LAKE NATOMA LOOP 12X April 13, 2006

Today was a good break in the almost continuous rain we've had, locally. I didn't feel very up to hiking this loop, but it would still rain some of the next few days. So, as we sometimes say, it's now or never (or for awhile).

Riding the light rail out to Historic Folsom, I started my 12X loop hike at about my usual time, 1:53 p.m. The water was lower at the river, and the rapids had diminished. The sun was shining, and the sky was clear blue. Quite a change from recently!

They had cleared the fallen rocks from the bike trail, and the goslings were gone. No friendly ducks, either. I tried weakly for some great close-up shots of the many wildflowers, not wanting to spend too much time. Only a few of these turned out well. The bloom is starting to peak, and soon the heat of late spring and summer will dry up the grasses and flowers.

Starting with three layers, I stripped down to my crew. I had a feeling not to do this hike, but I had spent my money on the ride out here, and so many people were using the trail! Going back into town meant eating, which I don't need. I keep slight track of the newer flowers, with bluebells, and monkey flowers. There looked to be some orange ones, like desert mallow, but I'll have to check on those.

Seeing a distant snowy peak to the north, from the top of the cone shaped hill, I enjoyed doing this again. That was not Lassen Peak, but the air was so clear. I was slower today, but I started to feel better. I shouldn't rush so much.

They were still releasing lots of water from Nimbus Dam, and the river is said to soon be receding. Good weather is predicted, and it will then be a real spring!

Rounding the development about Hazel Avenue, I soon was on sandy side trail. I could follow this most of the way, except for about a fallen tree some 20 minutes south of the new bridge. More poppies presented themselves, and I stopped to get more pictures. My total loop hike time was just under four hours, and I sipped water from the fountain at the station. No time for a soda!

One of these days, I'll have to dine somewhere, here. So many nice looking restaurants in the historic section!

I did another 11 miles, then, with 83 images captured. I spent only for the tickets, $3.50.

Many clouds of tiny flying bugs hovered at some spots, but they didn't attack. The dirt shoulder was dry on the north side of the loop, and there were still some mud and puddles on the sandy side trail, along the south side. Overall, I'd say conditions were good. The trail will get drier, but then the temperatures will be rising. It'll soon be shorts and T-shirt weather, if not already.

I see gas running some 2.699 locally, so the light rail is an even greater deal. Summer is now said to have $3 a gallon prices, coming. I'm saving up my money to maintain my ambitious, faraway, peak climbing over the prime hiking season, so instead of repeating so many local peak climbs, I'm staying closer to home. No partners to fritter away my cash through my generosity--so be it!

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