Ruck-a-Chucky Trail Hike
	Trip Date:  04/28/2014 Distance: 9.5 Miles Vertical Gain: 1700' Group Size: 13 Hike Rating:  Easy   Moderate    Hard    Strenuous	GPX for this trip
	Western States trailhead marker at the start of our hike.
	The group anxious to get started on the trek.
	The first part is a pretty constant slope down toward the river.
	Some of the vast array of wildflowers we spotted all along the trek.
	An unexpectedly pleasant shady waterfall location at one bend of the trail.
	A perfect place by the river to stop for lunch.  Even found there was a fully-stocked composting toilet and building about 500 feet away, probably put in place for rafter and boating use.
	Mark taking some time after lunch to enjoy the Middle Fork of the American River.
	Looking down on the pleasant spot we found for lunch, just under the biggest trees along the shore near the top of the picture.
	Although we had a great lunch spot, the climb up the trail immediately afterward was a bit of a bear.
	Monarchs were out everywhere, and often we had to watch our step.  Did discover, however, that they are drawn in swarms to fresh horse droppings.  Ick.
	The Ruck-a-Chucky falls area of the river, which was the name of the spot at the end of our hike.  Had a great view of the water from an overlook spot on the trail.
	Only one geocache along the 9.5 miles we hiked today, but it was a good one.
	All that is left of the old Greenwood Bridge across the middle fork.
	With this being a car shuttle hike and one car at the destination, we were able to fit 13 hikers into the aforementioned truck!
	GPS Track of the full hike.