Big Oak

Since the weather was warm, upper 70s, we headed out to New Melones for an overnighter at the lake. We figured that there wouldn't be too many folks camping since it was Super Bowl weekend, and we were correct!

We were able to pick a spot away from those camping lower down on the hill and closer to the lake. We still had lake views, but we also had lots of privacy.

This was the last weekend for Big Oak to be open. The next week the Bureau of Reclamation would be opening Ironhorse campground, which is located across the street from Big Oak campground. The Bureau alternates between the two campgrounds in the winter so that the birds nesting in this area of New Melones lake are protected. I saw lots of redheaded woodpeckers and California quail while here.

After settling in and having lunch, we headed off to hike a loop starting at Gold Rush trail over to the Carson Creek trail and then the climb up Tower Climb trail to Fire Access Road and back to camp.

We saw many houseboats docked as we hiked along the Carson Creek trail. The Tower climb wasn't as steep as I had read. Most of the trails are rated moderate, but I would classify them as easy-moderate.

Back at camp we enjoyed a quiet evening of watching the boaters traveling out of the park to home.

After a lazy morning, we headed on a hike on the Frontier trail and Gold Rush trail. Both trails are on either side of the road that goes to the Angels Creek Boat Launch area.

Along Frontier trail was an area beside this bridge with a picnic table. We made note of this as a great place to rest and have lunch the next time we hike this trail out to check Buck Brush and Angels Creek areas.

Picnic table is to the right of the Buckeye trees that line the creek.

As we approach the Angels Creek Boat Launch area, we see a glider and what looks like a spaceship from the trail. We of course wonder how the heck did a glider get there. Luckily, we were able to watch the owners of the glider dismantle the wings and tuck the glider into the towing capsule for the glider. The owners had towed the glider into the park to have pictures taken of the glider. We found out that the owner is the designer of this model glider and was having pictures taken for advertisement of the glider kit. It was such a surprise to see a glider in the land of boats, hills, and water.

After that adventure and surprise, we headed back to camp, packed up camp, and headed home in time for the game.