Grounded!

Seattle, Washington

I have been off my bike for almost a week now, grounded by the snow and ice. So, "books on bikes" have temporarily morphed into "books on foot." I just finished listening to another wonderful book by Amor Towles: The Lincoln Highway and am now working on the 2nd book a lighter trilogy: The Secret Keeper of Jaipur. Good company as I pick way way gingerly along the icy roads and sidewalks!

More "books on bikes":

• "The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles (wow!)
• "The Secret Keeper of Jaipur" by Alka Joshi

A beautiful sight

Seattle, Washington

This most beautiful weather report greeted me this morning. And around Lake Washington I went. Listening to a new podcast ("Soul Music" on BBC Radio 4) and another "book on tape." And NO rain. And then, sunshine! It felt like an enormous gift after all the rain and dark of the past week.

More "books on bikes":

• "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
• "The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse

55.3 miles

Office cookie swap

Seattle, Washington

Well, the holiday party has not QUITE returned, but at least we get to do a Cookie exchange. No sampling allowed ('til you're out of the building). But still, I am grateful!

Blacktop Friday

Seattle, Washington

Back home from Thanksgiving and determined to ride despite the super gloomy weather. Did the south loop which is not particularly conducive to book listening. But over the past several weeks I have enjoyed a number of books, among them an old favorite: Ann Patchett's "State of Wonder." 

More "books on bikes":

• "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
• "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
• "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett
• "Gun Island" by Amitav Ghosh

27 miles

Thanksgiving rolls around again

Lopez Island, Washington

COVID's not gone yet (see current events in Europe) but it was wonderful that we felt safe enough to gather once again on Lopez for Thanksgiving. A relatively small group of 12 felt just right. Everyone contributed something to the effort, and it was a lovely time.

Thanks again, all!

Big north loop CW

Seattle, Washington

Despite repeated intervals of rain, I had a great ride today. I am REALLY enjoying Bill Bryson's "The Body: A guide for occupants."

It's absolutely fascinating!

More "books on bikes": 

• "The Body: A guide for occupants" by Bill Bryson

46.1 miles

I could ride forever listening to his books

Seattle, Washington

Made it aroung the whole lake both this Saturday and last listening to David Mitchell's "Utopia Avenue." I think I could ride forever listening to his books. Although this one is not my favorite so far, it's a wonderful listen. The miles literally disappear. It's only too bad I can't listen when the traffic's heavier--for that, Spotify has to do. I think "Bone Clocks" and "The Cloud Atlas" are still my favorites...

More "books on bikes":

• "Utopia Aveneue" by David Mitchell

50.7 miles

Saturday and the whole lake (again)

Seattle, Washington

Saturday mornings are my new regular riding time, but fall has its weather challenges. Nonetheless, the weather held today, and I had a great ride around the lake, stopping for a lovely coffee at Cafe Ladro in Kirkland. A good day for elevation gain (2185 feet), and some crazy listening, too. Life is good.

More "book on bikes":

• "All the Frequent Troubles of our Days" by Rebecca Donner
• "The Secret Talker" by Geling Yan

50.2 miles

HUB Coffee

Seattle, Washington

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!

Fall riding

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":

• "The Quiet Boy" by Ben Winters

55.1 miles

Retreat

Seattle, Washington

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

Repast

Lopez Island, Washington

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!

Repose

Lopez Island, Washington

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.

Quilt Camp!

Lake Chelan, Washington

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!

TMaM.9

Lake Chelan, Washington

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

TMaM.8

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": 

• "The Cider House Rules" by John Irving (one of my all time favorites)

45.3 miles

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

TMaM.5

Seattle, Washington

More big heat expected today so I got out as early as I could, headed south. Decided to combine a trip around Lake Washington with a ride up the east side of Lake Sammamish. Sadly, much of the East Lake Sammamish trail is closed until the end of 2022, but the road that hugs the lake does have a decent bike lane. Wonderful morning and home in time to work the afternoon. Total bliss.

More "books on bikes":

• "We are Satellites" by Sarah Pinkster

65.9 miles

TMaM.4

Seattle, Washington

Yes, that super grubby paw is mine. Barely 200 feet out of the gates and my chain came off. And then refused to go on despite several tries. By the time I got it on, my hands were well and truly grimed. But the show must go on. Had an excellent ride across I-90 and along SR 520, the SRT, and the BG. HAD to stop several times to pick blackberries--though it occurred to me that I might be ingesting a certain amount of bike grease as well. I love blackberries...

Am still enjoying "New York 2140"; despite it being a "light read" in some ways, the overall effect is quite fun--and fascinating.

44.2 miles

TMaM.3

Seattle, Washington

So cool (and cloudy!) this morning that I actually needed a light coat for the entire ride. Rode east on SR 520 and then out to Redmond and back along the SRT and BG. And started a new book. Boy, climate change themes are big these days...as they ought to be!

More "books on bikes":

• "New York 2140" by Kim Stanley Robinson

42 miles

TMaM.2

Seattle, Washington

Had a glorious ride around Lake Washington on my second Thursday-Mornings-are-Mine of the summer. But the best part of the ride was the book I am listening to: Love and Fury. It's a fictional account of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, a British feminist of the late 1700's. It's a magnificent book. My only complaint is that the digital recording was a bit hard to hear on my bike. But, wow.

More "books on bikes":

• "Love and Fury" by Samantha Silva (this is a fantastic book)

51.4 miles

Cedar RT & Green RT loop

Seattle, Washington

Today was a holiday and a wonderful chance for a big ride south. The Cedar River Trail is one of my new favorites which I usually join at the Renton Airport. Problems emerged, however, when it was time to find a way between the Cedar River Trail and the Interurban. Google maps suggested SR 516 through Covington. Bad idea. Terrible idea. Long stretches of 516 don't even have sidewalks, much less bike lanes. Scary! The one bonus of my route was discovering the South 277th Corridor Trail which is a windy, steep trail through a wonderfully green ravine. And then, along the Green River and the Interurban at last! Finally, back home via the Green River Trail and Georgetown.

Glorious weather, too.

More "books on bikes":

• "Redhead by the Side of the Road" by Anne Tyler (meh)

59 miles

A+ for Lake Annette

Seattle, Washington

We got going late, but Frank and I finally reached the Lake Annette Trailhead (I-90 Exit 47) around 1:30pm. It was a LOVELY mostly wooded hike and not too steep. At just about 3.4 miles, we emerged at the lake, sparkling in the sun. Quite a few other people but so much as to ruin the atmosphere. Wow!

Coming down was hard on my feet but surely worth it. This is a lovely moderate hike with some great waterfalls along the way...

Summer bounty

Seattle, Washington

One thing's for sure, that BLAST of summer heat we had earlier this week made all our raspberries ripen fast. We can hardly pick and eat them fast enough!

Heaven.

TMaM.1

Seattle, Washington

This summer I've decided to take Thursday mornings off each week, and today was my first ride. Thursday-Mornings-are-Mine Summer 2021 has begun!

44.5 miles

Sweet relief

Seattle, Washington

Gloriously, it was cool this morning. What joy to head out early and feel the lovely cool breeze. Those three days of record-breaking heat were brutal!

33.5 miles

More heat

Seattle, Washington

Woke up this morning thinking about the heat of the 2019 RAW ride (with Cascade Bicycle Club). There's only one way to beat the heat: get out before it starts! Can't say I actually achieved that goal since it was already warm at 6am, but I am not complaining--it was a lovely ride.

33.8 miles

Before the big heat

Seattle, Washington

And here comes THE HEAT! Left the house just before 6:00am, trying hard to beat the heat. By the time I got home around 10:30am, it was getting hot, but most of the ride was lovely. Now, time to hunker down...

More "books on bikes":

• "Leonora in the Morning Light" by Michaela Carter (really wonderful)
• "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles--wow, this was fantastic!
• "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

45.7 miles

The whole lake!

Seattle, Washington

On the last two weekends I tried some trail riding along the Cascades to Palouse Trail, but this week it was back to city riding. Weather was a bit iffy, but it was a lovely ride anyhow: Lake Washington CCW! Oh, and everywhere SO green...

More "books on bikes:

• "All the Devils are Here" by Louise Penny (set in Paris and very good!)

51.2 miles

Hyak to Rattlesnake Lake: Cascades to Palouse Trail

Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

After last weekend's serious workout on a different section of the Cascades to Palouse Trail, I thought I'd try for an easier ride today--and that elevation graph says it all. It was a gorgeous afternoon and riding the Snoqualmie Tunnel (all 2.5 miles of it) was a trip! Do NOT forget your headlamp! I also really enjoyed the trestles. Things got less fun 5 miles from the end of my ride when I got a flat tire--but all part of the adventure. 

Thanks to F for the ride up to Hyak and for meeting me at Rattlesnake Lake--what a circus that was!

22.7 miles

Along the new Eastlink & more

Seattle, Washington

Imagine that wherever you live, you're kind of at the center of web of possible bike rides. The more time that goes by, it seems like there are fewer unexplored routes. And yet. Options do present themselves. As the Eastlink Extension continues to be built, I recently discovered a very pleasant alternative to riding east along the Mercer Slough.

Gorgeous morning, perfect biking weather. I am blessed!

More "books on bikes":

• "Klara and the Sun" (wow!) by Kazuo Ishiguro 
• "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
• "28 Summers" by Elin Hilderbrand

45 miles

Vantage to Kittitas: Cascades to Palouse Trail

Vantage, Washington

It was 5 easy miles from the Wanapum State Campground to the start of the Cascades to Palouse Trail (formerly the John Wayne Trail) south of Vantage. Miles 6 to 23 were brutal: uphill, into the wind, with trail either too rocky or small-gravelly. And when the head wind abated, the side wind was enough to knock me off my bike. Finally reached the closed Boylston tunnel and headed onto the detour. It was so rocky I had to walk most of it. 

Joyously, I reached the other side of the detour and saw DOWNHILL for the first time in 3.5 hours. But, no, the trail was so sandy that I could only manage about 5 mph DOWNHILL! The flowers are amazing this time of year and crossing the railroad trestle over I-5 was trippy. Then another 4 or 5 miles into Kittitas where I got some water at Baileys Bookstore -- I am grateful! Rejoined the trail at Kittitas but only made it another mile before giving up: the headwind was fierce and the gravel too awful. And despite the sun, the wind made things COLD.

But what a glorious adventure! I look forward to doing more of this Cascades to Palouse Trail, but I will NEVER ride this section again!

35.7 miles

Magnolia & Ballard wander

Seattle, Washington

Today I met with my quilt group for the first time in well over a year. Of course, I had no sewing to show for the last year (though there was that one baby quilt), but I sure enjoyed the ride over and home. And such gorgeous weather! But, my, it will take time getting used to being INDOORS with other people! Thanks, L, for hosting--that was some kind of wonderful flan...

25.2 miles

North to Cathcart!

Seattle, Washington

Today it was finally time to try something new: after traversing the Cross Kirkland Corridor, I headed north to Woodinville and then on to Maltby and finally the tiny town of Cathcart, where I enjoyed a coffee and a treat. My ultimate destination was Snohomish, but that will have to wait until another time. 

The rain held off for most of the ride, and the sun poked its head out now and then. A really fun ride--and something new!

More "books on bikes":

• "A Beginner's Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious" by Roya Hakakian
• LA Theatre Works: "Life on Paper" by Kenneth Lin
• "Summerwater" by Sarah Moss

57.8 miles

East to Lake Sammamish!

Seattle, Washington

This has been the most glorious week for biking, and today was no exception. Rode due east along the I-90 trail until I reached Lake Sammamish and then north, north, north. What a glorious day to be alive and on my bike!

When I got home, Frank suggested pho at our favorite place--that's a lot of joy for one day!

More "books on bikes":

• "No-No Boy" by John Okada
• "This Time Next Year We'll be Laughing" by Jaqueline Winspear (great memoir!)
• "Wedding Night" by Sophia Kinsella (yes, it made me laugh)

 52.7 miles

An evening out

Bellevue, Washington

Late afternoon found us driving east to Tiger Mountain for a short hike. A gorgeous warm afternoon and a lovely three miles in the woods. Then, in a really special end to the evening, we stopped by Chaat House in Bellevue and ate samosas with mango lassis. Bliss.

Cross Kirkland Corridor

Seattle, Washington

One of the great joys of biking is discovering new sights. I will confess to getting into a bit of a rut; I have been riding the same routes over and over in the last months. But in an attempt to break out a bit, I investigated the Cross Kirkland Corridor today, riding it south to its origins at the old train yard and then doubling back north and following it all the way to its abrupt end just past Totem Lake Park. And then west to meet the Sammamish River Trail.

I just loved this art I found at the transit center just west of King County Metro East Base (see map). Gloriously fanciful.

42.4 miles

Unexpected gift

Seattle, Washington

I set out south this morning on a medium length ride. Just as I was getting ready to turn my bike toward home, Frank called to say that I should just keep going if I liked. So north on to Kirkland and an excellent latte at Cafe Ladro--and then up Juanita Hill and around the lake. It was an unexpected gift, and I am grateful. Thank you, Frank!

50.1 miles

I went to the movies (!)

Seattle, Washington

I don't go to the movies often, but I have found myself longing to do so in recent weeks. Then the perfect confluence of events: I got my vaccine, my favorite theatre (Ark Lodge Cinema) re-opened, AND they were showing a movie that I have really wanted to see: Minari. It felt strange at first to take the leap, but it was FANTASTIC. Great movie, too!

Circumcycling the earth

Seattle, Washington

Did you know the earth's circumference is 24,900 miles? Just over three years ago, I got a new bike. According to my Strava account, this afternoon I finished riding that bike around the earth. I have replaced pretty much everything on that bike except the frame (at least once!) but it--and I--are still going strong!

But I might just be due for a new bike some time soon...

Spring rides

Seattle, Washington

The thing about spring rides is that you can look at the weather forecast--buy you may have to ignore it. I planned to ride this afternoon, but then I noticed there was a "wind advisory" from 12-6pm. So, a morning ride it was. I avoided the worst (but not ALL) of the wind, but then the rain hit just as I reached the top of Juanita Hill. It was still a lovely ride, but I arrived home frozen like a popsicle.

Latest "books on bikes":

• "The American Agent" by Jaqueline Winspear"
• "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett (Hollywood Theater of the Ear adaptation)
• "The Three-body Problem" by Cixin Liu

34.2 miles

Books on bikes

Seattle, Washington

Some number of months ago, I discovered that I couldn't go on riding and only listening to music. First, I discovered podcasts--I know, I know, I am always late to the party. Some of my favorites include Rough Translation, LA Theatre Works (the science-based plays are GREAT!), On the Media, the NPR Politics Podcast, and Revolutions by Mike Duncan. From the Revolutions series, I have listened to the South American revolutions series and the Haitian Revolution; the latter was particularly interesting.

At the same time I was finishing up the Haitian Revolution podcast, I decided to listen to another "book on tape"--through the Seattle Public Library's Overdrive app. I chose Isabel Allende's "The Island Beneath the Sea" which is a fictional account of the Haitian Revolution--a perfect complement to the history podcast I'd just finished. And right like that, I got hooked on listening to books on bikes. No earbuds mind you. Too dangerous. Which means that I can only listen on quieter parts of my rides. But it's been great, and I am already looking forward to lots more listening (and riding) to come!

"Books on bikes" enjoyed in the last few months:

• "The Great Influenza" by John Barry (an excellent COVID-times read!)
• "The Island Beneath the Sea" by Isabel Allende
• "Ghost Wall" by Sarah Moss
• "The Bone Clocks" by David Mitchell (wow!)
• "A Long Petal of the Sea" by Isabel Allende
• "Ghostwritten" by David Mitchell
• "Taft" by Anne Patchett
• "The Parable of the Talents" by Octavia Butler

27.3 miles

Today I saw a crossing guard

Seattle, Washington

It might not seem like a big deal, but today I saw my first school crossing guard in A YEAR. My heart, I confess, leapt at the sight. Could REAL school be around the corner somehow? Like seeing robins in early, early spring, seeing that fellow in his uniform gave me hope that this, too, shall pass.

Cannon Beach at last!

Cannon Beach, Oregon

All my life I've seen the wonderful pictures from Cannon Beach and at last I am here! The weather has not been terribly walk-friendly but we still got in some wonderful beach walks and lots of time indoors playing games and doing puzzles. A good end to a not-so-good year!