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Tour de Tolay, March 2020
Tolay Lake Regional Park: A Photographic Log
9 March 2020

As much as I enjoy Tolay Lake Regional Park, it takes at least 45 minutes to drive there. That means I don't get there too often because when heading for a park I usually opt for something closer. Also, Tolay—with practically no shade—tends to be very hot in the summer and—with dirt ranch "roads"—tends to be very muddy in the winter. However, with no rain in more than a month (other than a few light showers over the weekend), right now Tolay is dry and the temperature is quite moderate.

Thus, I scurried down there for some pedaling today.

As usual, I had the park to myself. I didn't see anyone else until I returned to the parking lot. Bicycling through the park by myself with views of the San Francisco skyline, Mount Tam, and the northern edge of the Bay always makes me feel like Tolay is a special place. We're fortunate to have such hallowed public lands.


First view of the Bay and the distant San Francisco skyline.


Zooming in on the skyline.

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge almost hides the Bay Bridge. They aren't nearly as close together as the telephoto makes them look.


Looking east.

Vaca Mountains, sloughs and wetlands of Napa County, northern edge of the Bay, Mt Diablo in the distance.


Another view south.

A little weather moving up from that direction.


Getting closer to the southern edge of the park.

Busy Highway 37 is visible slightly beyond the flowers.


Lots of these guys around today.

Lovely earring, my friend!


Looking across to the eastern side of the park.


Zooming toward the Carquinez Bridge, which connects Vallejo and the East Bay.


A 360° panorama of the view from the southern edge of the park. (Updated version)


That's the direction I came from.

Time to mount up and head back.


Up a little hill.


Bands of clouds on the leading edge of the weather system started to arrive as I was on the way back.


Still clear toward the north.


A view across dry Tolay Lake.


Missed this on the way in, but spotted it near the trail on the way back.

I think it came from a Diplodocus. I almost took it home for Sophie the dog, but decided to move it onto the trail and leave it there.


Another view down into dry Tolay Lake.

There's also a little ranch pond down there.


Down to the parking lot via an avenue flanked by eucalyptus trees.


Almost back to the parking lot by the old ranch buildings.

Time to head for home.




Summary

Date: 10 March 2020
Time: 12:00 - 2:30
Weather: 65 - 75° F, sunny but clouds coming
Route: Tolay Lake Regional Park
Distance: 9 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo

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

~ 102 ~



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