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Ilsanjo, February 2020
Draining the Lake: A Photographic Log
20 February 2020

In order to repair the dam, the park maintenance crew drained Lake Ilsanjo in Annadel State Park to a level as low as possible. According to Cap'n Will (he and Jeff often swim the lake) if you tried to swim it right now you'd scrape your chest across rocks on the bottom. I suggested he try the backstroke.

After I pedaled into Annadel and up to Ilsanjo, I didn't want to swim across the lake, but I wanted to get down to some of the newly exposed lakebed. Despite my efforts, that worked about as well as the backstroke.

The only way the lake fills is from rainfall, of which we have had none this month. Unless we get substantially more rain than normal over the next few weeks, that means a drought year for sure. In that case, the lake might evaporate completely—rather like the dry lake at Zzyzx—and I might have plenty more chances to take the Ogre out on the crusty lakebed.

I'd rather get some rain.


The nearly naked Ogre by the nearly drained lake.

I must be getting absentminded in my dotage. I filled my water bottle, but left it on the kitchen table.


This is what I encountered every time I tried to find a way down to the lakebed.


I could almost get through to the lakebed here, but decided not to risk breaking an ankle—or both of them—on all the big rocks lurking under the reeds.


Along Canyon Trail on the way out.

Most years, you can count on Canyon Trail being a deep, muddy wallow in February. The only good thing about a drought? Dry trails in Annadel.


Another shot along Canyon Trail.


The Ogre pauses under a spreading oak tree.




Summary

Date: 20 February 2020
Time: 12:30 - 2:00
Weather: 55 - 60° F, partly sunny
Route: Home - Canyon Trail - Lake Ilsanjo - Canyon Trail - Home
Distance: 15 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo

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

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