Two decades ago, Jacqueline Morgan used to walk her daughter to school each morning, then just keep on walking for miles in the adjoining Georgetown Nature Area in rural El Dorado County.
Her daughter is grown now, of course, so Morgan's companions on her morning hikes – and runs – are now her two Jack Russell dogs.
But does Morgan see the next generation of parents doing the same with their children? "No," she says with a chuckle. "Most of them don't. They're in their cars driving."
They don't know what they are missing, she adds.
Fortunately, the Georgetown Nature Area, which abuts Georgetown School (kindergarten-eighth grade), is often used as an interactive outdoor classroom. Teachers impart knowledge to their students on the flora and fauna. California history, too, is evident in the preserved remains of a gold mine at the southern end of the 35-acre parcel.
But, as Morgan says, it's much more than a learning tool for kids.
She says it's the perfect place for a non-taxing hike or, for those wanting a little more cardio, a running path.
"It's really not used that much by people," says Morgan, who is on the board of the Friends of the Nature Area nonprofit group. "We're trying to let people know about the place."
Morgan's efforts to share her affinity for the land make her this month's winner of The Bee's Fitness Challenge, in which readers are asked to share their favorite cycling, running, hiking or kayaking course. She will receive a $100 gift certificate from Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Although Morgan likes to climb hills and traverse the back country to really challenge herself, she says the Georgetown conservatory (two miles east of town) is perfect as an everyday fitness option for locals and as a special take-the-kids Thoreauian trip for nature lovers.
"I enjoy running on soft pine needles, over several bridges and streams, passing several ponds," she says. "It's shaded all summer by big cedar, pine, oak and madrone trees. I've seen turtles, deer, muskrat and lots of birds."
But no bear sightings, she swears.
"I have seen bear (droppings) on the trails, but in 20 years of visiting, I've never seen a bear or a mountain lion – though we do have bears in Georgetown," she says.
Perhaps the bears visit the nature area to dine on the blackberries and other remaining fruit that date from the time in the mid-1940s when the former owners planted a pear orchard.
Morgan admits that winter may not be the optimal time to hike the trails. But she doesn't let that deter her.
"We did have snow right after Christmas, but I keep going," she says.
She says she has no favorite route among the crisscrossing trails and paths. She sort of just rambles. (Mountain biking, by the way, is forbidden.)
"You could loop around there forever," she says. "I do a three-mile loop, back and forth. It's nice because it's all little ups and downs. The hills aren't very challenging compared to hiking up in the mountains.
"I see a lot of people walking their dogs. We sort of have a sign there (prohibiting it) but, well, we don't enforce it too much."
• To see a map of the trail: www.georgetownnaturearea.org.
Tired of running or cycling on the same old path? Bored with always going to Lake Natoma for an open-water swim?
So are we. That's why we're challenging you to map out new routes for all of us. And, of course, you'll get a reward for your effort.
No, it's not merely a firm handshake. Each month, we'll select a winner, who will receive a $100 gift certificate from Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Our staff will check out your workout route, then pick a winner. You'll have to provide detailed information as part of your entry.
Here's what you should send us:
• Directions: We're looking for directions like the ones you would get from Web mapping sites. Provide course directions and cross streets, or an address for the starting point. All courses must be outdoors. To do this, check out www.mapmyrun.com.
• Map: Send a copy of a map with the route marked by a highlighter. Or use www.mapmyrun.com.
• Explanation: Send us your name, age, address, e-mail address and phone number. Tell us why you picked this route, why you love your sport and how much time you spend doing it weekly. Provide notes on mileage, road hazards and traffic conditions.
• E-mail entries and questions to fitness@sacbee.com. Or mail them to Bee Fitness Challenge, The Sacramento Bee, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852.
Her Georgetown walks are natural celebrations
ShareThisBy Sam McManis
smcmanis@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 | Page 3L
