It was difficult to get an indication of the full size of Folsom Lake from far away, but as the expansive landmark comes nearer to anyone approaching, its sheer size becomes more obvious. The sun is high in the sky, and even from a distance the water glistens and sparkles like diamonds. On one of the paths that winds around the edge of the lake, there are children cycling, families wandering up and down and drivers pausing to take pretty little photographs.
But closer to one of the huts that rents out water skis and the like during the summer months, there is a cordon. It's actually a rather large cordon, and a couple of security guards pace up and down its length to ensure no unsuspecting passer-by finds themselves in an out of bounds area.
From the cordon, it isn't possible to see the water beyond: a tall, temporary fence had been erected to stop prying eyes. And a zoom lense.
It seems to be working as well. As if by some weird, unspoken mutual agreement, no one but authorised personnel are venturing close to the sealed off area of the lake.