He jogged, we hiked

Snoqualmie Summit, Washington

Frank started running the Cascade Crest 100 at 5:00am this morning. We were there to see him off in the dark (headed east into the Snoqualmie Tunnel) and then sensibly returned to our hotel for more sleep. But afternoon saw us taking a several mile hike above Summit West, even as Frank crossed the 25 mile mark on his run. Go, Frank!

TMaM.7

Seattle, Washington

Though summer begins to draw to a close, a have a few more Thursday mornings before the real fall routine begins. I enjoyed a big loop along I-90 and SR 520 out to Redmond in the cool weather. And it may not be great literature, but for my latest audiobook, I am enjoying "Libertie." Am hoping for just little rain soon, though.

More "books on bikes":

• "Libertie" by Kaitlyn Greenidge

45.3 miles

Back in the saddle again

Seattle, Washington

After nearly two weeks off my bike, I got out for a ride today, jet-lagged and all. I am really enjoying another audio book which I have just about finished. It might be written in a slightly overdramatic tone, but it truly is an exciting tale of Antarctic exploration at the end of the 1800s.

• "Madhouse at the End of the Earth" by Julian Sancton

33.3 miles

The last 2.8 miles

Seattle, Washington

Arrived back at SEATAC earlier this evening. Fastest trip EVER through passport control and customs. Take away? Don't check luggage. Ever.

On the way home, Frank dropped me off at the bicycle shop to reclaim my tuned-up bicycle. So, after two train rides (Groningen to Zwolle and Zwolle to Schipol), two plane rides, and a car trip, I rode the last 2.8 miles home. A  fine end to 11 days in foreign climes.

The goats of Le Fourneau

Le Fourneau-en-Medoc, France

Much has been written about these goats and at last we got to meet them: Corporal, Sergeant, and Surprise. These goats used to live right next to Dad's house in the village but somewhere along the way, they were moved about a mile away to the tiny hamlet of Le Fourneau. Dad whistled and they all came running--to collect their stale bread treats!

We all enjoyed feeding them...

She rode, I walked

Lesparre, France

Less than 24 hours in France and time for our first horse adventure. Grandpa arranged for A to join a riding lesson at a local stable this morning. Jet lag be darned, she was ready. And a great inspiration to learn some urgent horse-related French. While she rode, I walked in the hazy morning sun. Gorgeous. Merci, Grandpa!

TMaM.6

Seattle, Washington

Nothing too adventurous today--but a trip around Lake Washington in any case. The only disappointment was that Cafe Ladro in Kirkland was out of commission due to a broken pipe. I could have really used one of their fine lattes before heading up Juanita Hill. But, no matter!

51 miles