AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY TO HAZEL AVENUE March 22, 2010

Waking up at an early 4 a.m., I wondered what to do this Monday. Ahead for a few days is a stretch of good weather. Sticking to a lesser carbon footprint, I ventured out for a hearty breakfast. Low clouds made the dawn light gloomy, but I then headed out again, by 7:30 a.m.

My first inclination was to surpass my recent distance goal, by hiking all the way out to Folsom, but today, by the northwest shore of Lake Natoma. I walked by Old Sac, and a sort of light fog lay over the river. Going to the confluence, I began to shoot pictures of the scenes. Some geese fed on the park grasses, and I saw quite the numbers of wildlife today.

First feeling pretty energetic, I kept up a good pace for awhile. I shortly stripped out of some layers, and put the spare clothes into my day pack. I took a lot of photos as record, and looked forward to getting back home and posting this activity on my website.

Coming to Watt Avenue, the clouds lifted, and the sun came out. Blue sky appeared overhead. I started to need rests. I took a breather at the viewing structures at about the 13 mile mark, with ducks and geese floating on the river. Over the Richey Bridge, I took the dirt side trails closer to the waters. I took more rests, and contemplated the scene. The seagulls were gone, and then I sighted some wild turkeys, then a doe. I wished that I had my telephoto equivalent of a 200 mm lens.

I began to slow down, and wondered about going all the way to Folsom. My feet hurt, and I wanted food and drink. About the 18 mile mark, I took more side trails. The loamy sand was better for my feet. I did some panorama sequences, and savored the nice weather. I had only my T-shirt and long pants on now, and sitting idly, sipping drink and munching some tasty food, sounded good. I took more side trails, and viewed the blue river next to me.

Looking at the time, I shortly realized that I would cut it too close for a hike to Historic Folsom station. I got to Hazel Avenue. It was 5:30 p.m. I'd miss the last run home, at 7 p.m. So much for that. I thought to get drink and a burger, but it was only then a short way to the light rail station.

Missing the train, I waited for the next one. Getting aboard by 6:10 p.m., I did as much distance as a marathon runner. It is time to start enjoying a slower pace, for me, now. With the warm temperatures coming, I figure this will be the last of any cooler, winter weather hiking. I tend to wear warmer clothes, and thusly lose water. I already get too dehydrated doing this.

So, I did a total of about 27 miles, with my walk to get breakfast, today. I captured 197 images, and, on my hike, spent only $2.50 for the rail fare home.

I owe this achievement to my lighter boots, most likely, purchased by the Internet. For something bought before ever wearing, it did pretty well. I have some luck getting items by the Net. It all mostly works.

Supposing that I will try to enjoy the nice weather, better, I will be soon looking for some peaks to climb. It will be too warm in Arizona, but I viewed some recent, gorgeous photos of Zion National Park, in snow, the day before. I burned some significant calories today, and hope to get into better hiking shape!

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