J.D. Grant Park loop from Bass Lake - California, United States

It started out as a gray day but got sunnier and nicer as the hike progressed.  The terrain here is similar to that of last week's hike on the north side of the park, but it doesn't have the sweeping vistas and definitely not as much climbing.  There were more cow patties, more ground squirrels and more Magpies today, but fewer woodpeckers.  I did see a bobcat cross the trail ahead of me on Canada de Pala, and I tried to get close to a perched redtail earlier on the same trail (see pictures).  I also say a small (sparrow sized) bright blue bird that was hovering over the trail near Bass Lake.  The hovering reminded me of the kites I've seen hovering but where kites hover 30 or 40 feet above ground, this little guy was inches above the trail.  I tried unsuccessfully to get a good picture of it.

There were a lot more people today, especially towards the end of the hike.  A runner saw my dog Cody and thought at first that he had spotted a lion.  Lucky for him... and me too I guess.

Grant Park's a kick; lots of wildlife and note too many people this time of year.  I'd like to stay overnight and take an early morning hike from the campgrounds, probably a loop that includes the Dutch Flat trail.  But I'd also like to sit at McCreery lake in the morning with my camera to see what showed up.

pictures also at (larger format)  http://picasaweb.google.com/brighto/GrantRanch11809#slideshow/5401927835212951314