Sugar Pine Picnic Run

Sugar Pine Picnic (July 20, 2002)
by Genny Paauwe
photos by Bob Paauwe

First time event leaders Larry and Barbara Penfield took a group of nine Miatas on a "high speed" fun run to Sugar Pine Reservoir to enjoy a picnic and high altitude heat relief.

Larry said, "My car is only a 1.6 liter, so we won't be going much over the speed limit!"

The turnout for the event included a member of the San Joaquin Valley Miata Club, Sharon Mack, who drove up from Mariposa to attend the Armstrong Redwoods Run which had been postponed only days before.

"Life is an adventure!" she said. Anyway, she just exchanged redwoods for pine trees, and that was fine with her.

With the Knorrs, Hahns, Leiningers, McCanns, Kliszs, Rowells, Sharon Mack and us (the Paauwes) in tow, Blue Bayou lead the way. Familiar roads like White Rock, Salmon Falls, Marshall Road, Greenwood Road and Hwy 193 lead the group to a rest stop in Cool.

"This is Cool!" many said, laughing at their joke. The valley was scheduled to be broiling in the sun by midday, so anything "cool" was welcome.

And we were off again, onto Hwy 49 and across the North Fork of the American River and up the Foresthill Divide. Well past Foresthill, we turned north toward Sugar Pine Reservoir, winding down a pleasant road, crossing the dam and into the park.

Double parked to fit into the small parking lot, the group wandered down to the water's rocky edge to find some relief from the sun under some pine trees. The temperature at the lake was quite pleasant and the talk was lively among the group. Some ventured into the water, many wishing they'd brought swim suits to join the other swimmers at the lake.

After a long lunch, most returned home via the scenic route, meandering down Iowa Hill Road toward I-80 and Colfax. The road is windy and becomes one lane at some points, going through the old mining community of Iowa Hill and across a river where the old Iowa Hill Bridge still stands next to its newer predecessor.

It was nice to get out of the heat, drive on some unfamiliar Miata roads and visit with friends over a picnic lunch. Thanks to the Penfields for putting on this last minute recovery event. We hope you'll do it again!

Note: "The Penfields" are more affectionately known to us as "Mom and Dad." Thanks for letting us twist your arm!