Capture California, the Game-2012
Adventure: 008, Hike 006 –
Blue Oak Trail
Team: Thing One, Thing Two
Date: May 25, 2012
Location: Millerton State
Recreation Area
Hike Info:
Trail: Blue Oak Trail, or sometimes
called the South Bay Trail
Distance: 3.5
Duration: 1:20
Elevation Rise: 188'
Description:
When I think of the Millerton Lake and Friant Dam area, I imagine
a hot dry area with this man-made lake in the middle. Definitely do
not think of excitement, coolness and enjoyment. But that is exactly
with we got on this trail. The coolness was fortunate, since Fresno
temperatures was exceeding 90 degrees a few days earlier and this
trail and area can be like an oven on a hot day.
We knew this was going to be a special day from the first few
steps on the trail. A small eagle, yes I did say a golden eagle, swooped
down and landed 10 yards in front of us. He stayed there, or close by
for a good 25 minutes before flying away. Excitement!
But that was not all. With a front coming through the area, the
weather was cooler than we had any right to expect. But also, the
front brought in some soaring clouds to march past our trail. This
make for a constantly changing view. The lake turned from mundane to
magnificent. Instead of hot and dry, it was cool, breezy and
comfortable.
Our walk continued along the south shore of Millerton, After about
45 minutes of leisurely walking, we made it to Winchell Cove. The
boats were all set for the Memorial Day weekend. While we could go
about a quarter mile further on the other side of the boat launch
area, we decided, just to turn around and go back the way we came.
Over all, the trail is easy walking, on a hard beaten clay. The
grasses give you wide berth and the trail is about as level as you
can get—Looking at the trial profile, I have seen more activity on
seismographs. Oaks give visual entertainment. This is definitely a
Fall, Winter, Spring hike rather than a Summer hike—unless you hit
it on a day like today.
