With five dinners straight of Diestel turkey, I needed some exercise. I tried another Net venue for seeking a partner, but it seems no one is that interested in hiking or climbing. Feeling well, I was up at a slightly late hour for me, this Saturday. I do well when hiking solo, as well as with my traveling.
Leaving home to take Interstate 80 westbound, I headed north on CA 113 to head west on Covell Boulevard. Clear blue sky lay above, and I sought breakfast at the fast food at the Winters Exit along I-505. Knowing that there is a facility now at the trailhead, I didn’t have to wait for clearing out any drink. Declining to run any video as I motored west on CA 128, there was some yellow fall color left, but few or no reds, anymore.
On reaching the Cold Canyon trail parking area, the dirt lot was full. I had to look for space along the highway, and managed to park with my tires well on the right side of a line along the roadway. There were no “No Parking” signs, so I felt safe, as many others were parking similarly. Plenty of room for traffic to pass by.
Starting my hike, I used the facility, and walked over to the upper trailhead for the peaks first. They look to have done some trail work, with new drainage grooves dug into the dirt trail, so I snapped photos. Either my memory is poor or they have done some reroutes, and I took pictures of the new scene. Plenty of hikers already headed down, here. I took the short side trail to the dam overlook, doing photos. I am concerned about balance issues, as I did have to go to the ER for dizziness. Crouching low to avoid a loss of balance, I held onto rocks and tree branches.
Back to the main trail, I soon came to the Bump 1,475’. I did my video and rested. Groups of hikers streamed by, then I took off to complete the peak traverse. One girl proclaimed, “Five peaks.” I don’t count any of them, being that they are more bumps, with higher hills all about here. Nice for bump baggers to have more of a clearing and even a register. These hills still don’t have names, but wild is felt, by some, to be better devoid of the trappings of civilization.
I zoomed over the highest hill, Bump 1,580+’, and began the steps down through the chaparral forest. I sped along, with better times for my hiking, and with more energy. I had gotten now a signal up here, and sent messages. Arriving at the Homestead, I sauntered the minute hike to the rock structures, and did video. Back to the main trail, young children were being escorted on up, with some dogs being walked. I passed by the donation stand with my $2 left, and then came back to my car after some 3:31 of hiking.
Running video of the highway now, I sought to get food in Davis, CA. Motoring over there, I quickly got parking and had some salmon tacos. Good! I bought drink as I left, and then exited the freeway to drive about at the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Birds made for good video, with the high-rises of Sacramento in the distance. Clouds of feathered avians soared across the sky, and I was pleased to have done this day.
Greeted by fall colors still as I came back to town, I had done the usual 4.75 miles with 1,500 feet of gain. Driving then some 87 miles, I spent about $11 for food, drink, and tip. Capturing 158 images and movie clips, I used the typical two gallons of fuel, disappointed that four seats could have been filled, but weren’t.
Being a light hiking day, I will seek to do another hike for the next day. You never know when someone will be so bold as to ask to come along, and mean it. In the long past days of the old hiking club, a phone call resulted in a hundred peaks being climbed by one interested party. He got so many rides from me, thousands of miles driven, with a pittance donated in return. One act of reciprocity, begrudging and complaining. I love the wild and free, and it doesn’t require financial incentive for me to hike, climb, ski, and travel. Shame that so few or none will further help to explore, enjoy, and protect!
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