Meet the Mother Lode Guides

Scott Scheu
Scott Scheu grew up...that's the wrong phrase...was raised right between the South and Middle Forks of the American River, loves it wholeheartedly as evidenced by the fact that after graduating from college and working office job for 4 days in the city, he ripped off his dockers and ran back to the hills where he has been guiding folks downriver full time for the last 4 years. Also an outdoor educator, he loves telling stories about the area, from its complex history hundreds and even thousands of years ago, to its outlandish happenings at the pub last week (some of the stories are even true!). Also, a unique aspect about Scott is that he will not use the words "gnarly" or "gnar-gnar" when describing the geological or hydrological systems along the river (though he may use those words to describe a few of his fellow river folk, if warranted). He hopes to see you on the river soon.

Suzie Jacques
Suzie has been commercially guiding for over five years and continues to spend most of her time around rivers. She recently graduated with a B.S. in environmental studies from the Evergreen State College in WA state, and is happy to share her knowledge of the river with others. She has guided all over the country, including rivers in the pacific northwest, the southeast and California, as well as in Costa Rica and, most recently, on the White Nile in Uganda. Suzie also loves to cook, and will impress you with her skillfulness in the kitchen in addition to her river expertise.

Katie Russell
Katie grew up locally in the foothills, and truly loves the American River canyons. Working on the river is a lifestyle more than a job, and every season brings a new adventure for her. In the past year or so whitewater kayaking has become a favorite pastime, thus Katie is always looking for new water to run. She is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where she majored in Environmental Studies and Literature. Her favorite food is onion rings, and she drinks coffee and beer with equal enthusiasm.

Lindsey Gulyas
Lindsey Gulyas is a shining star in a universe of melting humanity. Originally born in Truckee, Ca, Lindsey has called many locations home: Foresthill, Santa Cruz, and Truckee....ok just a few. He believes in strict hygiene of the ears, often cleaning them twice a day. Seasonally trading in his rubber raft for rubber raingear, Lindsey fishes the waters of Antarctica, catching perch and bird flu. He enjoys re-runs of Mork & Mindy and playing outdated versions of Trivial Pursuit. Lindsey's biggest accomplishment would be his 2nd place finish at the '93 Boy Scout pinewood derby. He's here to make your day.

Emily Underwood
While her mind and body may go roaming elsewhere, Emily Underwood's heart remains in Coloma, CA, and on the American River, where she spent her childhood rafting and learning how to guide from Scott (her Old Man of the River). Emily completed her B.A. in Science Studies at Brown University, and has spent two summers in Wyoming teaching art and leading backpacking trips in the Tetons. Currently, she works and plays in Santa Barbara as an English tutor, an adventure guide, an editor, and a freelance writer. Although she plans to travel and eventually return to grad school on the East Coast to study science journalism, Emily thinks Gary Synder may have had a point when he said, "The most radical thing you can do is to stay home." Writing for Mother Lode is a great way for Emily to keep in touch with her favorite place and people.