Type: Hiking
Trail head: McKenzie Point
Trail: South Shore/Blue Oak Trail
Destination: Winchell Cove
Actual Destination: Trail closed about a third of a mile before the Cove
Distance: 2.73 miles
Start Time: 2:10
End Time: 3:38
Travel Time: 1:27 (1.88 mph)
Moving Time: 1:13 (2.24 mph)
Elevation Rise: 273 '
Maximum Elevation: 579'
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| Sherri on the trail |
It is a cold cruel world out there. We still want to go hiking, but maybe someplace which will not be freezing. After everybody got up, I suggested that we hike after lunch-maybe it will be warmer then. Steven is busy brewing some beer and Rachel-whom we told rather later-has other commitments. We putter around doing various things, then have lunch. I stayed prone for about 20 minutes before getting up and getting ready. I am ready about 1:10.
We left our house after a few things which needed to be taken care of delayed us. It is about 1:45 when we leave. We get to Millerton State Recreation Area and the McKenzie Point parking area around 2:10. We have a Senior Golden Bear Pass which allows us oldsters into most State Parks during the off season-it is definitely the off season now. We are the only ones who are in the parking lot.
It is 45 degrees with a high fog. Even more is that the humidity is at least 80%. At least there is not even the slightest breeze, that would have made it not only cold, but maybe, we are going back home territory. Fortunately I have dressed properly in several layers with a coat being the final as well as gloves. I think Sherri and I have switched our resistance to cold as she is not dressed with as many layers and still is warm.
We have done the South Bay Trail several times-by this time in our lives, most trails we can say this same thing-but we are always open to the possibility of something new.The first time we did this trail was our first hike with the Central Valley Hiking Group, about 13 years ago. Actually the official name is the Blue Oak Trail which starts about a mile and a half up the road at a picnic area.
Different cloud covers can affect how a trail looks and feels. Today with no sun, it would be easy to think of gloom. Instead, I am thinking more of things being subdued. Not too much is moving out there, except for us. No boats moving on the lake, only a few crows in the air, and as mentioned there was no wind to move the grasses.
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| Sherri |
Our travel comes to a stop when we come to a roadblock, or maybe it would be better to describe it as a trailblock, with a sign saying “CLOSED”. It looks like others have gone around the barrier, but we prefer not being that person. The blockage is only about 50 yards as we can see the sign on the other end of the closure. (Note: I talked to the Park the next day and they said that the Spring rains had washed out part of the trail.)
We returned the way we came. As we closed in on to the car, I asked Sherri how she is doing? Pretty good is her response. I asked if she wanted to hike further? Yes. So I suggest she go on further along the Blue Oak Trail. I would get my stuff stored and pick her up at the turnout after I pass her. This is agreeable. She was able to hike close to a half mile more before I picked her up about 3:45. It is about half an hour drive back to our house.
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| Millipede |
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| Geese on the road |
