April 28, 2011 - Howard Ranch at Rancho Seco

This week, the largest Geezer group of fourteen hiked the Howard Ranch/Rancho Seco loop trail. This hike was an easy 7 mile loop on relatively flat ground. Although the Geezers had not hiked this trail before, we did know the area was noted for an abundance of wildflowers and vernal pools. We were not disappointed. The grasses were soft and green and every single Geezer took a short nap after lunch. Silence was golden!! Within a month, the wildflowers will be gone and the grasses will be golden so this was the week to explore this new location.
On arrival, there was a per car admission charge with senior discount so we decided to proceed! With so many Geezers and vehicals, settling up for gas and entrance fees became quite a challenge. I'm of the opinion that our treasurer for the day, Loren Gray actually finished up with a net profit!

April 21,2011 - American River Bike Ride

With Merrill Downing sporting a brand new bike, and Sherms grandson, Landon coming along to see how far as he could go, the Geezers rode their bikes from the CSUS Aquatic Center to the CSUS campus and back along the American River. Landon had a great ride. He just kept on peddling but started to get tired at the park. He traveled 15+ miles. John Hebner told us the ride would be about 20 flat miles. In realty and true to form, John was as consistent as ever as the actual mileage was 31 miles, not 20! The trail is very beautiful at this time of the year with plenty of wildlife, including deer.
This turned out to be a better than expected conditioning ride for the rescheduled San Francisco bike ride on May 12th. After this ride, I'm pretty sure many of us feel the need another ride prior to the San Francisco ride.

April 14, 2011 - Fairy Falls

This week, the Geezers of Sunrise Community Church hiked to Fairy Falls which is located on the eastside of Beale Air Force Base and north of Camp Far West Reservoir-Spenceville is the area. Although we've done this hike a couple of times in the past, it has always been a good one and this week was no exception. Following what seemed endless heavy rains, lush green grass was everywhere and it reminded the writer of his British homeland. It was a fairly easy hike of around 6 miles in and out, with little elevation gain, good wild flowers, range cattle, Indian grinding stones and the falls were flowing full. Thanks to Loren, Sherm and Roland for this weeks photographs.







































Footnote from Loren Gray on the Big Bird Roland thought he saw from a distance ……

Roland, I looked up the bird you saw on our return to the cars. It is a STRIPED ORANGE PIPER. usually found in open areas of the California foothills. This bird is very stationary in its habitat. It may be identified by its upright and very thin body, is non-flying and has wide orange stripes on one side only.

I was able to get a good photo of the bird in its natural habitat.........