Roberta Reveals Her Pick For The Best Bay Area Workout Spot
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Roberta, was that you I saw at the fish and bait store and Lake Del Valle this weekend? - Ken Cox, Livermore
A: That would be a YES! I stopped in the store to ask about the Lake's water temperature and any potential hazards I should know about before jumping in the water!
I call Lake Del Valle "my slice of heaven." And it really is my favorite place here in the Bay Area!
Located 10 miles southeast of Livermore, Lake Del Valle is a storage reservoir surrounded by the most beautiful rolling hills and regional park. This past Saturday, I drove to my favorite place with excitement in my chest and my wetsuit in my trunk. I met up with a fellow Ironman and dear friend, Danville Tom Glynn.
Since 2008, we have a routine: We dress in our wetsuits in the parking lot while catching up, learning what our kids are up to and proposing future races; We then stroll to the Boat Launching Dock and enter the water on the East side of the Lake. It takes roughly 5 minutes to swim across the Lake, we stop and make sure all our equipment is good (goggles, swim cap,watch). We swim North past tarantula Cove and 30 minutes later find ourselves turning around at what we call, "Dinosaur Bones." We stop, say a prayer, then swim back. Over all about 1.80 mile swim. It is a terrific and invigorating way to start any day.
After our swim comes a run. This past Saturday was a 10 mile trot around Shore Trail and Heron Bay Trail, and many more trails, too numerous to mention. There is never a "bad day" at Lake Del Valle. For a $6 entry fee into the Recreation area, or a $50 East Bay Park and Recreation Annual Membership, it is the BEST investment I make towards my health.
While I enjoy the solitude of Lake Del Valle for swimming and running, the Lake is known for excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish. There's the multiple options of boats for rent. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and more!
Currently, the water temperature is 61 degrees, a little cold, but the sun is warm. Lake Del Valle, a jewel nestled in the Diablo Range and can be discovered and explored right here in our own backyard. Hope to see you there!
I would love to hear from you! Please send weather questions, observations and photos to me, Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and I look forward to hearing from you!
