(To learn about this challenge, see my post for October 2014)
Number 1
- Thursday, October 8, 2015
- Village Center near home in Mukilteo (Tea without walls)
- 18 miles total (rode some loops from my front door)
- Brought my green Sencha tea from home
Teaneuring got me out and on my bike for a nice ride in my neighborhood. It was cloudy but not cold yet, so I enjoyed a cool ride in the mid-morning. My place of choice is very bike friendly as there are tables and chairs set out in the square for just such an activitiy as tea/coffeeneuring.
Having recently returned from a bike tour in New Mexico (on the weekend that this challenege began) I had concerns that I might not get a tea ride in and would in essence miss the challenge. But Mary, the coordinator for this challenge, has made it "easy" for us by allowing two trips in a week. That meant I could get in today's ride and make up one in a future week. Last year I did two every week for a total of 14 trips and loved each one. I doubt I will have time to do that again this year as I am off to Michigan for biking and visiting with Vickie and Gerry for ten days. But may at least get more than the seven required ;'-)
Number 2
- Saturday, October 10, 2015
- Elementary School Garden (Tea without walls)
- 7.5 miles
- Brought Kukicha tea (also known as stick tea) this time
Weather was calling for a lot of rain, heavy clouds and big wind. Looking out my early morning window showed some blue in the sky and a sun. I quickly got out on my bike for a morning tea stop at the local elementary school garden.
I have visited this garden several times a year since I first saw it being constructed by the Boy Scouts as a community project. The school classes take good care of the garden and apparently art is part of the curriculum carried over for creative hands and minds. It seems there is always something new added each year. First the variety of vegetable plants, then the hand decorated used CDs (wind break or decoration), then the scarecrow, and this year painted rocks.
I got to chat briefly with two separate women walking their dogs. It's always a treat to meet someone on my outings. Just as I had put away my camera and was draining the last drops of my tea --- a rain drop was falling on my head. The sky had darkened and the wind had picked up as a light rain began in earnest. I headed home.
Number 3