Have to say, never having had the opportunity to see the 'Old Rubicon Trail', I sense your pain, frustration and indignation. That said, this run remains on my bucket list... While you will, no doubt, find it far more crowded with us 'Noob, Light-Weights', that STILL looks like a little piece of Heaven carved out and plunked down on the planet. A few more years, a bunch more cash and a run out Route 66 will see me at the Trail head looking to add Rubicon Springs to my 'Been There' List... Great write up and tremendous photos! Thanks for sharing!