Things That Don't Suck About Sacramento: Walking on Sunshine

I can't believe it's almost 1 year since I moved to Northern California from Texas. Northern Cali is vastly different from Southern California in culture, dress code, weather, food, etc. so my adjustment period is taking bit longer than I would like.

However, advancing my goal of seeking out things that don't suck about Sacramento, I've joined a few hiking groups.  This past weekend's hike was HARD!  Calling it a tough intermediate is a bit of a stretch in my opinion.

We ventured to Stebbins Cold Canyon Nature Reserve for a steep 5-miler (this after completing a 4-mile run in the morning).  Although going up was killer, all 108 steps, the views of Lake Berryessa and the dam were well worth the trek up.

Sliding down the mountain on my ass

Yep...here's another installment of things that don't suck about the state capital of California (good thing we aren't talking about health insurance - cuz that sucks!!!).

My first real-live hike with boots, pack, plenty of water, plenty of snacks, camera fully charged was set for Sunday.  My hiking group, Sacramento TrailMix, headed up to Enchanted Pools in the El Dorado National Forest. Now, ya'll know I'm still a novice at this California thing and driving through the mountains scares the crap out of me. I asked several times if the roads wound up and around, if there were sheer drop-offs without guard rails and if the roads were narrow. I was assure no to all!  OOOOOO, those liars!  So I volunteered to drive 2 other ladies in my Altima Coupe up the side of the mountain.  We made it, even moving at an old lady's pace all the while honking around the curves of the one-lane narrow road. Whew!!!

Parked, sprayed bug spray, put on my hat and we're off.  The hike was beautiful (see pictures below if you don't believe that black folks hike, that's me in the center).

So now it's time to roll on back down the hill.  Holy Firecracker Batman.  I was ok as long as I had mountain on 1 side and tall trees on the other.  I got to this point and froze. It's much scarier in person.

I was in the middle of the road, with the car in park and the parking break on. I couldn't take my foot off the brake because it seemed to lurch forward each time. Finally, the woman on my left turned off the car. I climbed out of the driver's seat, into the backseat and into the fetal position.
Luckily, the woman on my right was able to drive us down the mountain to safety. Once we were down, I was able to get us back to Sacramento safely.

I know it will take some getting used to, but driving these narrow roads aren't what I call fun. Although, playing in these pools were.