With the winter solstice behind us, we can look forward to longer daylight hours, but those come slowly at first. The best we can hope for in NorCal now are clear, fine days, the kind where we can get Out and About, take in a few rays, absorb some needed Vitamin D ... and maybe work off the load of calories and cholesterol and fats we've consumed this past week! I think Santa comes down the chimney bringing not only good cheer, but slabs of fat for hips and tummies!
You know we have options, trail-wise, and I suggested the Newtown Canal trail which I thought might be sunnier than our local Cascade Canal path. The temps have been quite chilly; today the high temp was forecast at 52°, jacket weather for sure! El Sol's rays would feel mighty good to both of us. Besides, we'd be fools not to take advantage of a fair day like this, 'cause rain will fall again soon (this wkend).
Winter's season isn't known for high color ... flowers are few and far between. It's all about contrast, the lights and darks, with berries thrown in for good measure, as above. Perennial Toyon produces bright red berries, and Manzanita's pale green leaves look fetching against its dark-purplish bark.
Stretching the legs felt good. We were caught off guard by the mucky, wet trail, thinking enough time had passed since the last soaking rain, but apparently not. We were able to dodge the worst of it.
The fast-moving water in this particular canal, though shallow, is perfectly clear (top). We didn't see any fish on this hike, but we spied a flock of Dark-eyed (Oregon) Juncos trailside (bottom left). Many conifers wore a thick Christmas-green blanket of moss (bottom right).
More Toyon, native to the Sierra foothills, amid the Oaks.
Yellow caution tape had been trampled to the earth, by others (Don't Fence Me In!), but the sign remained. When we looked at the sign's date, we shrugged and said, "We're good to go." Further on we encountered the work (above), and here the muddy trail had been really chewed up by a large yellow earth mover tractor.
Where the path splits -- go straight 2 miles to Nevada City, or .4 mile down to Deer Creek -- we chose the latter, following the switchbacks down to the creek. Much of this section was shaded, cooler, with little luminous color.
At the creek, we were very surprised to see ice on the rocks, the bridge, and the plants! Perhaps you've seen road signs that read "Bridge freezes before road?" We've had freezing temperatures at night and apparently the cold creek water keeps everything moist ... hence, icy or hoar frost. The white on the pic above is ice.
The bridge was slick, and we were careful.
The grays and greens of Deer Creek.
Wondrous ice flowers!
We've been at this place in summer when the temp kept us overheated.
Now look: The grasses are ice-covered.
Turning around and away from the creek, I noticed the colorful symmetry of this scene: Deep mossy green combined with sage green lichen is a winner!
Four miles later, overlooking this gentle valley, we retraced our steps to the car. Afternoon long shadows were crossing the path and we could feel the air cooling. A slight breeze ruffled the leaves. Jimmy put on his gloves. I pulled up the zipper on my jacket. We were ready to be back in the car.
We weren't alone as we walked ... plenty of others were Out and About on this winter's day. Bikers and hikers, dogs on leashes and off, trotting in front of their owners, runners in Lycra, and the occasional solitary walker, all smiling, enjoying a break in wintry weather. Enjoy it while you can ... and burn a few calories in the process!
