Swimming Hole known as "Hanging Spear." Pancho Doll featured this spot in his book.

After earning degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri, Pancho Doll began writing for several papers before landing at the Los Angeles Times. The job was interesting, but industry slumps, declining revenues and corporate mergers made Doll re-evaluate his profession. Longing to get back in touch with nature, he decided to take some time off to travel and explore his adoptive state of California. During a hiking trip, a friend took him to a swimming hole on the South Yuba River. Doll thought it would be great to have a swimming hole guide for his California tour. He looked around and there weren't any, so he decided to write one, defining a swimming hole as a secluded waterfall, remote two person tub or hidden pool.

He went into business for himself and turned out a guide for California and is currently writing others for different parts of the United States. He's self-published three books so far in his Day Trips With a Splash series and has traveled to more than 400 swimming holes. He had to study geology and mapping for the project and his tools include a GPS Receiver, camera, digital maps and laptop which cost $4,720 total.

Pancho Doll
Running Water Press
5694 Mission Center Rd. #170
San Diego, CA 92108
619-839-3973
www.running-water.com