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Tolay, July 2019
Regional Park: A Photographic Log
25 July, 9 miles

My phone, my computer, and the weather guy on TV all agreed that today would warm up to nearly 90° F (it actually exceeded that by a few degrees) and I was late getting out of the house because I watched stage 18 of the Tour de France. Although I didn't hit the trails at Tolay Lake Regional Park until 11:30, the heat wasn't a big factor. An occasional tendril of cloud and a few gentle breezes—along with my sun sleeves, my spiffy new hat, and a steady flow of water from my hydration bladder—helped keep me fairly cool.

As usual, the park was practically deserted. I encountered two hikers and two equestrians returning to the parking lot just as I started riding. After that, no one else appeared until I returned to the parking lot and saw a ranger lecturing some students.

That meant the trails were empty. Just me, the Ogre, and marauding gangs of cows.


Heading out Causeway Trail through the tunnel of trees.


Looking across vineyards adjacent to the park.


Old Grumble-Face chugs along.


View from the summit: Sonoma Mountain, Mount St Helena, and Hood Mountain.


View from the summit: San Francisco Bay, with the city obscured by haze, fog, and glare at far left.

Note buzzards soaring on thermals above the park as the temperature climbs into the 90s.


View from the summit: Looking back toward the park buildings and parking lot.


For a minute I thought this one was going to chew on the Ogre.

I think it's name was Maria.


Fields of highly fragrant little yellow flowers.


Taking a break on the trail.

After much deliberation, I decided against "Da Brim" and bought this soft cap with flap for sun protection, partly because it also works for hiking. So far, I'm quite satisfied with it.


This rowdy gang managed to infiltrate between me and the Ogre.

The red one seemed to be the ringleader.

"When you're a cow you're a cow all the way, from your first cigarette to your last dyin' day...."


I slipped around the gang without getting stampeded, but they continued to make it clear the Ogre and I were unwelcome.

They probably thought I was a Shark.


View ahead on the trail back to the parking lot after escaping the gang of cows.






Summary

Date: 25 July 2019
Time: 11:30 - 2:00
Weather: 80 - 90° F, mostly sunny
Route: Tolay Lake Regional Park
Distance: 9 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo


Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.


Tags: California, Sonoma county, Tolay Lake Regional Park

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