While salmon fishing near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory on this day in 1896, George Carmack reportedly spots nuggets of gold in a creek bed. His lucky discovery sparks the last great gold rush in the American West.
Hoping to cash in on reported gold strikes in Alaska, Carmack had traveled there from California in 1881. After running into a dead end, he headed north into the isolated Yukon Territory, just across the Canadian border. In 1896, another prospector, Robert Henderson, told Carmack of finding gold in a tributary of the Klondike River. Carmack headed to the region with two Native American companions, known as Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie. On August 16, while camping near Rabbit Creek, Carmack reportedly spotted a nugget of gold jutting out from the creek bank. His two companions later agreed that Skookum Jim–Carmack’s brother-in-law–actually made the discovery.
Regardless of who spotted the gold first, the three men soon found that the rock near the creek bed was thick with gold deposits. They staked their claim the following day. News of the gold strike spread fast across Canada and the United States, and over the next two years, as many as 50,000 would-be miners arrived in the region. Rabbit Creek was renamed Bonanza, and even more gold was discovered in another Klondike tributary, dubbed Eldorado.
“Klondike Fever” reached its height in the United States in mid-July 1897 when two steamships arrived from the Yukon in San Francisco and Seattle, bringing a total of more than two tons of gold. Thousands of eager young men bought elaborate “Yukon outfits” (kits assembled by clever marketers containing food, clothing, tools and other necessary equipment) and set out on their way north. Few of these would find what they were looking for, as most of the land in the region had already been claimed. One of the unsuccessful gold-seekers was 21-year-old Jack London, whose short stories based on his Klondike experience became his first book, The Son of the Wolf (1900).
For his part, Carmack became rich off his discovery, leaving the Yukon with $1 million worth of gold. Many individual gold miners in the Klondike eventually sold their stakes to mining companies, who had the resources and machinery to access more gold. Large-scale gold mining in the Yukon Territory didn’t end until 1966, and by that time the region had yielded some $250 million in gold. Today, some 200 small gold mines still operate in the region.
Some folks think that running the Coloma Shuttle is a little GOLD RUSH all of it’s own. But did you know that the shuttle is grant funded? Without the grant funds & membership fees we would be just another story of the past. So thank you again and again for keeping us rolling or should I say floating?
Some of the most common comments we get from our riders is how easy it is to book their seat online at https://colomashuttle.com/reservations/
How they love being able to check out the up to the moment route info which by the way is available check out up to 30 days in advance at https://colomashuttle.com/weekly-update/
They say the ease of leaving your car in Coloma and getting a ride to Chili Bar in the morning is great or parking at Skunk and getting a ride to their favorite Coloma put in site. No need for them to get off the river and do their own shuttle shuffle as the car is waiting at the takeout for them. With the price of gas these days the wear and tear on your car doing double shuttles etc. You can save yourself some money and stress by relying on us to get to your destination.
So if you have not tried out the shuttle before what is stopping you now? Come check us out. Ask Khrys your driver for a punch card after 10 paid rides you get one free. I do need to tell you that the punch cards expire on 12/31/2015. But don’t fret you still have plenty of time to get that card filled up.
Thanks for your continued support of this program. Like I have said a million times “We couldn’t do it without you!”
The Coloma Shuttle Crew
Check out Dreamflows Chili Bar Release Schedule. http://www.dreamflows.com/Pages/ChiliBarSchedule.php
Please note the changes in September, October and November.
The Coloma Shuttle will also be adjusting our shuttles to the changes
The Times They Are a-Changin’ is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on January 13, 1964 by Columbia Records.
Produced by Tom Wilson, it is the singer-songwriter’s first collection to feature only original compositions. The album consists mostly of stark, sparsely arranged ballads concerning issues such as racism, poverty, and social change. The title track is one of Dylan’s most famous; many feel that it captures the spirit of social and political upheaval that characterized the 1960s.
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’
So what does this song have to do with the Shuttle.
If you have not noticed yet we dropped the 4:30 & 6:00 Skunk Hollow runs on the weekends due to low ridership numbers on both runs and now are offering a 5:00pm.
Never fear if someone needs a special late night run we do have the option to add a 6:30pm Skunk run. Please note to have a 6:30 run we need a minimum of 4 paid riders to put it on the road. And must be booked in advance by contacting our office at 530-303-2404 or via email at colomashuttle@gmail.com
Well folks you ask and we are working on getting some changes to our reservation system. Soon you will be able to book your seat on available shuttles up to 1 hour before the departure time.
For example you want to do the 10:00 Chili Bar run, well you can jump online and book your seat up till 9:00am on the same day just go to our reservation page online to book your seat at
https://colomashuttle.com/reservations/
And if you are wondering what might be available for you, check out our up to date by the moment weekly updates at
https://colomashuttle.com/weekly-update/
Last thing to mention
We are selling out on some of our shuttles on the weekend so book your seat early so you don’t miss the bus gus. Come Thursday or Friday you might not get the ride you want.
Thanks to all of you our loyal riders and to the newbies too without you we wouldn’t be here.
So THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!!
The Coloma Shuttle Crew
Free Private (14 passenger) Shuttle or 10 Free Individual Shuttles for 2016.
Do you have what it takes to design a shuttle trailer? If we chose your design you will win our 2016 Coloma Shuttle Trailer Design Giveaway Contest.
The Coloma Shuttle has received approval to purchase a new trailer for our shuttle program and our goals are to have a custom shuttle made that #1 holds all of your boats and gear effectively without damage and #2 to make this trailer rig as light weight as possible. Our current trailer is doing the job although the weight is a constant issue with vehicle maintenance and fuel (which is something we and our program aspire to reduce).
The Coloma Shuttle is also looking into expanding our recreational users and has ideas of turning our current trailer into a shuttle for bikers using the American River Trail. We would like for this trailer to be a multi-use trailer that can easily convert back to a “boater’s trailer” when we are in need of 2 shuttles during the boating season.
Most of you have taken our shuttle before so you already know what you have to work with in terms of the current design and structure for the conversion to carrying bikes. If you haven’t already seen the shuttle trailer there is a picture of it on our home page @ https://colomashuttle.com/ Please note that the grand prize is not for helping us with suggestions of conversion of this trailer, but for designing our new trailer.
Things to keep in mind while you are putting pencil to paper for the new trailer.
1. We are looking for a trailer design that can transport as many
kayaks as possible (we are able to carry 12 now with the trailer we currently are using), each with their own support/rack/bin system so that they can be easily loaded and unloaded.
2. The transport system has to be a secure and safe method to avoid
any possible damage to the boats.
3. We are looking for an area to rig rafts with a roller system for
easy loading and unloading. We are now able to take up to 3 rafts (1 inflated and 2 deflated on the top of our trailer.)
4. Don’t forget about the oar racks, paddles, ice chests and all the
other gear that comes along for the ride.
5. In addition to the boaters needs, we would somehow like to add bike
racks to this trailer. Maybe on the front and back of the trailer?
6. The construction needs to be of light weight metal, easy to repair
and durable to last us many years.
So put on your thinking caps, email me your ideas, drafts and or pictures ASAP so that we can get approval to have the trailer made before the end of the winter.
Since we are going to be spending so much time together this summer, we thought some introductions would be appropriate at this time.
There have been a few changes in our staff this year.
Rod your old shuttle driver has gone back to flying and fighting fires for the summer and Liz is taking the summer off to… well do what people like to do in the summer, relax and enjoy some much needed down time. They both brought so much to the program over the years. Liz’s behind the scene attention to details and dedication made the program what it is today and Rod’s personality on the road made for a perfect combination for a successful shuttle program. It’s no wonder they are happily married.
There is no need to worry about any drastic changes to our program though. Everything is running the same. The wheels are still rotating in a forward motion on the van and as far as the behind the scene changes, we have been working diligently to update our webpage to provide more information for you and to make your shuttle and boating experience one without complications (with the exception of what happens on the water, that is all you.)
THE DRIVER- ” THE MAN IN THE VAN” – Khrys Melgar
Originally from the Jersey Shore, an Aquarius and raised by two loving parents from Peru and Colombia, Khrys spent most of his youth discovering the natural world which instilled in him the importance of protecting wildlife and conserving healthy ecosystems. He graduated from Stockton University with a B.A in Environmental Studies and began his career in outdoor education and recreation in Redwood National and State Parks, Calif.
Since then, he has been blessed with wonderful friends and great opportunities that have encouraged him to continue in his pursuit of happiness. He has worked in many parts of our public lands and traveled from coast to coast including Hawaii, Alaska and Baja California. His favorite past times are exploring the mountains, deserts and coastlines seeking wildlife and natural treasures. You can find him hiking, biking, snorkeling, paddle boarding and planning the next hot springs trip to the Eastern Sierra.
THE COORDINATOR – Cathy Peters
Cathy is our new coordinator for the season. She is a local girl who use to work as a guide on The American River. She has just recently returned to work and live in El Dorado County after spending a few years traveling, working and living in our National Parks. When she is not answering your phone calls and emails, she is working as a park ranger up the hill. On her time off she enjoys hiking, SUPing, geocaching and hanging out with her dogs, family and friends. She is excited to have been asked to work with The Coloma Shuttle this year and feels that our program’s cause and goals for environmental protection are outstanding, Additionally, our contributions to “making a difference” in this world while providing a low cost service to the boaters of our community is a double bonus.
THE GENERAL MANAGER – Howard Penn
Howard is our General Manager of the shuttle program and the President of American River Recreation Association – the non-profit that operates the program. He has been a long time kayaker, rafter, and mountaineer commercially guiding rivers and mountains around the world on five continents. In his other world, he has founded several start-up companies in the technology, hospitality and financials sectors. Look for him out on the river usually day-dreaming and watching the wildlife – including boaters.
The Coloma Shuttle Crew wants to thank you for your continued support of our program and wish you all a great season on the river.
Don’t be afraid to speak up and take action.
With the early spring like conditions and increase of boaters and swimmers on the river this year, I thought it would be a good idea to remind everyone to be on the lookout for those that may be in distress due to the cold water and air temperatures, this may even include yourselves at some point.
This type of distress is called Hypothermia and can have very negative consequences if not treated rapidly.
The human body needs to maintain a regular temperature of 98.6 degrees F in order for all of its organs to function at their optimal performance.
If the body temperature drops below 98.6 degrees, the body will attempt to warm itself and this is known as the early stages of Hypothermia.
Early stages of Hypothermia are indicated when the person begins to jump up and down, shaking their arms and hands about or blowing warm air on their hands (trying to keep warm) and when they begin to shiver. If these warming attempts are not successful the body can rapidly advance to the next stages of hypothermia which are generally indicated by cold, pale or blue skin and mental disorientation (confusion or erratic behavior).
There are also advanced signs to Hypothermia but we do not want to bore you with too much medical talk. If you are interested in more information there are some very informative web pages or you can contact your local fire department, they would love to educate you and know that there are people out there willing to help. And for those that want to take these lifesaving safety tips even further I recommend taking a Swift Water Rescue course and Wilderness First Aid/ CPR.
If you witness anyone (especially young children, the elderly or those that have been partaking in cocktails while enjoying the river) in the early stages of hypothermia, don’t be afraid to send them a friendly reminder of the importance of staying warm (they may ignore you, but you did the right thing). If you witness anyone in the later stages of Hypothermia call 911 immediately or send someone to call, remove them from the water, and remove wet clothing and attempt to warm them in direct sunlight, with towels or blankets (no rubbing or shaking). Do not give them anything to drink and do not try to make them walk around, be very careful with the force in which you handle them as they are at risk for cardiac complications at this stage of hypothermia.
The colder the water, the faster the body cools…
Let’s all continue to do our part to, help others and keep our waterways safe and fun for everyone.
Cathy
Wow can you believe it? This season is just around the corner, and we are excited to be back in service as of Saturday, April 4th, 2015.
We are working hard right now updating our reservation pages. So please be patient with us. Currently you can contact us via phone or email about the shuttle on the weekends thru May 17th. And if you looking for a shuttle as of Memorial Day weekend those dates are already up online on our reservation page thru May.
I wanted to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you the last 2 years, running the shuttle service has been great. I have met a lot of new folks and reconnected with some old boater friends. This year I am taking time off, doesn’t mean you won’t see me floating around somewhere. I just won’t be answering the phones or emails.
Our new office staff person is Cathy. Much like myself Cathy started rafting here on the South Fork back in the 80’s. So she is very familiar with the rafting industry and will be able to assist your shuttle needs. Please be kind to her like you were to me.
Rod is returning to his normal profession of flying on fires. He will be missed, his humor and happy go lucky personality really made the rides fun and exciting. He said being able to take a summer off from flying and getting back to the river was what he needed to reboot his spirit. And he also wanted me to express his gratitude to all of you.
But never fear Khrys our driver from the latter part of 2013 will be back this summer and he is ready to go.
I am looking forward to a much-needed break and time off. Once again THANK YOU for your continued support of the shuttle program here in our little valley.
Go with the Flow…
Liz
To see what shuttles we have up & ready to go visit https://colomashuttle.com/weekly-update/
To book a reservation for April or May please contact us at 530-303-2404 or colomashuttle@gmail.com
(Reservations for June – September will be online shortly)
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Have you ever wondered where the term “Extra Extra- Read all about it” came from? Well I am here to give you that information.
During the nineteenth century, there were fewer newspaper subscribers due to the scarcity of roads and the inadequate vehicles. People bought papers from men and boys standing on city corners. When an event occured that was of great interest to readers; an extra edition was, at times, necessary. The timing of printing the normal edition required a day to gather facts and write articles. An Extra edition meant something had occured and new news is valuable news. The “paper-boys” having sold their stock of everyday newspapers could sell an Extra edition and make more money. The term “Extra, Extra read all about it!” was their way of enticing readers to spend another nickle for the edition. The phrase was popularized in movies of the fifties to add drama to a story line.
So why is this of importance to you? Well I like to think that you have bounced around our little website here and found our weekly updates. A place where you can go for up to date info on what is scheduled out for the next week. You can find it under our Schedule tab or click here.
Here is some more feedback on our shuttle program from riders like you.
On Jul 7, 2014, at 10:47 AM, Bill G: Thanks again for an excellent service Liz. It’s much appreciated and enjoyed. It saves gas, cars on the road and sets a good precedent. Way to lead the way!
Bill
Hey there all you fence sitters.
I always feel bad when you call to get on a shuttle last minute and it is sold out. So this is just a reminder that the shuttles are selling out. The 8:00 Chili Bar for the last 2 weekends has sold out by Thursday night and the other shuttles are also selling out.
So don’t hang out on the fence if you are looking for a ride. Jump on line and book your seats early.
I also want to take this time to say THANK YOU to all of you for making this season a huge success. You all ROCK!
Liz
Here are some more comments from our riders. If you haven’t tried the shuttle yet you should.
Thanks for the great customer service Liz! You are terrific.
I had a great day on the river. Thanks for making it possible.
Pam
