INTERSTATE 80 FOOTHILLS DRIVE June 13, 2010

Resolved to escape some two days of afternoon heat, and to make use of a discount lodging coupon, not to speak of climbing some easy peaks, I got up late but managed to leave home by Noon. I headed eastbound on Interstate 80. This Sunday, the traffic was headed home, which for most, here, is westbound.

I started to have second thoughts on doing this, so when I got to Colfax, CA, I exited the freeway. Aborting, then, the trip, I had hastily made then stopped my commitments. So, I had to figure what to do to make use of the drive, so far.

Walking about the old part of Colfax, I snapped a few pictures. There are some historic sights, and the old businesses. Not taking too long, I knew it would be too hot for the nearby Stevens Trail. I hardly ever plan a trip so hastily, so figured this was a success on saving me some money.

Headed back home, I took the Foresthill/Auburn Ravine Road Exit to park on a wide shoulder just north of the Foresthill Bridge. Normally, I'll walk this high span in winter just to get out of the fog. But, it was only a mile or so round trip over the bridge, and that'd give me some of my daily exercise. I walked onto the bridge sidewalk and started snapping panorama sequences. The air wasn't too smoggy or hazy, so I think they'd turn out O.K. Other people were viewing the sights. They moved the suicide hot line call box to the middle of the bridge, right about over the North Fork of the American River.

Then, I sought to check out the lower hiking trail along the North Fork. Taking CA 49 south, I motored down into the canyon and headed for the confluence of the North and Middle Forks. I couldn't find good parking. There must have been a hundred cars parked along the old highway. It wasn't too bad as far as the heat, with a breeze of sorts. I had planned to hike about a mile up the Lake Clementine trail, hoping for some good wildflower photography, but now that was out.

Seeing some new sights back in downtown Auburn, I motored back up the hill and parked along High Street. They have done some work building a new, small mall of sorts, and the movie theater was newly refurbished. Parking was free, so I took a short stroll, snapping pictures. I'd get some more walking exercise, as it was too hot back in town.

I shortly took off, and motored back west, and home. I have had failures before, but never so much for easy hiking goals. I had no need of shopping so soon at my favorite enviro clothing store, and I have seen what's new in Reno, NV, as far as I'm concerned, last weekend. The Northern Sierra still has lots of snow, and the trails might all be buried too heavily for my hiking.

I walked maybe 2 miles with negligible gain, and captured 173 images. My drive was a bit over 100 miles. I spent only for a dollar drink, and the gas.

Wearing just my T-shirt and shorts, I had some interest in seeing my usual test for my car. I expect to make one longer road trip this summer, although last year, I just went to Utah in the fall.

The Internet doesn't serve me as well, anymore, the news is mostly bad and the message boards unproductive. I don't waste my time securing a game partner, by my website, and I will never lead climbs for any group, anymore, it seems. I seek to enjoy staying in town, having done so many peaks and travels, although that does get old. Despite what I pay to have a car, it does seem worth it for the convenience and slight traveling that I do now.

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