Walk on the Mellow Side, Wed, 11/13/24

 

I assume a lot of people in the world have never been to California.  They may assume the entire state is palm trees and year 'round sunshine (and -- boo hiss -- wildfires).  Not so!  While Southern California follows the palms and sunshine formula, here in Northern California (NorCal) we march to the four seasons, especially in the foothills.

This time of year is The Best, with vibrant autumn leaf color holding us all spellbound, and this year has been particularly spectacular for brilliance.  NorCal's rains have begun, too.  Monday we recorded close to three-quarters of an inch.  Tuesday the sun shone all day.  Today rain was forecast, beginning at 1pm.  (gotta love Accuweather).  Jimmy and I decided to walk the Cascade Canal trail and we were out the door at 11am.   

The sky was laden with gray clouds, the temp hovered around 48, and we were dressed in layers.  I stopped long enough in our driveway to capture our front yard trees.  Red is pink Dogwood.  Yellow is a Birch.

Our walk takes us through the neighborhood before we achieve the trail.  This remarkable beauty decorated a front yard.

Along the way ....

On the trail at last.

Off in the distance is downtown Nevada City.

The water level in the "ditch" is very low, barely visible.

No matter, walking here is always a joy.

Big Leaf (Oregon) Maples flourish along the canal.  As you see, above, their leaves are huge, large enough to be worn as floppy hats or float as boats in the canal.

That's not Jimmy in this pic.  See the dog?  We encountered this dog the last time we walked the path, padding along with a huge "stick" in its mouth.  As it is today!  Enlarge the pic and you'll see.  Funny dog!

We saw evidence of this guy long before we spotted the machine.  It had been dredging gunk from the canal bank and depositing the yucky stuff on the land side of the trail.  First time we've seen anything like this.  The guy inside the cab was eating his lunch! 

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Crossing at the "tube" -- below the tube/walkway is a natural, often times dry, creek.  The king-sized tube carries canal water from one side of the hill to the other.

Another front yard 💗

And, finally, the lovely Maple tree in our side yard.  Last week, no color.  This week?  Wowzers!  Think we got wet?  Nope, we made it home before the rains came -- sure enough, drops appeared almost on the dot of 1pm.  (Alfred) Joyce Kilmer wrote the lyric poem, "Trees," over 100 years ago, in 1913.

A biking get-away, early November

 

I've said this before, but I'll say it again: Autumn is my favorite season.  I dearly love the fall colors, crisp days, chilly nights, falling leaves, and the occasional rain.  I can work in the yard without breaking into sweat, and raking leaves to me is a zen moment.  Jimmy, on the other hand, favors summer, perhaps because he grew up in the deep south where every hot/humid summer lasts roughly six or eight years (IMO)!  Nevertheless, we are both in awe of our colorful community, which is ablaze with breathtaking reds and oranges and yellows.  Plus, with cooler days, we can get Out and About and enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. 

This Pink Dogwood is the first tree in our yard to turn.

The next photos are a combination of three different bike outings along the American River.  The first was a day trip from home, in fine weather under a cotton ball sky, below. 

Of course the girls were out.

As well as a BIG fella!

Is he in jail?

Datura and Evening Primrose were the only two flowers we saw.

From start to finish the American River bike trail (aka Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) is 32 miles one way, from Folsom to Old Sacramento, in sight of the American River much of the time.  You see, above, why we like to pedal here -- not only is it relatively flat, it's flat-out gorgeous.

The ride was so enjoyable, we decided to return, this time "camping" in Tergel for two nights at Cal-Expo's RV park.  Cal-Expo, in Sacramento, is a bit over 60 miles downhill from our house ... and it's adjacent to the American River bike trail.  No rain was predicted, but big winds appeared in the forecast after I'd made the reservation.  No matter, we can still ride in windy weather.

They weren't kidding!  We arrived Tuesday Noon, Nov 5th, and took off on the bikes shortly thereafter -- in REALLY strong winds.  Cold North winds.  (Added more layers.)  At least the sun was shining, which made us feel warmer.  Actually, it was when we were in the open and not shielded by trees, that the wind tried to push us over, but, you know we did all right.

We encountered a number of "trail closed" signs due to trail/bridge construction, with detours taking us around and about, which is just more adventure to us!  At the Discovery Park area, we spied a lone boat moored near the shore.  While the river appears placid here, the reality was: white caps in the water!

Crossing the river on "The Green Bridge."

Sacramento's Tower Bridge.  We didn't ride across it today, though we have in the past.  We continued on beyond Old Sac to the marina and Miller Regional Park, to a cul-de-sac marking trail's end.

A group of ladies was sashaying across a city street, till they got honked at.  They didn't exactly run away, but they did ease toward the curb.  Dang things are everywhere.  Her feathers gleam in the sun.

Made it back to Cal-Expo!  This was Wednesday, the 6th, and only slightly less windy than Tuesday.  We were off the trail at this point and checking out Bushy Lake via a narrow smushed entry through tangled dense foliage.  Another nice quality of the river trail is all the offshoots you can access.

Not much to Bushy Lake.

Harumph.  When Jimmy unchained the bikes Thursday morning for one last bike ride, my front tire was flat.  Well, the heck with it, no riding today.  Instead, we each grabbed a bag and walked a mile to where we'd seen a super abundance of walnuts on the ground.  Like the Oaks, these Walnut trees seem to be having a mast year!  I weighed the combined nuts and we picked up 6 lbs of unshelled walnuts.  Hopefully most will be good.  I'll get out the nutcracker soon and check 'em out.

BTW, Thursday dawned clear and calm, no wind -- haha.  We packed up the little we took and made for home, arriving late afternoon (after shopping).  Altogether, we put 55 miles on our bikes, not earth-shattering, but we sure had a good time pedaling the trail.  These short getaways are The Best.

October fun -- to 10/13/24

 

Happy Days!  The relentless summer heat has dissipated!  Now is the time of year we can really enjoy the great outdoors, and so we have.  Sometimes we look at each other, questioning where to go today, wanting someplace new.  Or perhaps just a favored trail we haven't been on in a long time?  It's amazing to me how often we draw a blank.  Oct 2nd, was one of those "where to?" days, when Jimmy had an "aha" moment and suggested BYLT's Independence East Trail.  Perfect, haven't been there in a couple of years.

You might recognize this image from our past hikes.  However, this one is different.  Here Jimmy holds up that danged boulder with ONE hand!  Good job.  The boulder stayed put.

Autumn is when Buckeyes (left) decorate bare branches, the trees' leaves falling to the ground in summer.  I couldn't reach one to pick.  We were surprised to see an abundance of black acorns on the ground -- products of Black Oak trees.  Jimmy stuffed one pocket full, only because these are unusual, unlike the millions of basic brown acorns littering our yard.  We're experiencing another mast year!

Not to be shown up, but yes, I suppose I was.

I needed both hands on our return.

After East's four miles R/T, we wanted to see if Independence West had reopened after the disastrous Jones fire in 2020 that burned bridges, flumes, and boardwalks.  After a mile or so, the trail was barred to hikers. Reconstruction of the trail is underway, but likely won't be completed till 2025.  Lots of burned/downed trees still need to be cleared.  OK, we learned the answer, and added another couple of miles on our fitbits.  Enjoyable day.

* * * * *

Last week, we had a sleepover with Evie in Fair Oaks so her parents could attend a late-night concert.  Since she had school the next day, we brought our bikes to ride the American River Pkwy.  Win-win! Playing with Evie and riding our bikes!  A nice 19-mile pedal From Fair Oaks to Folsom and back.  We had a great time!

 

Noticed some river traffic, including this canoe.

Interesting cliff face opposite.

Beauty, doubled.

* * * * *

Finally, on Sunday, 10/13, we awoke to glorious sunshine and temps in the mid-50's.  (I wish I was in my mid-50's!)  The kind of day that shouldn't be wasted on any-ole-thing.  There was no question in my mind what I wanted to do, and when I suggested it, Jimmy said, "let's go."  I knew it was a now-or-never venture, so we packed a quick lunch, filled water bottles, and fired up the Subaru.  Destination:  Sagehen Creek Trail, seven miles north of Truckee, CA ... in Tahoe National Forest.  And (fingers crossed!) autumn leaves!

At 6000+ feet, the Aspens start to turn yellow/orange in early October.  We couldn't wait or we'd be too late.  Sagehen creek (above) boggies along, as always.

Though we usually leave weekends to worker-bees, I surmised I-80 road construction crews would take Sunday off, too, and we wouldn't get stuck in stop 'n go, and sure enough, we sailed on through!

But that also meant a full parking area at the Trail.  Hah, we parked across Hwy 89 (in the shade, woo-hoo!).  Would the trail itself be crowded?  Actually, no.  Yes, we saw people coming and going, but there were many long stretches where we encountered no one.  It was a grand day to be Out and About.  Temp of 68 when we started, high 75.  And quaking Aspens were aglow in the sunlight.

Lucky, lucky us to be on this dusty trail today.  It felt so right to be here, even the smells seemed sweeter.  There's something about this place ....  Yonder beaver pond was low; summer has been brutal.  I see many shades of autumn in this spot.

We stepped off the trail, down to the creek, to investigate the flattened grass, deciding it was grass that lays down when it's grown.  Oops, what's that?  I just missed stepping in that mess!  You got it -- fresh bear poop.

Into the meadow.  Crispy dried grass.  Away from the creek, wildflowers and grasses looked as though they'd been too long in an air fryer -- the major air fryer:  El Sol.  Of course, no wildflowers bloomed.

When we were here in July of last year, we couldn't get near this plank bridge due to flood waters.  Sagehen Creek empties into Stampede Reservoir, which we call a lake, and it's receded dramatically since then.  Clark's Nutcrackers were making a ruckus through the pines as we neared the aspen grove.

Ahhh, the Aspens near the ol' sheepherder's cabin.

Still colorful.  Glorious.

A sampling of other sights -- top row, a sharp thistle stalk, Jeffrey pine cones (lots and lots), and bottom row near the lake, tiny Fleabane, and one dinky dwarf lupine confused about the season (it's not spring).

Stunning display in person.

You can't see me if I don't move.

Sagehen approaching the lake (on the right).  The entire area was underwater in July 2023, up to and beyond the pines.  Amazing transformation from one year to the next.  That's nature!

The dazzling colors will soon be gone.  Snow may fly in the upcoming week.  But today we got to see it all, everything I hoped for; once again Sagehen touched all my senses.  Plus exercise!  Roughly six miles R/T of wonderment.  Color me grateful.  Jimmy, too.

 

Bye-bye summer of 2024

Hello, October!  I'm always happy to mark September's autumnal equinox, because to me that means summer's hot-hot-hot temps will peter out, and autumn's cooler temps will move in.  That being said, while this happens every year around September 22nd, an automatic cool down ain't necessarily in the cards.  October days can be blisteringly hot (like today), but the good news is -- they won't last!  The transformation from shorts and sweaty tee's to cozy sweaters and comfy tights has begun.  Be patient.  It will come.

Meantime, life continues and so do we, going and doing despite the heat, Out and About walking our Cascade Canal trail often, usually early morning.  We're fortunate that we can access it easily.

We have several options for distance and routes.  On this day we took the longer route from Banner Mountain Trail to Red Dog Road and back, roughly five-and-a-half miles R/T.  Usually we keep a brisk pace, but sometimes were slower, walk'n and talk'n.  Water in the canal, at left, is scanty these days, yet we always see small fishies.  This is such a peaceful place to stretch the legs, green and pretty, never mind the dusty path.

People walk with their dogs on the canal trail.  Dogs, like the dude above with the giant stick, are so danged hilarious.  We see these entertaining mutts frequently!

On this track, we stop at the huge Sugar Pine and give its bark a friendly pat.  Glad to see it's still reigning supreme over the canal.  We found one (recently dropped) pine cone, and, Look Out, Below, you wouldn't want to be under the tree when this thing fell!

* * * * *

The day before, my cousin, Judy, came to visit -- her first time driving to see us (we've been trying to get together for several years).  She now lives in Davis, CA, a short hop from Sacramento.

We took her to lunch at Creekside Cafe (formerly Lefty's Grill) and enjoyed sitting outside in the shade overlooking cool Deer Creek ... and catching up on each other's lives.

After lunch, we rambled through Nevada City's historic downtown district, peeking in various shops and relishing our afternoon together.  Thanks for coming to see us, Judy.  Our turn, next!

I've done some canning this summer:  Tomatoes, marinara sauce, peaches, pears, and grape jelly.  The shelves don't look as laden as they have in past years; that's okay, we're grateful for what we have.

* * * * *

This young miss started school on August 15th, so we're not seeing her as often as we did before school started.  Hard to believe our granddaughter, Evie, is in the 2nd grade!  The above pic was taken last week at her house, and she was telling me an involved story about pandas.  Love you, Evie!

* * * * *

Every year, Nevada City celebrates Constitution Day with festivities, including a parade down Broad Street.  Jimmy and I were there early (to get a parking space) and milled around till parade time.  As usual we forgot our camp chairs, but our friend at The Nature Store came to our rescue with two chairs.  Otherwise that curb gets kinda hard on the heinie!

This year the parade was on Sunday, the 15th, an absolutely stellar day, coolish even.  Wispy clouds embellished the clear, blue sky, as much a draw as the patriotic flags decorating the lamp posts.

The signing of the Constitution reenactment comes before the parade.  It wasn't easy to squeeze in to take a picture or two, but you get the idea.  I think this is great for children, as well as adults who forget what the Constitution was for.

After each man signs his name to the document, he retires to a seat opposite.  Here are all the signers of our Constitution, above.  Recognize each one?  (I see Ben Franklin)

What's a parade without the equine contingent?

Followed by the "honey bucket" crew!

(they always draw applause)

Plus, the ever-popular Ben-Ali Shriners Cibara Motor Corps (jitneys), with their signature Fez hats, zipping up/down/all 'round the street!  Marching bands and old timey fire trucks and floats = fun time in Nevada City.

Jimmy grabbed the camera for a Nickie photo-op.

It appears I have a dog, too!

This is always the best.

The crowd loves to clap and boo and wave at their favorites.

Like JFK with Jackie, and (oh?) Marilyn Monroe.

These two!

And, finally, here I am, post parade, with Tricky Dicky:

"I am not a crook!"

We had a brief thunderstorm in mid-September,

that gave us a very fine rainbow. 

Friends keep asking us, "When's your next trip?" Or, "Where to, next?"  We don't have anything concrete planned for 2025, but we're looking at potential boat-bike trips across the pond.  We hope to take the RV either up or down the coast sometime this month.  Maybe a bathroom remodel, too.  Maybe.  It's been a long, hot summer.  We're looking forward to fall, with its gifts of spectacular color, crisp mornings, and unlimited potential.