On The Trail

I was thinking about changing my subtitle on my header. I was thinking maybe it was getting a little stale. I was thinking I could come up with something more apt, more descriptive of what I was doing with this blog a year and a half down the road from first launching this effort.

Then I rode my bike to work this week.

(What I see, what I've been taught, what I've learned, what amazes me...)

I saw four deer in the middle of the road (that moved off without incident).

I saw two geese in the middle of the bike path (that did not move) (even when I rang my bike bell) (I love ringing my bike bell!). I had to weave between them like a slalom skier! Luckily they didn’t charge me…which I have learned they can…and do!

I saw ducks sound asleep next to the bike path…at 7:30 in the morning. Sleepy heads.

I saw a woodpecker fly up and land on a young tree, right next to the sidewalk, where I could easily see, and recognize it for what it was. Would have totally missed that just driving by. I don’t see many woodpeckers around these parts.

I have smelled lilacs in bloom, which they are…blooming…all over town…every bush but mine. I have also caught the fragrance of another flowering tree, but have yet to identify it by name.

I have learned to breathe through my nose. The Spring Creek Path is a wonderful ride, and also has gnats, midges, and other buggies, hovering especially where the trail passes under the cross streets. Fortunately, I ride both ways into the sun, and can usually spot the swarms. Mostly.

I saw a momma fox, with her two kits, right. On. The. Trail! In front of me! I had to slow down. They crossed over to what I believe is their den. It was very exciting!

Then I saw geese just down the path, not a quarter of a mile…yes, there are always geese, but these had four baby geesees! They were little bitty. I bet maybe two days hatched.

I have learned there is a good chance one or two might become fox food. Ahh. Nature.

And I have seen the blue heron more than once.

I have learned that I can ride when it is windy. Really windy. That I can ride a goodly distance a three, maybe four times a week, and rack up some mileage, and that isn’t too shabby for an old lady.

Mostly I have learned that I really enjoy the ride.

And all of that just amazes me.

(I am not going to be changing the subtitle.)