Nov 24, 2010 - Lake Natomas

Due to Thanksgiving on Thursday November 25th the Geezer's event happened on Wednesday November 24th. We met at Annie's cafe on Greenback (across the street from Denny's) at 8:00am for a hearty breakfast. It was a very cold morning, just above freezing so this prepared us for our "morning" hike. After breakfast we car pooled to Negro Bar and took a short hike along the bluffs above Lake Natomas. Glenn was familiar with the trail so he led the group. We were back home about 1pm. This hike could also be ideal for spring or summer when we don't want to travel too far from the city. It can be anywhere from 2 miles to 6 miles one way and is fairly easy. There are some great views of Lake Natoma. This week there were only four of us hiking, John, Roland, Loren ans Glenn although Merrill and Beauford did join us for breakfast.

Nov 18, 2010 - Bike Ride to Old Sacramento

Twelve Geezers rode bikes from Carmichael to Old Town Sacramento (Joe's Crab Shack) via the American River Bike Trail. Those riding: Lorne, Merrill, JD, Larry, Sherm, Bill, Tom, John, Rod, Roland, Vern and Glenn. Unfortunately only 11 Geezers rode to the crab shack and 11 Geezers returned. Explaination: Sherm's new bike was stolen while the Geezers were eating lunch in the crab shack and he was given a ride home in Roland's car. Due to an earlier doctors appointment Roland drove his car to the crab shack for the return trip back to Carmichael, fortunately for Sherm. Sherm's bike was secured by a fairly heavy duty cable lock which was no match for an apparent heavier duty bolt cutter used by the criminal. Crab shack management was notified.

The ride to the crab shack was via the American River Bike Trail to Discovery Park and then the bike path along the Sacramento River to Old Town. Spotted in the Sacramento River was a sea lion trying to devour a salmon by continuously surfacing and whipping the fish on the water surface to break it into bite size pieces. Sea gulls were following this activity by swooping down to eat the left overs.

The return ride was thru downtown and East Sacramento via K and M Streets. At CSUS the bike path was used on the south side of the American River to Watt before crossing over to use the American River Bike Trail to return to the Carmichael start. Before returning the group rode their bikes south to Miller Park.

Weather for the ride was in the high 60's, traffic thru East Sacramento was light, and color in the leaves was great.

Nov 11, 2010 - Pacific House Flume Trail

The flume trail, located near Hwy 50 just pass Fresh Pond, is very gradual 2% grade at an elevation of only 4000ft. The round trip was just short of 8 miles. Although the sun shone for most of the day, we didn’t see much of it as we spent most of the time in the trees. The views from the flume are impressive as is the color at this time of the year. We did discuss the possibility of a spring hike to see the water running. We classified this trail as easy as there was no chance to get lost! Sherm did manage to drop his glove over the rail but Vern came to the rescue, climbing down the tressels to retrieve!

Nov 4, 2010 - Bridgeport State Park

Today we hiked the two trails, Buttermilk and Point Defiance, in Bridgeport State Park (northwest of Grass Valley). Weather was great, in the low 80's and blue skies. The trees were changing colors and the reds and yellow leaves were spectacular. We hiked the Buttermilk Trail first and returned to the parking lot for lunch- about 2 miles out and back. After lunch we hiked the Point Definance Trail- about a 3 miles loop. Point Defiance Trail should be hiked in the clockwise direction to avoid the exteremely steep climb at the start if counterclockwise is chosen. 11 Geezers made the hike: Roland, John, Loren, Merrill, Larry, Sherm, Dominic, Beuford, Tom, Eric and JD. This was Eric's first time with the Geezers. Vern was supposed to be with the group but showed up at the wrong location- Sunrise Community Church rather than Safeway on Sierra College in Roseville.

These two trails are an annual hike for the Geezers during the spring. The area is really known for the display of wildflowers and the informational tags put out by the local volunteers. This was our first time to hike the area in the fall. All agreed that the fall is wonderful for the colors. We'll probably make this hike during the spring and fall in the future. The hike should be rated as easy.