Ive joined a group of sweet photographers, the fact that Im the only girl is a small part of the attraction I promise, this week we went to Lake Natomas in Sacramento, home to the aquatic centre, fish hatchery and cycling and jogging enthusiasts.
directions to the salmon hatchery
the captured salmon are guided up this 'waterfall' stairway
bridge over the Sac river
There is a paved cycling and jogging trail encircles the lake along with unpaved equestrian trails. Several parking lots and boat launching ramps are located around the lake and because the wind was blowing there were a few smaller sailboats scudding around the lake. A couple of the guys had brought their dogs, bigger dogs that were FULL of energy..we hiked around the perimeter for miles, (my poor tired legs from my long run the day before)
huge bramble bushes everywhere
I must add it was Jonathans birthday on Sunday, and I was distracted and feeling a bit off..and so not prepared for what happened next. As we were strolling around the waters edge, there was a sudden yell from a small group of people as two of the sailboats almost collided, however in the process, the one boat tipped over in slow motion, spilling its two young crew members into the freezing water, the sail draped over them like a table cloth.
There was a moments silence before everyone jumped up and ran to the beach..before long the sound squealing sirens as police vehicles and paramedics rushed to the rescue, they launched a boat and sped out to the kids still in the water. A couple of kayakers near by had gone to their aid immediately and one was seen hanging on the boat.
I took a few pics after the crisis was over and the kids had been pulled into the police rescue boat, but I was shaking like a leaf..distressed I left soon afterwards, too far away to be of any assistance..to close for comfort.
a sobering reminder of how quickly a wonderful day can turn into a tragedy...
Happy Birthday darling boy 4/7/79 -1/8/95
Hi Heather. Was wondering where you had gotten to. Looks like a nice area, but what a nerve-wracking incident to witness. Not the kind of reminder you needed around Jonathan's birthday. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteHugs from me too. xx
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