This morning I had my first HUB coffee in 19 months. Now, I rarely even drink coffee but going into the HUB (things are open!) this morning made me so giddy, I ordered a drip coffee to go with my scone. It's funny how HAPPY it made me to recognize the server behind the counter at ETC. Welcome back, Huskies!
Seattle, Washington
Summertime Thursday morning rides are fast disappearing the rear view mirror (of my bicycle helmet), but fall can be a lovely time to ride. Today was just such a day--cool and crisp to start but warm by the time I got home six hours later. Some fall colors but mostly the blue blue of the sky and lake. Made it all the way around Lake Washington including the Cross Kirkland Corridor up to the Sammamish River Trail. AND I have a great new book to listen to. Heaven.
More "books on bikes":
Back in Seattle after a lovely weekend at Lopez, I headed out for a medium-length (I hoped) ride. Barely four miles into my ride, the heavens opened up. Undeterred, I rode on--until I realized that this was quite possibly the hardest rain I have EVER ridden in. Turned around at six miles but even before that, I was wet through and through. Incredible rain. Retreat!
12.1 miles
This afternoon I went down to the old, old plum trees in the field to see if there might be any plums. One tree had shed all its fruit, but the other still had plums. I picked as many as I could reach and headed back to the house to make my first plum galette. The joys of fall!
Made it up to the island late last night and looking forward to a weekend with friends. Lovely morning despite the rain. In these crazy times, every time I get a chance to spend time with friends or do something "normal," I feel grateful. We are not out of this pandemic yet, but glimpses of my old life make me hopeful. So happy to be here.
Just finished up several lovely days with my quilting friends. There was, of course, no Quilt Camp last year, and it was lovely to gather again this year. Did a bit of sewing (and a lot of remote work), ate good food, swam in the stunningly beautiful lake--and caught up on all the news.
Even tried my first Espresso Martini. Living large!
Today was my last Thursday Morning ride of the summer. I planned to ride up to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park (32 miles round trip) but at 6 miles in, things were starting to get pretty smoky. From Lake Chelan State Park (pictured) I rode UP SR 971 a mile or so but pretty soon figured out that that way lay TOO much sustained elevation gain.
In the end, I headed back toward Chelan and got in a decent ride. The smoke made things hazy along the lake, but it was still a lovely ride.
Just about finished with "The Cider House Rules." What an amazing book. I read it more than 20 years ago, but it is just as amazing--and surprising--as it was the first time.
23.2 miles
Seattle, Washington
Got started a bit later this morning but still had time for a big loop north via I-90, 520 and the SRT. And I finally had a chance to start listening to an old favorite on my phone: "The Cider House Rules." With a listening time of 24+ hours, I've got a lot of listening to do in less than two weeks!
More "books on bikes":