LAKE NATOMA LOOP 25X February 22, 2010

With sunny weather this Monday, after days of rain, I chose to repeat this usual hike. I would do some panorama stitching with my old and newer software.

I had called the ranger stations in Arizona to see about peaks down there, as some nice weather had been forecast for this week. They reported snow, so I would not do a short road trip. I needed to do some Arizona summits, and wanted to enjoy the area near Tucson, but it will have to wait.

Taking the light rail train to Historic Folsom again, I started my hike at about 11:50 a.m. The visitor center restroom was open, and the water faucets were running by the bike trail. I sought to do my usual photos, and I felt pretty good from a chocolate croissant and a free cup of coffee this morning.

I started to snap many of a series of tiled, stitched shots, first of the bluffs. I topped the usual bump by the 25.5 mile mark, and saw some tiny flowers. Bugs flew along the trail, but none of them bit me. Poison oak was leafing. I captured some panoramas, and continued along the paved trail. Perhaps some 50 users were seen by me.

Near Nimbus Dam, poppies appeared along the bike trail. These are the first that I've seen this season. They are doing some major construction work by Hazel Avenue Bridge, with another few lanes, and maybe another bike bridge. I had to cross the street, and then passed by the Aquatic Center.

More flowers appeared along with plenty of green grasses, and I heard some geese, yet. Taking the dirt side trails, they were fine with only a few muddy spots, and only some easily passed puddles, further along. A parking lot was also being redone, with new blacktop. Cyclists rang some bells to alert me to their passing by.

Savoring the nice weather, and to get some exercise after the days stuck inside, I would get home to work on my images. I did more photography, and then came closer to the end of the loop.

The train left as I got to the station, so I looked for drink and food. I paid for a cup of soda, and got a refill. No place nearby to get a quick sandwich. Meandering back to the station, the next train came by, and I had a nice ride home, with good security, now.

Doing then 11 miles, that took some 6.5 hours round trip from home. I captured 165 images, and spent my $5 fare, and about two dollars for iced drink and tip.

Nobody comes forward to share a ride, still, or to keep me company climbing or hiking, anymore. So, I keep my carbon footprint small, and save my money.

I had to deal with some new tech issues, and troubleshooting took a lot of time in the last few weeks. Apparently you can have your data corrupted, and thusly lose your photos forever. I make sure I have plenty of back-up, and I avoid such disasters.

BACK TO PETE'S THOUSAND PEAKS HOME PAGE