SEPTEMBER 2020: THE WILDFIRE SMOKE LIFTS!!! AND A NEW CHALLENGE ;’-)

I can ride! I can ride!

THE CHALLENGE: Pick a number; take that many rides during the year; post a bike photo for each of those rides.

Being late in the year, having just recently rediscovered this challenge, and having been off my bike for over a week with poor AQ due to wildfire smoke, I have set my goal at 15 rides for this year. I plan to finish out 2-3 weeks and then post the rides I did for that month. I will be riding more than 15 rides through the remainder of the year, but 15 will be the number I will post for this challenge. I may end up posting more than 15, but feel that is a very doable goal for now.

RIDES/PHOTOS #1-5

1/15 SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

I ride this same route a lot, but there will be lots of different things to take a photo of each time I ride it. Today is my second ride in twelve days. That for someone who rides almost every day of the week! Our wildfire smoke finally lifted and this was the first day the AQ is healthy for outdoor activity. 

I rode to Cindy’s house as we had some “goods” to exchange: jigsaw puzzles, baked bread, chocolate covered almonds, and steak & peppers dinner!!!! I started my ride from home in a mist that cleared up within about 10 minutes. After some (distanced) chatting time with Cindy on her front porch, I started home in mist. This mist never did stop, and in fact became light rain that stayed with me the whole way home. I had brought a rain jacket with me ‘just in case’ but I didn’t mind the rain as it was not cold, and ..... I was on my bike!! I don’t need no stinkin’ rain jacket 😏😊. Welcome rain to clear out even more from our air.

“Flying High Espresso” with the giant tea cup (maybe that’s coffee cup) on its roof has always intrigued me. This was a good time to get a photo as no one was in the drive through or in the parking lot, I had no time constraint so could make a photo stop, and the rain had abated for a moment. The kiosk is located just at the outskirts of the Paine Field Airport, thus the name and logo on the cup.

2/15 SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

A while ago I posted something about meeting Shawna driving her Grandpa’s old car with the big white wall tires. I had done that loop many times, but now I have named it the “Shawna Loop” and added a couple of short roads to it. This would be my route today.

I started in mist again, at 8:45 this morning so to get home in time for the Storm game scheduled for noon. Turned out that the game got cancelled because there were ‘inconclusive’ Covid test results for a few players. We can only hope that all turns out well, and we know that cancelling today’s game until more information is available, is the right thing to do. (After note — all clear and everyone is fine on the Storm team.)

Back to the misty morning. Today’s mist lasted longer than it had yesterday, and it was a bit colder, I suppose due to the overnight rain. I did stop to put on my ‘portable’ rain jacket this time and that warmed me up right away. Within about 45 minutes there was no trace of rain, but the clouds stayed where they were even though the sun tried its best to part them. Filtered sun followed me home, but never really parted the clouds until well into the afternoon.

This old truck has been sitting in this spot for as long as I have been riding around. It is another item that was begging me to take a photo. So, today I did.

3/15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

Today was a ride with Cindy out in the countryside — Schwartzmiller Road. A ride we have done a few times, but it has been a long time since the last time ;’-). There is only one small area that presents some challenge, and that fortunately is short. On the return trip we must turn onto what at times can be a busy road with fast moving traffic, with —— no shoulder. And impatient drivers. It really does not feel safe if there is a group of us riding, which there has been in the past. With just the two of us we figured we could easily walk on the roadside, clear of traffic, if need be. On today’s ride — there was not one car driving on it while we rode. YES!

It was a treat to be riding in the country side. First along the trail where we see these asses all the time ;’-). Today they needed a photo.

It is always fun to show someone something they have not seen or noticed before. This historic marker is a teensy bit off the trail that we all do all the time, but Cindy had not ever noticed it. I have known about it long enough to know that the old, deteriorating sign has been renewed. Thank you Troop 43. You can read a lot about the railroad here...

https://www.historylink.org/file/8404?fbclid=IwAR24FitmFuBgKN3feJDZcw090pLycYy_xPMpA9PY32JnkcYsa87xTkQPKPM

Once out in the country we enjoyed these views.

This guy kept looking from me to Cindy and back and forth kind of wondering what we were doing or going to be doing.

I don’t know what this sign really means, but found it interesting.

View of the farm in the valley.

It was cloudy again, and colder than we had expected as the forecast was for some sun and a high of 71. It never got to either of those, but did warm up a bit by the time we got to our picnic lunch spot of Machias Station. The beginning and the ending of our route was along the Centennial Trail. As this is a Rails to Trails.

Wikipedia says...

The trail is built on the old Burlington-Northern railroad line. Development of the trail began in 1989 during the state's centennial, hence the name, Centennial Trail.

The trailhead and rest stop in the town of Machias is a replica of the Machias Station railroad depot built in the late 1890s which served the rail line which today is the Centennial Trail. The Machias Trailhead facility is available for rent. Contact park reservations at 425-388-6600 for details.

More than 400,000 citizens utilize the trail each year as a recreational trail and non-motorized commuter corridor. This 30-mile linear park has become one of the most valued and well-used assets in our 10,800-acre system.

It is for rent, but now sits empty for what I think has been years. My experience over the many years I have ridden this trail is that it has been a coffee shop, a gift shop, and a bicycle article shop (no bikes). With so many users of the trail, I don’t understand why something has not been successful.

We ate our lunch at the picnic tables that were devoid of any other picnickers, had a wonderful visit and chat before we were soon on our bikes for the return trip. We did make one stop at the bike shop, conveniently located at the side of the trail, for Cindy to purchase a new bike lock. The day was a little chilly and we did not get any of the promised sun, but had a great time together and a wonderful ride. 

My photo for the day.

4/15 SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

I don’t plan on counting my errands by bike in this challenge, but today’s was different. Susan and I rode to Lynnwood to get our flu shots at Kaiser Permanente which made for a longer ride than a ‘usual’ errand ride. 

This day would, by forecast, be our last dry day until after the weekend (this was Tuesday), so I was very determined that I would ride somewhere, and was glad that Susan wanted to ride with me for our shots.

Near home, Susan took the most direct route via the highway and I added a few more miles with one more errand stop to make our deposit at the bank. I love going to the bank by bike, and have been doing it for so long that the tellers at the drive through know me. I need not show ID anymore, I put the check in the drawer, and they wish me a safe ride and have a great day ;’-). Feels almost as if I live in a small village ;’-). I know I am the only one who banks by bike, so they have little reason to not know me. ;’-)

I was not sure if I could find a photo for this day, but then we passed by this.

5/15 SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

After four days of rain, it has finally given way to a dry day today, with promise for a beautiful sunny week ahead with temps in the mid to high 70s. My early morning ride this day started out on the cold side and I was glad I chose to layer more than I have been recently. It soon warmed up at least a little, but here was the low lying fog that blanketed the bay/sound between me and Whidbey Island.

There was frost lingering on the golf course.

I rode my ETAL (Every Turn And Loop) ride on this day and found there are a few people beginning to put out their Halloween decorations. I loop into and around every cul de sac, through a few industrial lots, and down some dead ends which gives me a nice number of miles over flat to rolling terrain. This being Sunday, and it being so early in the day, there was little to no traffic, and only a few people out in their yard or walking their dog. A most delightful time of day.

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Here is what it looks like to do Every Turn And Loop on my ride.

Rather than make this a much longer post, and as the challenge does not nhave parameters of a month at a time, I will post these five of fifteen and add on as the year progresses. The number of photos I post will depend on the month and on the rides I take. So, let the challenge begin — or in this case, continue.

FIRST STEPS INTO SEPTEMBER 2020

Oh boy!

Pandemic, Social unrest with riots, election catastrophe, and NOW Wildfires and Smoke.

The fires burn all around us in the west, and we here in Seattle have huge smoke ‘bombs’ surrounding us from our own fires in eastern Washington, as well as from California and Oregon. Air Quaity is currently (as of yesterday 9/11) in the “unhealthy” range. Everyone, not only those with compromised health and breathing, is warned to stay indoors to stay healthy. With AQI being at 250 yesterday, and only dropping to 195 this morning, we are to expect that the numbers will GRADUALLY drop over the weekend. We are also to expect some rain in the next few days, and we all are so looking forward to the return of our beloved rain. 

Before the smoke took us over, I did get in a few of my daily rides.

They have now become (for me and Cindy anyway) “The Stump People”. Those nearby residents who make a different display on their front yard stump help me welcome September with some fall color. The display is changed with each holiday, the season, or a month. I love making this one of my ‘destination’ rides in my neighborhood.

Up through the very beginning of this month we have had delicious weather. Just look at the gull atop the church steeple with the deep blue sky as its backdrop. Steeple needs some loving care and a coat of paint. 

Sun shines through the arched foot bridge, making shadows welcome.

On my weekly ride with Cindy we got into some “country side” to enjoy the sunshine weather, and make another stop at that flower stand we have seen before.

Proud Grandparents live here...

...and they have some ferocious watchdogs...

Can’t be in the country without at least some cows. This one posed for me.

The flower garden where Cindy loves to purchase some flowers.

We ate our packed lunch at the gazebo again. This was the final good ridng day for September (so far).

After a day of “moderate” Air Quality, it improved just enough for me to get in at least a short ride around home. 

Bill thinks I would have worried him as being a Martian landed from outer space; Susan thinks I look like a Storm Trooper; I can’t tell if I am dressed for a bike ride or for combat!

After that ride the air quality has done nothing but get worse. My bike, being my coping mechanism these days, has been set aside for maybe a week (hopefully not more) as we stay safe against the hazardous air by sheltering in our home. Need to find another coping mechanism. 

Here is a photo from the newspaper of what Seattle looks like now...

AUGUST 2020 WRAP UP

Before August becomes too far into history, there are some photos that did not make it into the blog that I will post now. 

This first one is from one of our RV trips and the last day when I rode solo before packing up the campsite. We were in some beautiful place somewhere north of us, and I rode with no traffic — not one car — on this gorgeous flat road. That does not happen very often, and I was delighted.

On one of the rides I do with Cindy we explored what was a new route for me and passed through Holly Farm. This route is a definite keeper and goes on our list of rides we never tire of, and will do again.

It is such a delight when people put out displays that entertain us ;’-).



On a couple of my solo rides I found a few things of interest as well. There was this little library type box set up for your animals as you walked through the neighborhood. Inside the box was a bowl of doggie treats free to take. It was during our hot spell when I saw this, and then I noticed several homes had bowls of water set out at the end of their driveway. Very thoughtful for our furry friends.

During this pandemic when we all cannot roam far from home, some people offer us a bit of activity. The chalk is there for anyone to use, but at the time I did not have my kickstand so no way to park my bike, so I did not add anything. Nice thought though.

I often ride through the Boeing plant and airport, and pass by this little lake. From what I understand, it is named Boeing Lake. Looks more like a lily pond, and you cannot always easily see it if the brush is in full bloom.

That brings me to another water photo. This at Serene Lake where I often stop for a mid ride snack. Can you spot something wrong?

A warning sign to let you know that a duck and her chicks could be crossing the road to the lake. We take our animals and wildlife seriously here.

There are a lot of beautiful and well kept homes in our area. There are a few places that do not meet that criteria. I love old buildings even if they do appear dilapidated. This one does meet that criteria ;’-).

I think that about does if for August. We now head into September and fall, and some early, disturbing wildfires across our state as well as many other western states. That’s a story for next month.

I will close August with this cartoonish looking bear from one of the campgrounds we stayed in. Maybe a smile there.

INDIANOLA WA FOR JENNY’S BIRTHDAY

#8 WITHIN OUR 100 MILE RADIUS

OK, so I am a bit late in posting this adventure. Somehow I lost the oom pah pah to write and post, but now have regained some momentum. It probably helps that we are now sheltering in place due to unhealthy air quality. Yes, now we have the smoke from fires in eastern Washington being blown into the western part of the state (us) by strong winds. Strong enough to be called a “windstorm”. All this means that I am not out on my bike for 2-4 days!!! Not sure how I will survive this. More likely, not sure how Susan will.

Jenny’s birthday is August 31st, and their 3 year old son Andre has his on September 3rd. We drove and ferried to their home on the Kitsap Peninsula and spent the night of Jenny’s birthday in our RV at the top of their driveway. Note our daisies by the rock. 

We were sure to bring our bikes along as we knew there would be a family ride or two. First one was on Jenny’s birthday around their neighborhood.

Susan, Etienne, Andre, Jenny (and me behind the camera) all wearing our mask. I am so impressed by these young boys who had no whining and no complaining about wearing a mask. They ‘get it’, and have obviously been taught by their smart and caring parents all about keeping others (us for this weekend) safe. When they were not near someone and could be without the mask, they had it with them ready for when anyone was near. Nice job boys (and parents).

Andre needed a break to do a little work along the way.

I wandered around the blocks for a few photo ops.

Soon it was time to return to the house where we would spend time together on the waterside deck, have our outdoor picnic and and celebrate for Jenny.

We would not be here on Eteinne’s birthday but we did bring his gift. Andre was sure to help him open it.

I missed getting a photo of dinner, but here is the dessert picture. Laurent made the fruit topped pastry, Susan made the applesauce cake. They were both wonderful and I enjoyed a lot of them ;’-). HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNY!

We would depart for home the next day, but first a morning ride through the local golf course on the White Horse Trail. Laurent drove boys and bikes to the ride start a bit more than a mile from home, we other three rode our bikes to meet them.

Etienne rides his pedal bike...

 

...but gets a try at riding in the WEE HOO. On this ride Andre will be a passenger in the WEE HOO with ability to help Susan pedal up the many hills,

It takes a bit to get this group going, but we make it.

Susan reported that Andre giggled and laughed almost the entire ride, and once going down a hill and around a curve with some speed, he said “I LIKE this adventure”.

We managed to find a spot for our lunch.

We each and all enjoyed this sunny day of adventure and all five of us rode our bikes the entire way home. No dad needed for pick up this time as we would be on a flatter road going home.

As Susan and I were loading our bikes and gear into the van, Andre, the 3 year old, asked if we were leaving. I responded that we were not quite leaving but just packing up stuff for now. Then I asked if he wanted us to leave. He, somewhat quietly said “I want to keep you”. How about that to melt your heart!