Non-Official First Day of Summer in Fair Oaks at Sailor Bar

I asked my pooch Raider if he wanted to go swimming. As expected he rallied right up to the door, scratching his paws on the fence to get out.

With as gorgeous the weather was, I anticipated the parking lot and the shorelines of Sailor Bar to be jam-packed with floating kids, perched parents and fetching dogs. However, it was the exact opposite.

When I pulled in there were only a few vehicles parked and nobody in sight.

"We have the place to ourselves,"I told Raider excitedly.

That was until I saw the caution sign that read, "River Warning: The American River is running extremely high, fast and very cold. Boating, rafting and swimming are highly discouraged. If you decide to go into the river, wear a life preserver."

What a good thing I had already placed Raider's lifejacket on, which I always do. He's an epileptic and it's better to be safe than sorry if he were to have a seizure while in the water.

I have been coming to this local favorite spot since I was a child and never have I seen the water as high and ripping as fast as it was. It made me a bit nervous for Raider so I didn't throw any sticks for him to fetch and only stayed for half an hour as opposed to the usual hour we stay.

Although a handful of cars circled the lot, most of them drove off as quick as they drove in. I did notice though, down the way, some people who appeared to be fishing or simply taking in the view as I was.

Speaking of views, on my way out I spotted a snake slithering across the pavement. Not getting a close enough look to see what kind of snake it was I put the car in reverse, and yep, it was a rattler! He turned his head and smiled for the camera as I snapped a shot of him, then continued to slowly creep away until vanishing into the bushes. Guess it's still a hot spot for some to visit after all.