CAMPING AT BIRCH BAY

With the promise of dry weather with temps in the 40s and some sun breaks, we chose to do a couple of nights camping. I had hopes of maybe getting to ride my bike on two of the days, but our initial day was taken up with driving, exploring Bellingham, and having a La Fiamma wood stove pizza lunch. We chose take-out (shocking I know) and had our lunch in the van but we do really enjoy pizza from here. 

We arrived at Birch Bay in the late afternoon so the sun was about to set and evening was approaching.

Birch Bay is a small summer resort town on … Birch Bay just northwest of Bellingham. Though it is a resort town it is not particularly touristy and at this time of year there are year round residents only. We had the usually packed state park mostly to ourselves with only a few scattered campers about.

There are black squirrels here and this is the only photo I got of one foraging in the brush.

My bike ride happened on our second day. At the very start we each and both initially thought of abandoning this idea as the cold wind and air was not very enjoyable! We started from camp and picked up at the green arrow in the photo below. 

Stopping to layer on some more clothing items (balaclava, heavier gloves, neck gaiter) we felt better and continued on toward Semiahoo. There are delightful views along the shoreline.

I can never pass by any roadside stand without stopping to take a photo. Lots of different honey here that we did not purchase 😏. 

It was a surprise to see snow in a few shaded areas and of course Susan had to “play” in it for the moment.

Along the road I spotted these wild animals that I remember seeing on other rides here at another time.

As we near our half way point and our destination, there is a bike trail along appropriately named Semiahmoo Spit. I am not quite sure why it has the name on the post.

Getting to the Marina I wondered if they would be open for a bite and hot drink this time (they weren’t the last time we were here), and that we might be able to get a hot chocolate. Yes! They were. We had our delicious and rich hot chocolate and shared sandwich at the outdoor table that would have made a boring photo! But we were seated near a special attraction.

Along the Spit Trail we were lucky to see this raptor watching us and everything around. 

Time to head back. In town I could not resist these festive mailboxes which give the flavor of the resort.

There were a few photos that I left for another trip up here — just as I had done with the “wild metal geese”. I love it here and enjoy coming for a ride and the ‘seaside’ atmosphere, so I know this is not our last trip here, and maybe we can even bring the Grandboys as we have done in the past with their cousins who now live in California.

ANOTHER NEW YEAR 2023 - ANOTHER FROSTY RIDE 😊

Say Goodbye to 2022 with a ride through the neighborhood. One of the best temperature days we have had for a while.

And the very next day meet up with our Rainbow Rider group for our annual FROSTY (First Ride Out Starting The Year) ride. It is always a delight to begin the year with these wonderful women, and though Susan and I did not stay for food, fun, and games afterward, we so enjoyed everyone on the ride.

Gearing up for the ride start, the first few are ready to roll.

Maridee was over there in the corner and I wondered why.

With a sheepish grin she admitted that she had arrived with only one shoe and was getting into one tht Kristin loaned her.

Finally we left the driveway. Beginning the ride meant a LOOOOOONG two mile uphill grind!! Very long and quite enervating. We were so relieved to reach the top where we would hook up with Kim & Meri who wisely chose to begin the ride there. Kim chose to take the walk with a few others that arrived, and Meri’s plan to ride the tandem with Kristin did not go well, so she did the walk with them. Something for everyone.

At the hill top we did our usual stopping, chatting, peeling or adding layers, and trouble shooting if there is any trouble to shoot. The before photo where everyone seems busy and focused on something…

Then I asked them to provide me a smile that I needed for one my challenge lists…

I love them all, always willing to grant me my photo ops and requests ;’-).

The Bayview Trail is a relatively new connector from the Centennial Trail to Marysville and we entered that shortly after the hilltop stop. Once at the CT we were more or less on our own to go slower, faster, longer or shorter. Most of us continued on a trailhead, and on the way I saw these guys who waved at me and said Happy New Year. Such fun guys.

At our turn around point we tried to find some spawning salmon in the creek but this turned out to be the wrong creek 😏

We got ourselves turned around to head home. On the trip back Kristin brought us to the correct creek where some of us searched for the salmon.

There were a couple of salmon spotted (one already shedding its skin and on the demise) but no photos were taken by anyone. From here it was a short distance DOOOOOWN that 2 mile hill to home. A wonderful day with possibly the best weather (45 degrees and partially sunny) we have ever had on this annual ride. Many did the indoor gathering for good food and special camaraderie and Susan and I said our good byes, good wishes for the new year, and thanks to Kristin and Kristi for hosting as usual.

OH DECEMBER!!

Little did I know that my bike ride on November 28th would be my last one for days and days and days. SNOW came — not a lot each of the three days, but FREEZING TEMPS brought ICY roads and walkways and did not allow the snow to melt for way too long. I was doomed to being housebound! 

Susan did join me on a few walking outings — on our local Library trail, to the nearby Walgreens store, around our long block.  

The doggie at this house did not like me too close to the penguins. He barked a lot at me as I continued to pass by.

And we found something to buy from Amazon ;’-). Last year we had purchased very pricey electric gloves which have not lived up to our expectations — or their hype! Those gloves keep my fingers from freezing, but not from getting quite cold. I saw these ‘pogies’ that are especially for flat handlebars which are what we have.

Neither of us have an affinity for, or much interest in Ohio State, but the pogies came in black or these red. We like the red, and thought also that they will show up better when riding. I am writing this on December 6th, and I have not yet had any opportunity to get on my bike because of that weather I just wrote about. We shall see how the pogies will work in real life. Mainly I wonder how changing my gears will work under these mitts. I will write my review when a ride can happen 🙄.

Another thing we have been able to do is harass Katmandu ;’-). 

We have had and used this cat carrying backpack for other cats we have had in our life. We put Kat into it and walked him around the house, upstairs and down and all around and he purred the entire time. This was ‘practice’ jaunt to see if we can take him for a short outdoor walk sometime. He has not been outdoors with us yet and may not like it as much when the top is zipped closed.

It had been 11 days (ELEVEN DAYS!!) since I had ridden my bike. Snow, ice, frosty fog, freezing rain each and all kept me ride-less. Yesterday — Friday 12/9) was the day 🤗. As sweet as the ride was, it was short — and cold at 36 degrees. I did get a couple more Christmas things. Snow is all gone due to the rain we have had, but the freezing temps have not climbed much.

You will note the pogies on their maiden trip this day. It was another reason for me to ride short today. I had some trepidation about using my fingers for manipulating the gears and brakes, so stayed on flat terrain and short miles. They work to keep my hands warm with thin gloves that either pull back for fingers, or gloves with those ‘tech’ tips for touch use of phone, and easy to pull out and put in your hands. Little by little I became comfortable guiding my fingers to the right place to shift gears. Next time I will try adding some climbs with the goal of becoming adept with the “other” hand shifting those gears 😉.

That was ONE day of a ride and the next morning brought cold consistent rain for the entire day. Sigh, and mornings may now bring frosty fog so I will have to keep my eye out for a safe window for riding.

I did get out for a ride the day after that rain and had to cut that short ride shorter. I didn’t mind the mist, except for having to dry my glasses constantly, but the fog drove me back sooner than I wanted. In the best visibility cyclists are often invisible to motorists — add fog and I do not feel safe on the road. This fog was thick enough for me to be satisfied with the amount of time I had already gotten to ride on this day.

Rainbow Riders had the annual Christmas Holiday gathering in the sea town of Port Townsend. Susan and I, being ever so Covid diligent (and scared), opted to not join in for the carol singing and gift exchanging in one of their hotel rooms during the last evening. We did however join the few first arrivals for a brief time on the first day at Pacific Hotel lobby for some chatting and catching up.

The Christmas village and train display was festive and beautiful..

The following morning we joined the group bike ride along the Scott trail. Weather was ok but seemed threatening as we drove from our campsite to park in town.

We pedaled the short distance through downtown to join the others

Someone who chose to not ride took our photo from their hotel window as we got ourselves organized.

And then we were off for our adventure.

A group selfie shows everyone’s delight at being together and riding bikes ;’-).

As we ended our ride on this chilly Saturday late afternoon, the rain showed up for the last couple of miles. Susan and I went home as the others stayed another night for their singing and gifts. The following day — SNOW and ice for an entire week had hit us. Fortunately those who stayed were able to miss the worst of the snow storm and all got home safely.

At home we had to be satisfied with snuggling in and staying safe and warm. We admired our neighbors’ Christmas lights.

And admired new fallen snow. And Kat was able to make his way from his main home to his secondary home (ours) through the snow. See those little paw prints.

Once inside and patted dry, he was happy to curl up in his favored spot atop arranged pillows under the incadescent lamp turned on high mode.

Then we had a week of below freezing temps (in the 20s quite often) and icy (as in sheets of ice) on roads and walkways (again). Forced indoors, I was not happy about having to skip riding for many days to come.  Of course I did not forget about bike riding.

The news media was all about frigid Western Washington with ice that disrupted traffic and public transportation. Finally as time passed and temp started to rise ever so slightly, the problem then became re-freezing in 23 degree temps. Well, we complained of course, but well equipped Buffalo NY had it a lot worse with their snowstorm which ended up taking near 30 lives.

Ok —- Now came Christmas. Jenny and family would arrive at our house after some festivity time with some family in Leavenworth. Once here, they would stay for a week with us. Leavenworth had lots of snow which afforded the boys (E & A) lots of ski and snow play time. We had retained enough snow here for Susan to take them on a couple of outings from our house.

Unfortunately, their dad had gotten Covid while in Leavenworth and felt a few symptoms as he dropped them all here and headed directly home. He had to stay away for the entire Christmas time and we face-timed with him as well as Sarah’s family for gift opening. Here at home we all tested for Covid and came up negative. (Score again).

Susan and I gave E a new bike as he has outgrown his current one. He took a short ride with his mom up to Walgreens and said it feels great and he loves it. (Score!)

Both boys are very into books, reading and stories. Before any other gifts got opened they both spent some time (on their own) with the ones they had opened.

They had a few more adventures including Susan and Jenny taking them ice skating at a local outdoor rink and out for lunch. Games and reading filled the remainder of their stay before their dad, now clear of Covid, came to pick them up and load their “takes” for the drive home. 

It is now just a few short days before this year ends and we will mostly have rain for the remainder. Though we have had a few wrinkles for the holidays, we feel joy and thankfulness for all that we have and for family and friends. I wish everyone the same. See you next year.

SNOW IN NOVEMBER…

“They” had told us we would be having a cold winter this year. And sure enough, before the end of November we had our first snowstorm for the season. 

Fortunately I was smart enough to take advantage of some unseasonably warm and sunny days before the snowstorm. We did have some frosty days and big windstorms and once that mostly settled down, bicycling was in the works and I was able to rope three of my friends in for a ride.

The Parks Department had done a fantastic job of clearing up some big downed trees and a lot of debris along the Centennial Trail.

Frost — not snow yet!

Many big trees were blown down in the heavy winds we had experienced.

My friends are always so good about stopping for when I “need” a photo. Here Connie and Kim wait patiently.

The weather was beautiful enough on this day that we ate our purchased picnic lunch at the beach at Lake Stevens before riding on to finish our delightful day. 

Kim, Connie and Meri — my intrepid bike companions on this cold but glorious sun shiny day.

As the month progressed the weather was good for another couple of days and I was able to at least get out for a few more  rides before being sidelined by the snow.

The one photo that stood out for me this week is one that I think most or all of us can relate to. Good for you Mr. Tom Turkey!

Though we had been invited to Jenny & Laurent’s for Thanksgiving, Susan and I opted to have a quiet dinner for just the two of us. We would be having quality time with Jenny and family during Christmas week. 

Dinner for two…

Accompaniment served on a plate made and given to us by all five Grands.

After dinner we took a chilly walk along our Library Trail and were glad we did that as the weather would soon change 

And just like that … this happened only a only a couple of days later.

Since then — we have basically been grounded and have taken only a few walks as the ice and black ice covers much of the roads and walkways. Hopefully December will lighten up a bit and let me get on my bike! I am happy to have ridden for my teaneuring challenge during the early part of November, but need more riding days now ;’-).