictures in the middle of the river.
	The views from everywhere were amazing - these pics don't do it justice. Sorry.
	If there is a rock, Stephanie has to jump from it. She did and came up laughing.
	It looks as though I'm smiling too. I'm not, my face is frozen. The Tuolumne River is basically snow melt from the high Sierras. We did mention that the water was chilly - no?
	One last look back before we hike out. We'll definitely be back to this spot. Soon!