MAY RIDES & PHOTOS #85-90

#85 MAY 4, 2021

Cindy has a commitment tomorrow (the 5th), so got creative and led four of us around on a fine chilly ride for “Quattro (we have learned it would be ‘cuatro’, but oh well) de Mayo”.  Among others places, we stopped at Martha Lake and for a little rest and chat.

 We had a great Mexican lunch stop at El Paraiso at the end of our ride. 

Susan reminds us that today is “Startrek Day” — so let the fourth be with you ;’-)

#86 May 5, 2021

A little solo ride just because I could. Once again I thought maybe I was a little overdressed as the forecast said 70 degrees today. Somewhere maybe, but not anyplace I was riding. Temp was at 50 when I left home and the sun was yet to come out. Though it warmed to 60 by the end of my ride, whatever sun we could claim was filtered through the high clouds covering the sky.

Only one photo for today…

#87 May 10, 2021

Our California Grands are here, and since our loose plans to bike at Anacortes fell through, I stole some time to bimble around our neighborhood while they and Grandma did some other things: a meeting that Lucy had online; a visit to the library; a hike on the Library Trail. My ride took me by this photo waiting to happen, even though it seems a bit out of focus ;’-(.

Continuing on, I took a loop to see what is new at The Stump. And sure enough there was a new display.

It is all about Home Sweet Home…

I just love that these homeowners keep bringing joy with their displays, and changing them just about every month.

#88 May 15, 2021

I had to leave the family (at Jenny’s in Indianola) early on this day due to a dental emergency. Susan and the California Grands stayed at Jenny’s visiting the Washington Grands for the remainder of their time here in Washington. I was disappointed to not finish their week long trip here and not accompany them for the return to their parents, but that just was how it would have to be.

Susan drove me to the ferry and I biked home for an afternoon dentist appointment I was able to schedule.

We love our ducks around here 😊.

#89 May 19, 2021

I had a couple of days of very short rides, and a few days of no ride at all. Today would be a bit longer ride with a few stops for photos along the way. I am reminded of how a few days of not riding serves me well. My legs were not tired and overall energy for this ride was great.

Not long ago, by meandering down an unknown neighborhood road, I discovered this little connector trail that I now use at times on this route.

I was intrigued with this structure and was disappointed to not be able to walk through it as it is a private little trail to somewhere.

It might lead to a house or part of their yard I suppose./

#90 May 22, 2021

I arrived early for Cindy’s ride start and took time to bimble around Conway antiques and took a few photos for the day. These structures and items are more — much more — than old antiques!

At our lunch stop at the Fish and Wildlife refuge, there was a bunny hopping along… I couln’t not take its photo!

It was cold and cloudy right up until we got back to our vehicles where the sun shone! It was a great day no matter the weather.

MAY: RIDE AND PHOTOS #83 & 84

#83 May 1, 2021

After riding every day of the month of April it was difficult to stop all of a sudden! So I roamed around on an easy ride, starting out in some mist and cold temps. I really thought I would miss any rain.

This was the best thing I saw on today’s ride. Imagine the time and generosity to do this...

All sizes available, and you can come back if you need more or this one breaks or something happens to it.

Moving along I was treated to some good color from the blooming flowers. 

The rain did actually come, but at least waited until I was about 15 minutes from home. Big cold drops hit me but it was not a consistently heavy rain. Of course once home — the sun came out. 

#84 May 3, 2021

Years ago (15-18?) Susan and I rode on the unpaved Spruce Railroad Trail and I ended up crying half way through it! Not only unpaved, but single track around big mountains with sheer cliff drop offs. I swore that if I lived through the experience, I would never ride that trail again. I have held that promise — until this day. 

Campsite was basic but had a good view of the lake.

I don’t know what Susan is thinking here as we stop for the photo of the sign. You might note that we are quite bundled against some rather cold temps. I was (once again) happy that Susan comes so prepared (that I make fun of her about bringing EVERYTHING) and could loan me her long underwear (she had extra) for the ride ;’-).

Susan’s sister and brother-in-law had recently ridden on the trail and reported to Susan that it is PAVED and a lovely ride. So, off we went to scout it out for a potential outing for the Grands when they are here next week. It is a short and lovely ride at 8 miles round trip, and we extended it to 18 by starting at our campsite on an unpaved road. Not a bad road fortunately.

The scenery with Lake Crescent as our guide, is oh so nice…bridges and tunnels and places to stop for a photo or rest.

This tunnel is through one of the mountains that had single track that I ended up, those years ago, walking my bike around with fear of falling over the sheer cliff.  Now there are two tunnels, one long and dark requiring a head lamp to see your way through.

We of course enjoyed our one day and night adventure, but the vote is out as to whether this will make a good outing for the Grands. We will see what other options we come up with and put this one as a (slight) potential.

**Postscript: We saw these as we drove toward home and were still on the Olympic Peninsula. There were four of them in someone’s field. Biggest pigs/hogs either of us have ever seen.