LAKE NATOMA LOOP 10X March 30, 2006

This Thursday, being forecast to be the best day of the midweek, I looked out my window, and saw white sky. Good thing I didn't leave for a faraway hike this week! While I can make do with hiking in poor weather, the photography needs good light. My preference is sun with dramatic clouds, as happens often in the mountains.

Feeling due to do some light hiking, I boarded light rail to wonder about this day. I could always change my mind. I wasn't feeling really well, as I need sunshine to help my moods, and halfway figured on just taking the train back home. But, the fresh air and outdoors have a way to work magic on my senses.

Starting my hike at 10:53 a.m., I was able to use the facility at Historic Folsom, and scurry along, doing my usual loop. I am fortunate to have this local hike, with such a rainy month, and having done so many walks to keep up my spirits.

Dark clouds began to loom upwards, and there was only a hole of blue sky, at most, today. The photography gets to be challenging, and I was able to capture many images.

The geese were numerous, and I snapped several photos of a geese family, with cute little goslings. These animals must be used to human presence, and it is great that they are not disturbed. You do have to watch for green geese scat, and there were horse droppings directly on the pavement at one point.

I nodded to a few cyclists getting their rides in today, and kept to the shoulder. I was startled by some fast bikers as I photographed a cluster of curious ducks. They gave an audible warning to their passing, and I may have blurred a shot. The friendly birds make for cute movie clips, so I took a few.

The rain was holding off as I passed over the Hazel Avenue Bridge. I could walk out of the weather at a light rail station nearby. But I resolved to complete my loop, and walked briskly on. With not as many users, I stuck to the sandy side trail, which had some muddy and wet spots. But I easily stepped about them, and usually don't get my boots dirty or muddy, at all, on these walks.

Keeping better times between points, I passed the familiar features, and shortly came back to Historic Folsom at 2:45 p.m. Getting a sport drink at the bakery, I sipped it quickly, and readied myself for the ride home.

The rain fell lightly once back into town, and I did another mile, getting things done. This has been one of the rainiest months for March.

So, then, my walking totaled over 12 miles, today, and I shot 84 images and movie clips. The drink cost about $2 with a tip, and I had felt better once I had hit the trail.

On the cone shaped hill, I sighted a wild turkey. I see plenty of rabbits and squirrels, and never note them for much. I don't look for herons, and have never recalled seeing any. A few kayakers played about, and you can count on runners getting their miles in, too.

Wearing four light layers, today, I had light bottoms under my jeans. My low cut shoes did fine, too. I should have brought an umbrella, but they did say it was to be a good day.

I surmise to stay about town with the still rainy forecasts, although I would be glad to do a desert trip. It's just a long drive down there, and plain camping does not make much fun, for me. I am developing plans should the weather improve, statewide, as so many beautiful places deserve my support for keeping them so.

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