LAKE NATOMA LOOP 4X February 22, 2006

With this long spell of dry weather in February, I deemed it wasted if I did not go for a few hikes. So, it was off again to Lake Natoma, by the light rail.

Debarking at Historic Folsom, I started my hike at about 1:52 p.m. I walked down the main street, and noted preparations for an Irish Spring, with green shamrocks displayed on the street poles. A few people were about, but most work in the midweek, I presume.

Crossing the old truss bridge, I was onto the bike trail, and then enjoying the late afternoon sun across the river. Many birds roosted on the river rocks, and several cyclists passed by. The tall bluffs are in shadow, with warnings of loose rocks. Long ago, some people tried to use the mostly dirt cliffs for climbing adventures, but this rock isn't very good for climbing. Signs will deter the ignorant from attempting any vertical foolishness.

I saw the tame geese, again, near the makeshift memorial. A helicopter crash had caused the loss of life for aerial patrol officers. Flowers were left here.

I used the bike trail underpass to avoid the street traffic on Hazel Avenue, and passed the Aquatic Center. Past the trail bridge with the redwood, hikers can mostly take the side hiking trail, which is sandy and fine, instead of bike trail pavement. Only the last stretch before the new bridge is still muddy.

I had seen a fisherman using the train to do some angling along the river. Many cyclists use the train, too, to enjoy this natural and peaceful section of Parkway.

Not needing any drink, I arrived back to the train station with five minutes to spare. I got my ticket, and enjoyed a nicer ride home. The sun had set, and magic hour greeted my return to downtown.

This was another 11 miles, done in an easy 3:40. I seem to have breathed in a bug, as there were clouds of them at one spot.

Using basically one or two layers under my wind parka, I was fine in hiking pants. My daypack kept my headwrap in case my cap wasn't warm enough.

I did clean my boots, this morning, since dogs still are allowed to "use" the sidewalk, and no one cleans up after them. I saw where someone had stepped in doo, and continued walking, with fecal and germ-spreading footprints, thusly made, on the sidewalk. I brushed my boot soles thoroughly with antibacterial soap, and then poured boiling water to rinse them off. Even though I had not stepped in anything that I could see, I tend to maybe extreme sanitation when it comes to my hiking, sometimes.

These accounts of my walks about Lake Natoma will be removed sometime, as they do take up better used webspace. I already had to clear up space for my newest hikes and climbs, deleting the 2002 Latest Peaks Adventures. I do this to keep up my web skills, and to manage a modicum of exercise. Interested hikers may find my little midweek hikes of some news. I hope to restart climbing mountain peaks, hopefully in the coast ranges, as I get the good weather, and better trail conditions.

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