LAKE NATOMA LOOP 3X February 12, 2006

Saving up for another road trip to the Oregon Coast Range, as it seems unusually dry and sunny weather appears to be forecast there, I chose to save my transportation and cash to do this conveniently situated loop trip.

For only $3.50 in change, I get a nice enough, round trip, ride out to Folsom, CA, and the bike trail that encircles the reservoir. A good 11 mile loop, again, with some other trails to explore.

Leaving home and catching the light rail, I had a pleasant ride out to the end of the line. Starting my hike at noon, I took the sidewalk out over the old truss bridge, and hit the bike trail. With many users today, I was able to hike the left shoulder better, as the gravel and dirt was drier. Some trees were blooming nicely, and the hills were still green and nice.

About the 25.5 mile mark, indicated by some faint paint on the pavement, and near the access from Main Avenue, use trails head, from two directions, for the prominent hill on the side of the lake. This bump is highly noticeable from sections of the southeast shore of the lake, and spurs on my climbing interest. I had been shown the way by some friendly enough people, perhaps 30 years ago. I sought to check it out, again.

It is only roughly 100 yards to the bump, and a use trail up the gravel tailings gives a slight uphill. This bump is shaped like a volcanic cone, from some angles. There are glimpses of the snowy, distant, Sierra, and Lake Natoma below. Although with no fantastic vistas, this is a secret something to show people--a little off-bike trail adventure to suit the lesser enabled.

I descended by a steeper trail, nearly slipping and falling down the rubbly loose rocks, not recommended for beginners. Back to the bike trail, I came to Hazel Avenue, and took the paved trail back under the bridge, and then back to the entrance for the Aquatic Center.

Getting a drink at a fast food restaurant at one of the side access points, I went back to the bike trail to finish my loop. With twenty minutes to wait, I ambled over to a restaurant to get another soda, and read the menu for consideration. Not very hungry, I soon left to get back to the train stop, and was headed home by 4:31 p.m.

With my 11 mile walk, I snapped some 60 digital images, and spent a few dollars.

Basically, I needed only a T shirt. I had two additional layers for cooler times of the day. The faucets along the trail didn't all work, and so I developed a thirst for liquids. I used my new hat for the sun, and see it will get only warmer, on average, from here on, to summer.

Some bugs flew about, and I saw no ticks. I stayed away from the brush, though, as I took developed side trails to avoid the fast cyclists. There are curves and blind spots, with people not dismounting, as signed to do at one place, or slowing.

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