Snodgrass Slough - Dec. '24

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On the Friday before Christmas, ten of us ventured into the Delta for a new (to us) walk at Walnut Grove. Snodgrass Slough is a vast tidal backwater, fed by a diversion structure on the Sacramento River levee. 

The hikers were pleased with the woodsy and open-field scenery, and it was amazingly quiet. At one point we surprised a large group of migratory geese (possibly white-fronted), a stunning sight & sound as they lifted off & sped away. I was lagging a little behind so I didn't get a photo.  

	the walkers		heading out		< wood sorrel & the Slough >
		Barb Gr.		levee walk		Marcia & Barb Go.
	bee boxes, dormant in winter, note 1		willow
		fishing spot		Twin Cities road		nest
	colorful algae				poison Hemlock, note 2

note 1 - On AllTrails, summer hikers comment that bees are sometimes a (minor) nuisance. 

note 2 - also known as Devil's Porridge.

The Snodgrass Slough walk was almost 6 miles, with negligible gain. All of us really liked this trail.

Locke  - From the trailhead to the historic town of Locke was a 1-minute drive.

	Locke Boarding House State Park		a falling-down town today
		Al's

Postscript - The last monthly hike of the year was intended to be relaxed, with minimal driving. We met for coffee at Rescate in Elk Grove, not far for any of us, and it was only a 20 minute drive to the trailhead. After the walk we enjoyed a 2:30 pm lunch at Al the Wop's, in Locke, with great service. 

Locke is a historic Delta town founded by Chinese immigrants around 1915. The day-laborers who lived here at one time worked at the largest asparagus growing operation in the US, but over time local growers transitioned to pear orchards. They also fished for their dinner from the banks of the levees we walked today. 

Finding good scenery so close to home, plus a coffee stop & then lunch in Locke after the walk, seemed a fitting way to end another good year of monthly hikes. Thanks to everyone who attended !     

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