LAKE NATOMA EXPLORATORY March 14, 2007

The days were just too nice to stay home. I was finally caught up with my life after the Arizona road trip, and with most computer business. I had upgraded my OS the night before, and wished to give it a further test by doing webwork.

Walking about in the morning, I took light rail out to Historic Folsom. I was hungry, so had a pleasant and reasonable lunch at a place along the main street. The prices were like the old days!

Filled up, I had to do some hiking. I took the usual route and decided to do some exploration instead of power hiking the left shoulder of the bike trail. I walked along dirt trails closer to Lake Natoma, and saw many new things. I don't recall ever having done these particular footpaths before.

Poppies were starting to bloom, and I snapped many close-ups. I saw other flowers, and was using my older camera as to deplete the battery for long term storage. It soon registered as low on power, and I switched then to my newer camera. Geese were feeding at the State Park, and I avoided disturbing them. I snapped a few photos, and moved on. I took more side trails and then hiked up the cone shaped hill to gain vistas of the distant Sierra, and perhaps Lassen Peak.

More side trails led me closer to the lakeshore, and kayakers and rowers were enjoying the still waters. The gravel tailings made for a nice photo. Back to the paved bike trail, I spotted some newly leafing poison oak. It was shiny red, and I couldn't resist a few photos.

Geese and ducks floating about made for a serene scene, and I sauntered on over the Hazel Avenue Bridge. Not many anglers, today. Traffic was creeping along, and I stayed out of the way of the cyclists as best I could.

Watching the time, I figured that I couldn't make it back to complete my loop, since the last train runs at 7 p.m. It was about 5:30 p.m. when I was headed back around the lake to the Historic section, just too close to risk it.

After passing the Aquatic Center, I deemed there was enough time to get to another, closer, light rail station. I meandered through the pines and oaks, and saw a nice backlighted shot. Photo ops come in the late afternoon, and I am quick to take them. Getting past 6 p.m., I exited the bike trail and came to wait at the station. How slow cars may be along the busy streets, and yet commuters continue to do so. I do enjoy driving cars, but there's the environment. My use of the train saves me money, and halts pollution and traffic congestion, a bit.

I caught the train and enjoyed the evening light. The sunset was too plain as I debarked. Not worth it for too many photos.

I hiked about 8 miles, and shot over 200 images. I spent about ten dollars for lunch and the fare. I should do more of this, but it is getting old. I used a new pair of boots, and nothing else much is new. I was wondering if I should bother to post this, but the lovely photos that I viewed on getting to my computer made me opt to display them.

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