I found out this week that the rumor I had been hearing for awhile is true. My estranged father died years ago, in 2005. I am now officially an orphan, and an only child. I'm not really close with any of my family, but realizing  that both my progenitors are deceased has really made me think. I would not be the man I am today if it weren't for the lessons I learned from them. They didn't teach me these lessons directly, but rather I learned from observing them and thus discovered what not to do if I want to be a better person. I learned that drug and alcohol abuse lead to self destruction and are a waste of my time and money. I learned to think for myself and to not give into peer pressure just to impress people. My parents were by no means the best people in the world but I still have a lot to thank them for. Okay, I guess really the only thank I have to thank them for is getting it on and bringing me into the world.

Batman and I now have something in common

     I decided it was finally time to stop putting off an overnight bikepacking trip and gathered up my gear Sunday and set off from my place to go into the wild. I originally had been thinking of going to the Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake but then realized in all the years I have lived in this area I had never stayed at the Beals Point campground. I had a route planned out in my head which I mostly followed. I headed to some local back roads, crossing Weber Creek before ascending up to Lotus road and working my way to Highway 49, where I finally hit dirt trails at Greenwood Creek. Along the Gerle Loop I stopped for lunch and talked for a bit with an old timer and he regaled me with tales of his hiking throughout the area with his faithful dog. I bid him adieu and made my way to Hastings Creek, where I stopped to refill my water. From there I took the South Fork American River Trail to Salmon Falls. The day was unseasonably warm, hitting the low 80s. Down below me I could see several of the rapids in The Gorge, including Satan's Cesspool.

Satan's Cesspool

     Once I reached Salmon Falls Road I took the Darrington Trail to the old Salmon Falls bridge, known to some of the locals as the Magic Bridge due to the fact it only comes out when the level of Folsom Lake is low. After stopping for a quick snack break, consisting of one of the best tasting apples I've ever had, I crossed the bridge, as well as Sweetwater creek. I rode across a plain and made my way to the Falcon Crest trail head. This was the part of my route I was unsure about. I would either continue on a trail I had never ridden before or have to hit pavement. I hadn't been making very good time on the trail and I was losing light. If I took the trail it would most likely take me at least two hours to reach camp and I would be riding the unfamiliar trail after dark with my headlamp. As much as I wanted to take the trail I instead decided to take the pavement. I reached camp about an hour later, just before sunset.

The Magic Bridge, across the plain

    I set up camp, read for a bit, ate dinner then went to look at the lake under the starlight. The chirping crickets lulled me to sleep. Sometime in the night yipping and howling coyotes awoke me. I fell back asleep listening to them. In the morning I got an early start back home and hit trails where I could. Even though it was just in my own backyard, this bike overnight did me a lot of good and has me looking forward to future bicycle tours, both on and off-road.

shameless selfie

     Surprise! I have another movie recommendation this week: Big Hero 6. I won't say much because I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say you should see it in 3D, it looks amazing! there's also a scene after the credits, one of the best Marvel Studios has done yet.

    So, my faithful readers, until next time, I have a reminder for both you and me: