LAKE NATOMA LOOP 26X March 15, 2010

Waking up at an early hour this Monday, I went to get some breakfast, and to decide what to do today. I felt good enough to track the ongoing wildflower bloom, and to see how things were proceeding as far as the major construction projects in the areas that I like to hike.

Riding light rail to get to the Historic Folsom station at 8:55 a.m., I saw work was nearly finished on revamping Sutter Street, the old Folsom. I noted the St. Pat's day celebrations signed at one eatery, me hoping to get some corned beef and cabbage. Businesses looked inactive, and I soon walked to the bike trail. Poppies were blooming even more, although at this hour of the day, the petals had not opened so fully.

The morning light was direct on the bluffs. There were clouds of mosquitoes, about here, though mostly non-aggressive. I began to capture a whole sequence of photos. Having more time to relax, think, and see, I saw more photos to take. Having to strip off some layers, I hoped that I wouldn't get too warm with the afternoon temperatures. Not too many users were on the bike trail.

Topping my usual bump, I do like the cobbles left from the dredge tailings. More tiny flowers appeared, and I knew that spring has arrived. Millions of miniature white flowers lined parts of the trail, overall about the hike.

The building of the new bridges at Hazel Avenue seemed to be going well. I crossed the street, and will like the lower bridge if it is to serve walkers and cyclists.

The muddy puddles were drying up, and soon the side trails will be completely dry. I kept snapping photos, and many of my images are stitched together in a way that I could never do before.

Savoring the thought of a good meal once back to Sutter Street, I did my hike finish, at 1:15 p.m., to the light rail station, and meandered over to inquire about the corned beef special. It was to be for Wednesday, so I ordered a burger, which was O.K.

I have now sampled most of the eateries about my loop hike start and finish, and find them all passable. Hopefully, with the economic rejuvenation, competition and increased business will help everything, here.

I caught the 2:30 p.m. run back into town, and debarked to get a fruit smoothie to stuff me even more.

With my walks for meals, I had done 13.5 miles. I captured 182 images. Spending almost $50 total to enjoy my day, with some groceries, I should not need to snack during the rest of the day.

With still no partners, I have little idea of how I'll spend the next several days of great weather. It is forecast to be in the 70's, locally, as far as highs. I imagine that the ski mountaineering will be shaping up well, with this being the best year, as far as the average snowpack, since about 2005. I'll have to pick a good day to do it, and maybe I'll be skiing another peak, as so many of us did so well, back in the good days of the sport, locally!

BACK TO PETE'S THOUSAND PEAKS HOME PAGE