LAKE NATOMA LOOP 2X February 7, 2006

Seeking to do another good hike with this spell of fine weather, I figured that I'd better use the fabulous new op to ride the light rail transportation to about Folsom, CA. I've been hiking here for decades, but the fairly recent addition to the County trails, with the new bike trail running along the southeastern shores of Lake Natoma, prompted me to do this, so soon, again.

I had to decline doing a medium road trip to the Pacific Northwest. The forecast for up north showed plenty of rare days of sunshine, and I wished to hike several coast range peaks or highpoints, and walk about Portland, OR, more. The Oregon State Parks person informed me that they did not know how much snow there was, about peaks at 3,000 foot elevation. There had been some snow, weeks ago, but no one knew how much, now. Figuring it was better to wait till warmer weather, anyway, I put a rain check on this one.

Riding the RT Metro from downtown, Tuesday, after the noon news, I came to Historic Folsom by 1:51 p.m. I checked the old powerhouse, and soon crossed over the old truss bridge. There were a few cyclists, and I walked quickly along the lake. The left shoulder was better going this way, and they had cleared some of the dirt spilling onto the pavement.

A kayaker paddled serenely along, and I watched my hiking times. Two geese stood along the pavement, and I got a nice close-up of one. Pretty tame for an urban area.

By 4 p.m., I had crossed over the river at Hazel Avenue, and a large group of runners trotted by. Some school or college class. They all seemed to be suffering, with the strain of jogging uphill. I'd have to put the total gain for this loop hike as about 200 feet, as I see a few cyclists grunting as they get off their bikes to walk them up slight grades. Nothing compared to riding or hiking even a small peak, though!

In a half hour, I came to the vicinity of one of the train stations. Too early to stop, I continued on, wishing to see how I did, doing this entire loop on a winter afternoon. I read 11 miles as the total hike circling the lake, sticking closely to the paved trails and roads. Often taking the sandy side trails, I enjoyed the slight challenge of making a good time, and a bit of stress with a train to catch.

Not too much longer, I came to the new bridge, and took the paved trail right and upward to the light rail station where I had started this hike. The train was there, waiting. I got my ticket and hopped aboard. I had three minutes to spare.

So, I kept up about a 3 mph pace, with only about 45 photos, and my total, round trip, hiking time, then, was three hours and thirty seven minutes.

Declining any drink or food, I spent only for the ride, $1.75 each way. I wore only a stretch vest and LW crew, with a parka at times. Pants were fine. My boots did begin to hurt a bit, and I began to develop hot spots.

The highs were to be about the mid-60's, and it was nice in the sun. My thought now is to hike the circle twice, which would give me some 22 miles. I recalled biking from downtown out to Folsom, to meet an enviro club bike trip, ride around Folsom Lake (about 39 miles, back then), and ride back into town. That'd be about an 80 mile ride. Did I like long bike rides, then!

I never joined any bike club, or did much cycling with anyone but myself, or with mainly one-time associates seeking a challenge. Few seek out more extreme exercise ops, and I see how unpopular my climbing trips were, despite the fun I had. But a loop about Lake Natoma is something of a challenge for beginner cyclists, as well as hikers. I am getting into my older years, so this makes a venue for some inexpensive exercise, in beautiful nature, however much others make it out to be. I think this is best done solo, for me, using the cleaner transportation op, on a short winter afternoon!

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