LAKE NATOMA LOOP 19X May 27, 2007

Apprised of cooler temperatures today, and some warming arising in the week to come, I left home experiencing a good, cool, morning breeze. So, I took the first train out to Folsom, CA. I knew most climbers would be out enjoying the high peaks this holiday weekend, but with no good partners and ops, my personal transport would stay about home.

The Folsom old town public restroom was closed on weekends, so I had to purchase a drink to use a facility. The outhouses on the bike trail would usually be open this time of year, but I wished to spend some slight cash, anyway.

The morning light was fully on the bluffs. I had on two light layers and long pants, hoping it would not get too hot, too fast. Lots of boaters on the lake, and plenty of cyclists speeding along. I topped the cone shaped hill, as usual, with some horse riders trotting along one of the trails below. I didn't look for any high, snowy peaks, as the air quality, thus visibility, starts to get bad this time of year.

Poppies adorned much of the trail, and I stopped for many photos. The grasses had dried, and the greenery was mostly now from the trees and brush.

I had wished to get a nice breakfast, but I had to hurry. It would be heating up, and with all the clothes that I started with, I knew I would start to get uncomfortable.

Others enjoyed the cooler morning, then I rounded the trail over the Hazel Avenue Bridge. I had to strip off my light parka, and knew it would be nicer in the trees, mostly then shading the southern shore of the lake. I stopped to snap pictures of the many wildflowers, with vetch, more poppies, milfoil, wild rose, sweet pea, and star thistle.

Beginning to see I wouldn't have to cut the hike short due to rising heat, I slowed a bit and timed my return to have some waiting, maybe to get a treat. I didn't need to gain more weight, though, so refrained from food for most of this day.

There is no mud or damp areas left on these trails, and although clouds of mosquitoes hovered about, none of them were that aggressive in the midday.

With 15 minutes to spare, I drank from the water faucet, then relaxed at the light rail station. Boarding the 2:30 p.m. run, I wanted to do more walking back in town, this day.

Doing a tick check and washing up, I drank some cold soda and then was out for another short walk. Nice to live in a convenient area.

I caught the news, and then sauntered out for dinner.

The lake loop is the usual 11 miles, then more evening walking added the distance to make this a day of 17 miles. My total number of images captured was 100.

I'd have walked the Parkway from home, but there was work being done due to the trestle fire, and I am not clued-in as to the current status of the bike trail detours.

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