In April of 1994, Barbara Barsalou Schoener, a well known
Placerville trail runner and mother of 2, was having a morning
exercise on one of her favorite trails when she was attacked by a
Mountain Lion. Unfortunately she didn't survive this attack and was
found by fellow runners 2 days later. The Lion was hunted and
disposed of. It was determined that the Lion likely had cubs
secreted close by. The cubs were found 3 days later emaciated and
hungry. One surviving cub is presently on exhibit at the Folsom
City Park Zoo. This incident raises many unanswered questions.
Friends, family, and loved ones erected "Barb's Bench" to stand as
a Memorial to this talented and special lady.
This is a traditional cache and is a point of historical
interest and scenic beauty as well. Go East on Highway 193 from the
town of Cool 5.2 miles and turn North on Pilgrim Ct. Go to gate #3
of Auburn Lake Trails and park outside the gate. This is the trail
head of the American Canyon Trail with coordinates of 38'54.807N,
120'55.626W. Proceed down the American Canyon trail 0.8 miles to
the Wendell T. Robie Trail and turn West. The trail is level here.
Follow this trail to the coordinates of the cache site. Overall
distance from Trail Head to the cache site is 1.8 miles. GPSr
readings will be sporadic because of over head tree coverage. The
cache site is clear with good readings. The cache site is a
Memorial which was first visited by myself and grandson Geochaser
several months ago. Because of local interest in this Memorial it
is an appropriate location for a cache to those who enjoy hiking in
the Sierra Foothills. The down and back trail hiking time is about
2 to 2 1/2 hrs. It would be good to take a camera along. Summer
months are rather warm so practice good trail safety and remember
to take water.
Read the Bronze Plaque and look up hill to the largest pine tree
you see. The cache is a military ammo can and is hidden behind this
tree at it's base.
Hope you enjoy the hike, cache, and natural beauty of this area.
Momentary meditation would be appropriate.