LAKE NATOMA LOOP 6X PLUS March 4, 2006

One of the reasons I've been hiking the Lake Natoma Loop so many times this year is that the normal route I take to the Parkway is often flooded. This weekend morning, I sought to do a 15-19 mile walk, but starting at the Sacramento Riverwalk, I took the bike trail north to Discovery Park. I snapped some usual photos at Old Sac, with the riverboat.

The river had risen, and the trail was flooded at about a few hundred yards past the 0 mile mark. I'd walked this section about a week ago, but with more rains expected, I'd presume they are releasing more water out of the reservoirs.

Returning to Downtown, I took the light rail train out to Historic Folsom, again. I really must like hiking, as I cannot pass any opportunity to do some! This day offered a break in the weather. Rain is forecast for this night, and the next few days. I have to exercise as I can!

To the historic streets by Noon, I expected to do this lighter hike, for me, and easily burn off some calories. My wish was really to hike some 15-19 miles along the lower Parkway, as I often did, but for the extra water this year. I don't post such usual Parkway walks, as they are not peaks, or mountain hikes. There'd be dozens more website posts, a year, if I did that. Boring!

The sky was white, and the light diffuse, not too bad for photography. I enjoyed the cooler temperatures, and nodded, or raised a hand in friendly greeting to the many users today. I stuck to the dirt shoulder, although in places it was muddy. A couple hikers stepped right into the mud, but most do not. I walk onto pavement when there is no shoulder, or when it is too muddy. I look to see if any cyclists or joggers are passing by, and not get in anybody's way.

This day was one of the more pleasant. Friendly users everywhere. I felt rested from the previous days of rain, and needed to do some miles. My walking runs to about 500 to 1000 miles, total for the year, along the Parkway. Better than to stay home, go shopping, or go to a movie, for me.

Making good time, I have it figured that it takes me two hours to the Hazel Avenue Bridge, then 100 minutes back to Historic Folsom. This is a step to a lesser feat, since I'd walk further when the bike trail isn't flooded. But it's all enjoyment. Like counting peaks, I count miles on the Parkway, and sometimes, I do more than I really would like to!

Past the Aquatic Center, I took the sandy side trails, mostly damp, but not really muddy. You do have to step about some small puddles. I love the green grass and oak trees, and the coves, and bridges over the lake arms. I look at the time, hoping to relax, sipping a drink, and giving Folsom town some of my business.

Today, I came back to Historic Folsom right as the train waited. I would drink up at home. Boarding, the train moved out in seconds. It was 3:31 p.m. My hike time was better, about 3.5 hours, around the lake. I didn't stop for any side hikes. I stayed warm in a constant two layers under my parka. Hiking pants were fine.

My total day gave me 16 miles. I only spent for the train round trip, $3.50. I snapped 27 images, none that great. Despite living expenses, you can save a bit hiking about Sacramento County. The American River Parkway is such a great resource!

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