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!