Our trip out to Sterling Pointe Park on New Year’s Day got off to a rather bumpy start — not long after I’d realized I forgot to bring my phone, a cloudburst opened up as I drove north on Auburn Folsom Road; so I missed the turn and had to double back. But by the time we reached the parking lot, the rain had thankfully subsided to sprinkles. I was hoping to find a good hike and an open area where my pup could run free off the leash without other people or dogs to distract him. We trekked south along the beautiful dirt trails and eventually down the hill to the shore of Folsom Lake, swollen from the previous storms. We did encounter a solo mountain biker as we made our way along the hillside, but after that it seemed we had the whole place to ourselves. Waves were lapping against the shore thanks to the gusty winds, and my four-legged buddy had a wonderful time racing back and forth along the water’s edge, trying to catch hold of the perpetual froth. When it was time to head home, he was able to lead me unerringly through the maze of trails and back to our waiting car — and why not? Plenty of tasty treats and a nap beside the wall heater awaited him at home!