VALLEY SPRINGS, Calif. — On the sapphire-colored setting of Lake Camanche in the San Joaquin Valley, Juan Alvarado and Justine Williams have made their annual escape with their family from San Mateo.
"It's a nice day. It's good to get out of the house finally," Alvarado said. "We've been in for awhile."
The front entrance on the south shore side was busy. Signage was in place for social distancing. It's been at capacity all weekend long.
On Saturday, 517 cars came through the gates compared to a normal day of 350 cars.
"It's the six-feet that we are trying to maintain," said Camanche Ranger Tim Cox. "What we've seen so far is everybody is self-enforcing that."
But while the parking lots were packed, park officials said there were a few boating citations and no craziness.
Overnight camping was closed to discourage crowds and yellow tape blocked the entrance to camping spots.
However, it was open for day use.
"It's allowed us to allow a lot more day use into the campground or into the park. And it also allows people to spread out," Cox said.
Plenty of people were taking to the water to swim, kayak or to soak up the sun in their boat.
Jon Woodhall and Michelle Loggins of nearby Valley Springs were heading out to fish, happy to experience a bit of normalcy.
"It's not too bad. You get to isolate and you're out in beautiful air. And, it's like any other day," Woodhall said.
Follow the conversation on Facebook with Kurt Rivera.
READ MORE:
- California gives retailers OK to open for in-person sales. Now, it's up to counties to approve
- Continuing Memorial Day traditions during the coronavirus pandemic
- 25% occupancy, no collection plates among new guidelines handed down to resume in-person church service
- 'Even socially distant, we can show kindness' | Volunteers spark joy at senior living centers with car parades
- How Sacramento Metro Fire suggests people stay safe on the rivers this Memorial Day weekend
FOR NEWS IN YOUR COMMUNITY, DOWNLOAD OUR APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Daily Blend Newsletter