TILDEN REGIONAL PARK 2/21/09

This park is only about 80 miles from Sacramento and a very easy drive. If we hadn't spent 30 minutes roaming aimlessly through the neighborhood, it probably would have taken less than an hour and a half to get to the trailhead. However, I must say, If you have to drive aimlessly, this is a great place to do it. The houses are all unique and fun to look at. I often wonder if mapquest leaves one street out of the directions on purpose just to give us all a new adventure.







It would be very hard to get lost here. The trails are well marked, however without a map, you aren't quit sure what the marking means.

































Did you ever wonder what a human antenna looked like? Bart, a little more to the left please.


















Run Polly, I can feel another "how to know where you are by reading the sun" lesson coming on.











Thanks a lot. I told you to run. Now we are both are going to have to listen.












Good idea, just point in the same direction and nod your head yes.











I can't tell, is she catching him or knocking him down?
















I think this was Polly's Best Day Ever moment.













For those of you that wonder why anyone would keep their hair so bright, this is why. Out in the wilderness it shines like a neon light and will make it easier for rescue plane to locate me if ever necessary.








Kind of creepy isn't it?











































There was no need to search for that perfect lunch spot. There were picnic benches all along the way.









And a nice lake for the dogs to cool off in. I hope Ash doesn't see this. He will wonder why he wasn't invited.













This was really more like a nature walk than a hike, but It was exciting to see all of the families enjoying the great outdoors. This is a great place for kids of all ages. We saw kids on their bicycles, tricycles and strollers. There were animals for the children to see and touch at the beginning of the trailhead and a little play yard for them to climb around on.






This is the face of someone who took a nasty tumble and just wants to go home. Luckily, the camera was in my pocket at the time so there is really no proof. Now, I'm sure you are wondering how this face could say this was the Best Day Ever. I was wondering the same thing.




So I will leave you with these happy faces instead. This really was one of the best days ever.

LOST IN BRIONES

LOST IN BRIONES

I bet next time Bart just says yes dear.












It is amazing how three semi fashion conscious women can throw out all the fashion rules on hike day. Oh well, I think we still look good.











We began the hike with great anticipation of what new discoveries we would make along the way. We already knew it was going to be a great day.












Who wants to tell Bart that this isn't a bus stop?













Dana are you suppose to be touching things?












After making nice with the wildlife, Dana stops to give directions to one of the locals.










Wait he wasn't alone. Look Out! Stampede!












Then there was the obstacle course. I believe Polly got extra points for her dismount.










It had rained earlier in the week and there was no escaping the mud.












Dana is demonstrating the proper technique for downhill skiing in the mud. Bart tried hard to get a picture of Dana falling, but there was no way she was going to let that happen. She did fall, but I don't think even the most experienced photographer would have been quick enough to snap that picture. She was back on her feet before it registered with us what had just happened. I think she must have bounced. It was almost a Tigger sort of move. She was afraid if we got her picture, I would put it in my Blog. As if.......







If you will look carefully, you will see that I am sitting on my shoe. Therefore, regardless of the rumors you may here, this does not constitute a fall.









We found the perfect lunch spot, There was bench with a view from either side. I was going to show you both sides of the view, but according to Polly, you have to earn the right to enjoy the view and have lunch. I am not sure if this is an all or nothing rule she has, but if you want to see the view from the other direction, you will have to climb the mountain.








A couple of weeks ago we said we could not think of a negative thing to say about this hike. We found out this week that the signage is lacking. It is not always easy to determine which way to go. Without proper signage everyone has their own opinion. Dana is big on the importance of reading the map and is always trying to keep us always moving in the right direction. Two questions for you Dana, first how is that working for you and second did you manage to loose the buzzard that was following you closely in anticipation all afternoon?








Then there is Polly who is always looking to add miles to a hike. She thinks that if we go her way, we could add three miles and climb to the top of the peak. It didn't add three miles, but the distance down the hill then back up when we discovered we were going in the wrong direction should count for something.








And last but not least you have Bart who tries his best to educate us on how to use the sun to determine which way we should be going. Give it up Bart, we prefer to not know where we are. It makes the hike more exciting.








Now, I bet you are wondering what I am doing while the master minds are trying to determine which way to go. I wait patiently to be told which way to go. Since I have no sense of direction, they prefer it that way. Besides someone needs to be free to take the pictures.






If someone would just ask me, I know which way to go.














If you are ever hiking with someone and as you are heading down a steep hill they say they wish it was uphill because uphill was easier for them, just ignore them. They will change their tune when they have to turn around and walk back up the hill they had just come down after discovering they are going in the wrong direction. I know this to be a fact.







As the day went on we began to wonder if we would ever see civilization again and found signs of those who didn't.









Just look at the smiles of joy when we located the parking lot. Polly estimated that we hiked around 12 miles, which was 4 more than we had planned. We were muddy, tired and sore. You put that all together and it adds up to the best day ever.

ROCKVILLE

Rockville Park is an easy drive and a great hike for kids. There are several trails to choose from and you are never far from the parking lot. It is also stroller friendly, as long as you are not the one stuck pushing the stroller. That is why it is always a good idea to carry a camera. The photographer needs to have their hands free at all times to be ready to take that once in a lifetime picture.





Look dad, no hands.





















Two little cousins sitting in a tree.


















Does anyone know the words to kumbaya













Stay behind me. I know the way.














Can you say "Princess Chloe?" I would have helped carry her chariot up the hill, but someone had to take the picture.

















It was a family affair and a great way to spend a Saturday. You might even say is was the best day ever.