Ironhorse 19

Headed back to New Melones before the weather gets too hot. We got lucky with a site that has a view of the lake. 

A turkey and...

came to our site to check us out, while the opsrey and bald eagle observed us from above. We could hear the woodpeckers and see lots of turkey vultures. It was a birder's paradise. 

We did one of our favorite loops, the Tower Climb. It was nice seeing the lake full again.

Most of the time the trail is just dirt and rocks with occasional pretty flowers. We were surprised to see a rib cage from some animal long gone. The turkey vultures must have enjoyed that meal too. 

Second day's hike was around Angel's Creek trail. It was a long moderate hike that day, 8.3 miles. Happy to be back at camp to relax and enjoy the views. Did I say how quiet the campground was both nights. First night, Saturday, had tired fishermen, while second night, Sunday, was just one person next to us. 

February Getaway

 We headed back to our favorite spot at New Melones since spring weather was in the forecast.

We hiked one of our favorite hiking routes with wonderful vistas of a fairly quiet lake.

Along the hike, we came across a white ceanothus in bloom! It smelled so sweet and the bees were enjoying the blossoms.

I did not know that there are white ceanothus since all I have seen in the nurseries are the blue to purple flowering ceanothus.

Down by the closed boat launch, there were two seaplanes parked at the water's edge. Most likely two pilots having a meetup. We later watched the planes take off.  One plane headed west, while the other plane headed north.  Such a fun way to spend a beautiful day! And it was for us too!