Dam overlook
A view of the Nimbus Dam, with the Aquatic Center behind it; Folsom and Rancho Cordova in the background.
Early mornings are for the birds
One of the best things about getting out for my hike by 6 AM is that I see and hear more birds. Like the mockingbird above — he was so busy singing his heart out he didn’t notice me at first. He looked a bit surprised, then decided it was time to move his concert elsewhere. I still haven’t decided […]
Some gorgeous redhead
This cute little female common merganser was enjoying the still waters of Lake Natoma this morning. I love the mohawk, but I’m sure it looks better on her than it would on me!
WPC: Bridge
The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge for the week of July 5, 2017. Think about the things, places, or people that connect us. What’s your take? The Lake Natoma Crossing, which spans the American River near the city of Folsom, opened for traffic in 2009. It sits just downstream from two older bridges — the busy two-lane Rainbow Bridge, built […]
Down a quiet trail
I celebrated July 4th by taking a hike along one of my favorite Lake Natoma trails. There are quite a few spots with overgrown weeds and berry bushes as well as poison oak; I had to negotiate fallen trees and trail damage from last winter’s storms. I rarely meet anyone else on the trail, and this morning I had it […]
Young eagles
The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they are forced to leave it and commit themselves to the unknown world of air outside. – Hannah Whitehall Smith I heard these juvenile bald eagles before I saw them on my hike this morning. All the warning signs along the top of the bluff […]
Leave only footprints
I swear I’m going to start bringing along a garbage bag and a trash grabber on my morning hikes! I just can’t comprehend why people come to enjoy nature — and then leave it spoiled by their refuse. But I see this every day, no matter where I’m hiking. I shot all these objects just as I found them, without […]
WPC: Transient
The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge for the week of June 21, 2017. Drifters, nomads, and even the state of impermanence: this week, share your photos of transient.
On Slate Bar
On the north side of the American, between Folsom Prison and the town of Folsom, is a ledge of solid granite called Slate Bar. The ledge permitted only what was called “crevice mining”… and mining was not as extensive as on other bars. In 1850 James Smith built a store on the bar. He built a sawmill the following year… […]