tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56077036916744777472024-03-08T17:09:52.395-05:002Wheel MusingsRandom thoughts of a cyclistBonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-25645410146189419142009-06-28T22:09:00.000-04:002009-07-27T22:39:10.346-04:00Rain in a lean-to<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Thursday, June 25th</span><br /><br />Thursday morning we reserved a lean-to in Baxter State Park. We set up the wet tent inside the lean-to and hooked the dripping tarp to the top of the structure with the other end tied to the pick nick table with a bungie cored. Then we headed out to hike hoping everything would dry out by that evening.<br /><br /><br />In the morning we headed up the Little Niagara trail. The weather was perfect all day. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5f2vRSQTI/AAAAAAAAAfE/z3vinbFnMTY/s1600-h/DSCN0767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5f2vRSQTI/AAAAAAAAAfE/z3vinbFnMTY/s320/DSCN0767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363329600251380018" border="0" /></a><br />I could spend ages at this park, and never grow tired of it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gArvfZRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/fGQreUoqgUE/s1600-h/DSCN0774.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gArvfZRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/fGQreUoqgUE/s320/DSCN0774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363329771103020306" border="0" /></a><br />Canoe's were only a dollar an hour, so we spent some peaceful time gliding across one of the many lakes the park has to offer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gPDVlYQI/AAAAAAAAAfU/feC8PkK_9EU/s1600-h/DSCN0785.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gPDVlYQI/AAAAAAAAAfU/feC8PkK_9EU/s320/DSCN0785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363330017954980098" border="0" /></a>After getting back to camp we took another trail nearby up to Katahdin Stream Falls. Rain fell as we started up the trail, but once in while the sun would stream through some of the trees on the the vibrant greens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5fs0NKH_I/AAAAAAAAAe8/v1aJLGY0cRA/s1600-h/IMG_0681.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5fs0NKH_I/AAAAAAAAAe8/v1aJLGY0cRA/s320/IMG_0681.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363329429777555442" border="0" /></a><br />Even though it did rain most of the night it stopped by morning. We had a nice pancake breakfast at the picnic table, packed up our dry gear and headed to New Hampshire.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gWhKOkVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/a3-x7nW29hY/s1600-h/DSCN0792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5gWhKOkVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/a3-x7nW29hY/s320/DSCN0792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363330146219495762" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-52402183376774076282009-06-27T08:42:00.009-04:002009-07-27T22:09:22.093-04:00Moose encounters<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, June 24th</span></span><br /><div><br />Wednesday we arrived in Millinocket and checked into the Econo lodge. It was a great place to wash a few soggy clothes and dry out some of our gear.<br /><br />In the morning we rode our bike from Millinocket up to Baxter State Park. The ride was great with nice rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Our original plan was to spend one day in Baxter State Park, then head to the White Mountains in NH. After talking to the park ranger however we decided there were too many things we wanted to check out in this park so we decided to give it another two days.<br /><br />Wednesday evening we drove back up to the park and hiked up South Turner Mountain. On our way into the woods we stopped at Grassy Lake Pond. Trin noticed that the "huge rock" in the middle of the pond seemed to be moving. We watched for quite some time before a Moose head poped up out of the water and stood there chewing. We were amazed at how long she could hold her breath in search of food on the bottom of the pond.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5cHGS6lKI/AAAAAAAAAec/bM_8aHZ1ZOI/s1600-h/Main+121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5cHGS6lKI/AAAAAAAAAec/bM_8aHZ1ZOI/s320/Main+121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363325483263628450" border="0" /></a><br />We circled the other side of the pond and followed a narrow trail onto a large rock in the pond. Once on the rock we heard loud splashed right over the ledge. A big bull Moose appeared, circled the rock and stood right next the the narrow path we had just crossed. For the longest time he stood starring at our only path back to land. We pondered the wisdom of walking two feet in front a very large wild animal. Eventually we decided to go. First I went a little closer and asked, "do you mind if we walk in front of you" I wanted to make sure he knew we were there so that he would not be starled. Then without looking at him we walked in nonchalantly accross the path in front of him. Once in the woods I did have to pause and turn around to snap this picture. =)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5Za5F66fI/AAAAAAAAAeU/nQ4yLs8HNfo/s1600-h/Main+106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5Za5F66fI/AAAAAAAAAeU/nQ4yLs8HNfo/s320/Main+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363322524781963762" border="0" /></a><br />The hike up South Turner Mountain was worth every step. I could sit all day and just stare at views like this.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5cuOQULpI/AAAAAAAAAek/9kulz5OOkcU/s1600-h/Main+067.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5cuOQULpI/AAAAAAAAAek/9kulz5OOkcU/s320/Main+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326155415105170" border="0" /></a><br />Clouds just rolled by as we gazed at the mountains. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5c0BhU6aI/AAAAAAAAAes/Iyqwp9tld-4/s1600-h/Main+047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5c0BhU6aI/AAAAAAAAAes/Iyqwp9tld-4/s320/Main+047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363326255076010402" border="0" /></a><br />Eventually, we did have to head back down.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5doF3wO6I/AAAAAAAAAe0/QK1VhoKcJvk/s1600-h/Main+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sm5doF3wO6I/AAAAAAAAAe0/QK1VhoKcJvk/s320/Main+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363327149597014946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-82265232999866434172009-06-27T08:27:00.005-04:002009-06-30T22:14:12.940-04:00Acadia Rain<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Tuesday, June 23rd</span><br /><br />Today we checked out of our campground in Acadia and headed our car up to Baxter State Park.<br /><br />Acadia was beautiful! My favorite scenic bike ride was the Schoodic loop. It's a short ride, but has a nice view of the beach almost the entire way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYRZY7nkWI/AAAAAAAAAdM/uyqv8ssllio/s1600-h/DSCN0703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYRZY7nkWI/AAAAAAAAAdM/uyqv8ssllio/s320/DSCN0703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351984335063322978" border="0" /></a><br />The short hike up Beehive mountain was worth every step / crawl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYTWMT1LYI/AAAAAAAAAdU/utD8rEqQ128/s1600-h/DSCN0722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYTWMT1LYI/AAAAAAAAAdU/utD8rEqQ128/s320/DSCN0722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351986479158865282" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-47279627379790268112009-06-27T07:35:00.008-04:002009-06-30T22:21:06.748-04:00Acadia Natl Park<span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sunday, June 21st</span></span><br /><br />We made it to our Blackwoods camp site very late Saturday night in pouring rain. When we shut off the car lights it was pitch black, perfect - how a night in the woods should be. We shuffled around in the car getting our gear ready for a mad dash to set up the tent and jumped inside.<br /><br />Crawling out of the tent in the moring I was greeted by this beautiful view!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYFOhU9LMI/AAAAAAAAAcc/XGVJwxSmhmg/s1600-h/Main+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351970954198985922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYFOhU9LMI/AAAAAAAAAcc/XGVJwxSmhmg/s320/Main+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The rain had tapered off by morning so we made pancakes on the camp stove and geared up for a scenic ride through the park.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYNKQQ-jbI/AAAAAAAAAc8/MXhMYMG3tzM/s1600-h/DSCN0659.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351979676992441778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYNKQQ-jbI/AAAAAAAAAc8/MXhMYMG3tzM/s320/DSCN0659.JPG" border="0" /></a>We had one misshap with a flat tire, aggravated by the fact that the brand new pump from Dicks Sporting Goods did not work at all! Thankfully we were only six miles into the ride so I rode back for the car. We headed into town to get a new pump - the one from Wal-Mart works great! We stopped for lunch at Maine Luau Seafood and BBQ - excellent food!! Excellent service!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYN_2oyw-I/AAAAAAAAAdE/vtNQ1apN2ps/s1600-h/DSCN0764.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351980597825946594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYN_2oyw-I/AAAAAAAAAdE/vtNQ1apN2ps/s320/DSCN0764.JPG" border="0" /></a>With the tire fixed and the car back at the camp site we started the loop again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYIXiHGHqI/AAAAAAAAAcs/VFS-_qxpJVM/s1600-h/Main+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351974407562993314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYIXiHGHqI/AAAAAAAAAcs/VFS-_qxpJVM/s320/Main+036.jpg" border="0" /></a>The park loop from Black woods up to Bar Harbor and back was a nice relaxing ride. Pedaled away all the thoughts of work.<br /><br />Along the way we detoured on some of the carriage roads. Moss covered everything in the woods, the green was vibrant in the rain. <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYHAtkDDaI/AAAAAAAAAck/HGKGLWZP4h0/s1600-h/DSCN0673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351972915988598178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYHAtkDDaI/AAAAAAAAAck/HGKGLWZP4h0/s320/DSCN0673.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">We detoured up Cadillac Mountain. I love the nice smooth roads in this park. Although the rain cuts down on the view it also cuts down on the traffic. =)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYJs49pDII/AAAAAAAAAc0/7T2JACytZBY/s1600-h/DSCN0686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351975873986235522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYJs49pDII/AAAAAAAAAc0/7T2JACytZBY/s320/DSCN0686.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Tonight we shall sleep well to the sound of pattering rain.</p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-76491677448872118872009-06-27T07:20:00.003-04:002009-06-27T08:26:43.595-04:00NH Sea Coast<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, June 20th</span></span> (just catching up on this blog)<br />Finally on vacation!!! Maybe a day late since both of us ended up working another 12 hrs more than anticipated. Normally I start packing a week or two ahead of time. For this trip I started Friday night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYCDF8QmkI/AAAAAAAAAcU/31Dy4-RkRzI/s1600-h/DSCN0652.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYCDF8QmkI/AAAAAAAAAcU/31Dy4-RkRzI/s320/DSCN0652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351967459334199874" border="0" /></a>Saturday we stopped at the New Hampshire Sea Coast and did a 30 mile loop on our bikes with beautiful views of the sea. It was a good break before heading on to Maine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYBoSmobtI/AAAAAAAAAcM/cutVyAhHEK8/s1600-h/Main+168.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SkYBoSmobtI/AAAAAAAAAcM/cutVyAhHEK8/s320/Main+168.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351966998876679890" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-52241998559241918382009-05-11T23:25:00.004-04:002009-06-30T22:50:09.336-04:00Farnsworth Ghost TourThe Farnsworth House in the middle of town stands as a bullet-strewn monument of the carnage that took place decades past. Standing right up against the red brick wall you can see the chips and cracks where the bullets left their mark. The tiny window way up close to the roof was a sniper's nest. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sgjs8a9hqQI/AAAAAAAAAU0/AFaLyfpnhpQ/s1600-h/DSCN0600.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334774281394039042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sgjs8a9hqQI/AAAAAAAAAU0/AFaLyfpnhpQ/s320/DSCN0600.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nowadays, the structure hosts visitors and diners. The cellar is decorated as a portrayal of a funeral, wherein a session of ghost storytelling is conducted by an able host. We attended the 11PM "adult" session. The age restriction allows nothing more than cuss words to fly out freely from the storytellers mouth as he recounted incidents of the supposedly supernatural, which mostly happened during previous sessions. They were probably just that, stories. Entertaining and not too far-fetched to be scoffed at, and well delivered by our storyteller that night. <br />The second half involved a walk through the woods, with a different storyteller. This second storyteller is garbed in a civil-war era messenger looking costume. Like the first storyteller, most of his stories were about incidents in previous sessions. The question in our minds the whole time was, before they accumulated all this stories about previous sessions, what stories did they tell? We kept this question to ourselves, out of courtesy. I got the impression that he was new to the job, not yet as comfortable or adept in his delivery as the first storyteller.<br />Still the other attendees seemed all too willing to believe. One young woman showed the storyteller a picture that she took with her digital camera. It showed some white globs that to us looked like reflections from the wet grass. The storyteller was all too willing to make a story out of it, claiming that it must be some ethereal energy. He is a storyteller after all.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-74912191107396843192009-05-06T09:47:00.020-04:002009-05-08T00:10:48.261-04:00Short & SweetOur fourth and final day on the C&O Trail. We made this a short day, only 22 miles, so that we could start heading home before lunch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOu-4dqn5I/AAAAAAAAAUU/ll6Ohhn_hi0/s1600-h/DSCN0465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOu-4dqn5I/AAAAAAAAAUU/ll6Ohhn_hi0/s400/DSCN0465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333298779068735378" border="0" /></a>Our favorite part of the trip was a detour that took us through the local countryside, beautiful area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOt7cpX0oI/AAAAAAAAAUM/feftB8miLrc/s1600-h/DSCN0458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOt7cpX0oI/AAAAAAAAAUM/feftB8miLrc/s400/DSCN0458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333297620550406786" border="0" /></a>In total we rode 196 milesBonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-45211277453254634632009-05-06T09:47:00.017-04:002009-05-07T23:52:31.997-04:00The day of the ice creamDay 3 on the C&O trail was hot. We stopped a few times to douse ourselves with cold water from the water pumps along the trail. Late in the afternoon we came upon Barons store and bought some ice cream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOpPOMwyVI/AAAAAAAAAUE/nm8VMLAKLKE/s1600-h/DSCN0504.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOpPOMwyVI/AAAAAAAAAUE/nm8VMLAKLKE/s400/DSCN0504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333292462711556434" border="0" /></a><br />Soon after the ice cream we reached our hiker-biker camp for the evening completing 54 miles for the day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOW20kkTxI/AAAAAAAAAT0/GlNKWBe1kI4/s1600-h/DSCN0508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOW20kkTxI/AAAAAAAAAT0/GlNKWBe1kI4/s400/DSCN0508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333272252305919762" border="0" /></a>The tarp over our tent has been perfect. Our tent is very old, but small and light. The tarp is also very light, but has kept us, our bikes and gear dry through a number of rain storms.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOXTmxQguI/AAAAAAAAAT8/yrZwPQTBXv8/s1600-h/DSCN0515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgOXTmxQguI/AAAAAAAAAT8/yrZwPQTBXv8/s400/DSCN0515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333272746817258210" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-33218274149555532712009-05-06T09:47:00.010-04:002009-05-06T23:14:24.640-04:00Crowded & HotDuring our first evening on the C&O trail we were awakened by the a troop! We heard footsteps, laughter and the sound of voices happily chattering. As the sounds drew closer to our camp flashlights began to illuminate the area around us, soon finding our tent. Then we began to hear loud "SSSHHHHH" sounds. After everyone in this approaching group had a chance to hiss this sound through their teeth the peace of night could be heard again and we drifted off to sleep.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJIVlJrEMI/AAAAAAAAATU/AAy5TBSaZME/s1600-h/DSCN0472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJIVlJrEMI/AAAAAAAAATU/AAy5TBSaZME/s400/DSCN0472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332904444347224258" border="0" /></a>When we awoke and crawled out of our tent were were surprised by the "town" that was at our doorstep. A boy scout troop had hiked their way in.<br /><br />We packed up and rode to the next H/B site then pulled out our stove and made pancakes for breakfast.<br /><br />Mid morning we ran into a battalion of walkers. Suddenly the trail dissapeared and there was only a sea of people ahead. It crossed our minds to go back, but decided it could not last too long. We yelled "On the left!" as we approached. It was repeated like dominos up the trail and the left hand side of the trail began to appear. We slowly pedaled past the walkers and the woods soon became quiet again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOBHKb9LI/AAAAAAAAATc/uuRjIuQPMf4/s1600-h/DSCN0491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOBHKb9LI/AAAAAAAAATc/uuRjIuQPMf4/s400/DSCN0491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332910689769747634" border="0" /></a>We pedaled 62 miles before making camp the second night. There was plenty of time to relax, enjoy the breeze, listen to the birds, read a book, or just stare up into the trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOVFXVF7I/AAAAAAAAATs/Dpi76Co05So/s1600-h/DSCN0487.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOVFXVF7I/AAAAAAAAATs/Dpi76Co05So/s400/DSCN0487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332911032884336562" border="0" /></a><br />Just after we set up our tent and crawled inside it began to rain. The wind grew very stong and then thunder cracked. We looked at each other excitedly. Thunder storms from a tent are awesome! After the first thunder crack however the rain stopped, the wind died down and the sky spoke no longer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOLbMZorI/AAAAAAAAATk/lWiWyvTKsy8/s1600-h/DSCN0488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgJOLbMZorI/AAAAAAAAATk/lWiWyvTKsy8/s400/DSCN0488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332910866945385138" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-3560012651954610862009-05-06T09:42:00.012-04:002009-05-06T22:01:21.620-04:00Long & FlatFor our first tour of 2009 we decided to take an easy flat trail. We began Friday morning and headed out with our loaded bikes onto the C&O Canal Trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI7G9YQXXI/AAAAAAAAASk/dchFaEd1_WQ/s1600-h/The+Start.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI7G9YQXXI/AAAAAAAAASk/dchFaEd1_WQ/s400/The+Start.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332889899501641074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8I81VuWI/AAAAAAAAAS8/DymGWI_3Sps/s1600-h/DSCN0476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8I81VuWI/AAAAAAAAAS8/DymGWI_3Sps/s200/DSCN0476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332891033226557794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8AiNHocI/AAAAAAAAAS0/q09YhAuS4k4/s1600-h/DSCN0454.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8AiNHocI/AAAAAAAAAS0/q09YhAuS4k4/s200/DSCN0454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332890888639586754" border="0" /></a><br />A light rain shower started a few miles down the trail. Soon after we put on our rain coats it stopped and the weather was nice the rest of the tour. Many sections of the trail were lined with flowers.<br /><br /><br /><br />Along the way we passed many of the old locks from the canal system.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8aupHlII/AAAAAAAAATE/8MM_K30Q4xY/s1600-h/DSCN0492.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI8aupHlII/AAAAAAAAATE/8MM_K30Q4xY/s320/DSCN0492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332891338654848130" border="0" /></a>By the end of the first day we had ridden 58 miles. A day without spreadsheets, phone calls or IM's. Lately we have been spending 10-14 hours at work each day. Although the trail was long and flat, the leisurely pedaling was a nice relaxing break from work. We stopped at this free hiker-biker campsite for the night. All of the hiker-biker sites along this trail have a water pump and porta-john<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI9oM4jQzI/AAAAAAAAATM/43MCIG_vWEA/s1600-h/DSCN0475.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SgI9oM4jQzI/AAAAAAAAATM/43MCIG_vWEA/s400/DSCN0475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332892669622567730" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-61621487304366381922009-04-22T23:36:00.003-04:002009-04-22T23:52:15.862-04:00Packing the PannierThe panniers are finally packed for our first bike tour of 2009. Tomorrow evening we are headed down to Maryland to bike the C&O Canal trail. We will be parking at the visitor center in Williamsport then biking down to Washington DC and back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Se_lhfFLtNI/AAAAAAAAASM/CIUobDv3Ha0/s1600-h/New+Pannier.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 96px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Se_lhfFLtNI/AAAAAAAAASM/CIUobDv3Ha0/s400/New+Pannier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327729247644267730" border="0" /></a><br />Since I so often Google for lists of things to pack - just to make sure I didn't forget something I decided to post my packing list. The following list has been printed and packed for the trip. This should make the job of finding what we need much easier.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Se_ly5Je4BI/AAAAAAAAASU/3kLQBP-DYyw/s1600-h/new+pannier+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 177px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Se_ly5Je4BI/AAAAAAAAASU/3kLQBP-DYyw/s400/new+pannier+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327729546699399186" border="0" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-68545575357015870962009-03-14T23:41:00.003-04:002009-03-15T00:00:57.533-04:00FitnioThe iPhone has a number of fitness applications. Many are free so I've been giving them a shot. Today before my ride I opened Fitnio and clicked on the bike. Two simple clicks. It then began tracking my mileage and calories. I thought this was pretty cool.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sbx8wUh7JzI/AAAAAAAAASE/dlYAMjDJQ-I/s1600-h/untitled2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sbx8wUh7JzI/AAAAAAAAASE/dlYAMjDJQ-I/s400/untitled2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313258829976905522" border="0" /></a>When I got home I was pleased to see it was accurate. Then it suggested that I log onto the web site associated with it. Sure, why not. It gave me a map of my ride along with stats for each mile and elevation! More data to play with!!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-2178885072659103922009-03-12T21:08:00.005-04:002009-03-12T21:35:10.215-04:00Who is watching?This blog was started our of curiosity for blogging, then it became a good way to keep track of our bike tours. Eventually it morphed into a great way for my sister and I to keep up communication.<br /><br />Eventually I added Sitemeter to observe traffic and see how many countries I could get to hit my site, just for kicks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sbm3Me0hsmI/AAAAAAAAAR8/MN3QLvcV8PI/s1600-h/eyes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/Sbm3Me0hsmI/AAAAAAAAAR8/MN3QLvcV8PI/s400/eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312478660519899746" border="0" /></a>Now I'm very curious, someone recently has been reading this blog that I work with. I don't know who. Sitemeter shows they are on the network for the company I work for. I wonder if they will leave a comment? =)Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-77112815778859088532009-03-10T22:40:00.004-04:002009-03-10T22:50:58.669-04:00I feel like Benjamin ButtonToday was my birthday and I had a wonderful day!<br /><br />Pre-20's I dreaded birthdays. In my 20's I was indifferent to them. When I turned 30 they were OK and every year since they have gotten better.<br /><br />When I walked into work this morning my cube was decorated with balloons and a banner. Then I got a talking card. The Charlie Brown teacher was telling me something important - I didn't catch it. Then another co-worker brought in cupcakes and my friends sang a lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday". After work my husband took me to dinner and then to Pet Palace to pick up a gift.<br /><br />A perfect day! Who could ask for more? =)Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-1921131950852674592009-03-08T18:18:00.007-04:002009-03-08T18:57:57.347-04:00Mud, Snow, and IceThe 2009 biking season has begun!!<br /><br />Saturday March 7th warmed up to 59º! We threw the bikes on the back on the car and drove to Tobyhanna State Park for our first ride of the season. The trail started with deep snow but cleared up after the first hill.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRLFlcGocI/AAAAAAAAARM/oFQIy7FUwb0/s1600-h/IMG_0353.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRLFlcGocI/AAAAAAAAARM/oFQIy7FUwb0/s320/IMG_0353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310952419898073538" border="0" /></a><br />The rest of the trail was a mix of mud and ice patches. This was my first ride on ice since the "<a href="http://2wheelmusings.blogspot.com/2008/07/wyoming-yellowstone.html">mishap</a>" last summer so I was excited to ride through most of the patches without incident.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRMcfGgrdI/AAAAAAAAARU/RuZ744SddLw/s1600-h/IMG_0354.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRMcfGgrdI/AAAAAAAAARU/RuZ744SddLw/s200/IMG_0354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310953912845512146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRMv_PGt6I/AAAAAAAAARc/-jj2cMPd-T4/s1600-h/IMG_0355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbRMv_PGt6I/AAAAAAAAARc/-jj2cMPd-T4/s200/IMG_0355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954247889008546" border="0" /></a><br />This year we have a number of long weekends planned and hope to get in quite a few tours.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-75820632979700553062008-12-16T18:59:00.008-05:002009-03-10T23:50:49.870-04:00OBXDecember in the Outer Banks is great. Most businesses are closed for the season because no one is around. This is great for bikers, very little traffic on the road and great hotel prices!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSRHsMho-I/AAAAAAAAARk/FPRoaSha858/s1600-h/IMGP2459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSRHsMho-I/AAAAAAAAARk/FPRoaSha858/s400/IMGP2459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311029421885465570" border="0" /></a><br />The ride from Nags Head up to Corolla and back was very quiet and relaxing.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSSsBPWt_I/AAAAAAAAARs/jgkrpchOtyI/s1600-h/IMGP2473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSSsBPWt_I/AAAAAAAAARs/jgkrpchOtyI/s200/IMGP2473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311031145521395698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSS7Gs_pbI/AAAAAAAAAR0/GN5v8YgJBFM/s1600-h/IMGP2486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SbSS7Gs_pbI/AAAAAAAAAR0/GN5v8YgJBFM/s200/IMGP2486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311031404685927858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Next we rode down to Hatteras and took the free ferry to Ocracoke. It was a long beautiful beach ride.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Warning!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Never tie a scarf around your handlebars. It might get caught in the front wheel and your face would end up looking like this! Doesn't look too bad, but it hurt for quite some time. =) I face planted within the first 5 miles of our ride, but had to finish the 68 miles we scheduled for that day. I caught up on <a href="http://arcticglass.blogspot.com/">Jill's</a> blog last night and was pumped for a long ride!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This was our final ride for 2008. We finished with 2,276 miles! What a fun year!<br /></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-42174393168009215692008-10-28T12:03:00.005-04:002008-10-28T12:10:16.658-04:00The Weight of SnowTrin got up many times throughout the night to the sound of footsteps all around the house. The sound of slamming doors was disconcerting, for him anyway, I slept through most of it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc5SXMPJ_I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/Tuh0L3dfsL8/s1600-h/10-28-08+b+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc5SXMPJ_I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/Tuh0L3dfsL8/s320/10-28-08+b+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262237677231482866" border="0" /></a>We woke up to six inches of white – our first snow fall of the year. The trees are crying from the weight of heavy wet clinging snow. They are relieved only by the occasional breeze that releases the weighted white coating. It hits the ground sounding like running heavy weights.<br /><br />I stood on our back porch listening to the thunder of trees breaking followed by the waterfall of snow pounding the ground leaving a cloud of white mist to settle.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc4FVnHy3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/0rlTpYfAH_I/s1600-h/10-28-08+b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc4FVnHy3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/0rlTpYfAH_I/s200/10-28-08+b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262236353957448562" border="0" /></a>A tree in the back yard was doing a back bend over the house. Trin donned a helmet and planned his attack. He used a log to hit the lower trunk of the tree, giving it enough vibration to loosen some of the snow. Each ram brought the tree up about an inch. It is now upright; I think it will make it through this storm.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc4g2xRIWI/AAAAAAAAAQs/yCHGuAK3B0c/s1600-h/10-28-08+d+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SQc4g2xRIWI/AAAAAAAAAQs/yCHGuAK3B0c/s320/10-28-08+d+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262236826714841442" border="0" /></a>The road is closed, so we can not drive to work and our internet connection is not working so we can not work from home. Vacation day! Trin can enjoy his new heated toilet seat - he just installed it last night. And I’ll finish my book! Every hour or so we check out the latest crash to see what tree nearly missed our house. So far huge branches have fallen on every side; some have shaken the house, but no major damage yet. More firewood for the winter! =)Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-57401942139394001502008-09-21T23:15:00.008-04:002008-09-21T23:39:35.376-04:00Finger Lake Tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcO7NHWFEI/AAAAAAAAAPI/WWCSs7aGQAQ/s1600-h/IMGP2260.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcO7NHWFEI/AAAAAAAAAPI/WWCSs7aGQAQ/s320/IMGP2260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248680301019141186" border="0" /></a><br />I hope he doesn’t point right I thought as we climbed the hill at mile 69. The right turn looked like a steep hill. Trin and I parked yesterday morning near Watkins Glen. He carried the cue sheet and navigated. I followed along and enjoyed the scenery as we rode up along the east side of Seneca Lake to camp at the top in Waterloo. It was a gorgeous day with beautiful views the entire way.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcTVwA7TnI/AAAAAAAAAPg/gF8YX1ROrR8/s1600-h/Route.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcTVwA7TnI/AAAAAAAAAPg/gF8YX1ROrR8/s200/Route.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248685155110571634" border="0" /></a>We started this morning with a nice pancake breakfast donned our jackets and headed for the west side of Seneca Lake down to the Keuka Outlet trail. The Keuka outlet trail is a beautiful single track along the outlet connecting Kauka Lake to Seneca Lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcOOPh_8cI/AAAAAAAAAO4/eDTBXvrwJWo/s1600-h/IMGP2258.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcOOPh_8cI/AAAAAAAAAO4/eDTBXvrwJWo/s320/IMGP2258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248679528573694402" border="0" /></a><br />Keauka Lake is shaped like a snake’s tongue. When we reached it we followed the bluff (the land mass between the fork) along the lakeside. There was very little traffic, the trees provided shade, and the view of the lake was prominent. At the bottom of the bluff – where the lake forks we encountered our first large climb of the day. In a little over half a mile we gained 200 ft elevation. The benefit was a gradual coast almost the entire way back out of the bluff to the top of the West fork.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcPPaLnwRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/AQsNd-yIt1c/s1600-h/IMGP2253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcPPaLnwRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/AQsNd-yIt1c/s200/IMGP2253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248680648124121362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next we turned south again to follow the outer west side of the lake down to Hammondsport. It was at Hammondsport when we cut east back to Watkins glen that we encountered our largest hills of the ride. Yes, he signaled right. The first hill at the tip of Kauka bluff looked small in comparison. Each time I though<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcPkFAe9_I/AAAAAAAAAPY/By3SfFpLrrw/s1600-h/IMGP2251.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcPkFAe9_I/AAAAAAAAAPY/By3SfFpLrrw/s200/IMGP2251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248681003217516530" border="0" /></a>t we were almost to the top it was just a turn in the road, a turn that took us higher, 500 feet higher in one and a half miles. The view was beautiful from the top. The next 17 miles would take us up and down in elevation. At mile 80 the road again seemed to stretch to heaven, our legs felt like they were in hell and our pace had slowed to the point where a snail could fly by. We stopped at the top out of exhaustion. We both drank all our water and ate the rest of our food as we gazed at the sunset reflecting off the lakes way off in a distance down on the valley floor. We still had six miles to go and it was getting dark. If the hills continued like this it could be very dark by the time we reached our car.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcOjZJLVZI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0VcMqQCqvNk/s1600-h/IMGP2244.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SNcOjZJLVZI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0VcMqQCqvNk/s320/IMGP2244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248679891931190674" border="0" /></a>We hopped back on our bikes feeling refreshed. The rest of the hills didn’t seem so bad. The last three and half miles were all descent. The wind was cold as we coasted between 30 and 40 mph, but we reached Watkins Glen just after dusk. The once totaled maxima gleamed under the Wal-Mart parking light – what a beautiful sight.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-13751816283395059702008-09-12T22:48:00.010-04:002008-09-12T23:20:32.826-04:00Cake on a bike blog? I need a goal!Trin and I reached our summer biking goal and haven't ridden since. Instead I've been working 14 hr days and spending time on other hobbies like this baby shower cake.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SMsqeo1T6yI/AAAAAAAAANI/T5br5Qgdz_U/s1600-h/cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SMsqeo1T6yI/AAAAAAAAANI/T5br5Qgdz_U/s320/cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245332896848538402" border="0" /></a>We decided today that we needed another goal to give us that extra ump to get us out the door doing something. A number of times we got out and rode just because we needed to rack up some miles. Almost every time, once we were on the road we loved it. It turned out to be a great summer.<br /><br />A few of us at the lunch table decided we would have a walking/ running contest. Whoever books the most mileage by the end of each month wins. This should help get me off my butt since I love competition.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-10808311910392613232008-09-08T19:42:00.013-04:002008-09-08T22:50:35.446-04:00Steroid Happy!My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rotator</span> cuff has been bothering me since the mishap on <a href="http://2wheelmusings.blogspot.com/2008/07/wyoming-yellowstone.html">Mt Washburn</a>. So today my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doctor</span> gave my shoulder a steroid shot. I've never had any type of steroid before. I wasn't aware of any of the side effects (except big muscles). <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SMXD0B0wSUI/AAAAAAAAAMg/_ZmP8BlMGmU/s1600-h/Lowes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SMXD0B0wSUI/AAAAAAAAAMg/_ZmP8BlMGmU/s200/Lowes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243812639753128258" border="0" /></a><br />I got back to work and just started smiling. I wanted to skip - and on a Monday! Since normally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Monday's</span> are just so so I found this odd. So I googled "steroid happy" and found that steroid users are often happy while using.<br /><br />I hope to not need another shot for a very long time - never would be fine with me, but I might as well enjoy this one.<br /><br />These are the things that crossed my mind on the way back to work, my favorite things.<ul><li>A good <a href="http://2wheelmusings.blogspot.com/2008/08/downhill-tuck.html">downhill tuck</a></li><li>Trinity singing in the shower</li><li>Starting down a technical hill scared <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">shitless</span>, realizing I could make it halfway down, and whooping at the end if I'm still on the bike with no injuries</li><li>Exploring nature on a bike far from civilization</li><li>Finding a way to cut the time of a process in half<br /></li><li>Drinking with my friends<br /></li><li>Finding new features in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Excel</span> - actually anything in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Excel</span></li><li>New cool widgets get me excited</li><li>Talking to my sister</li><li>Saturday mornings</li><li>Seeing new places</li></ul>Oh so many more things. Next Monday when I have a normal humdrum Monday I'll read this again. Maybe it will bring the smile back.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-69145676590288836062008-08-30T17:59:00.008-04:002008-09-08T22:49:46.161-04:00We reached our BHAG!!!<p class="MsoNormal">Last year we decided to set a goal to ride a century (100 miles in one day) by Aug 2007. We set up a training schedule to get us ready, stuck to it, and did it! In total we biked 1,000 miles for that summer. This year we decided to set a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) of doubling last year’s mileage.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLnrkyIyXJI/AAAAAAAAALw/cqpUKs7AlX8/s320/Reaching+the+Goal+8-30-09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240478658588728466" border="0" /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLnrkyIyXJI/AAAAAAAAALw/cqpUKs7AlX8/s1600-h/Reaching+the+Goal+8-30-09.JPG"></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We started this three day weekend only 65 miles short of our summer goal and hoped to finish before going back to work on Tuesday.<br /><br />This morning it rained and thunder showers were forecasted intermittently through out the day. When the sky cleared around Noon we decided to get at least 15 miles in. The weather held out and on mile 30 Trin looked at me and said, ”Want to make it a metric century and finish our goal today?" All I could think at the time was that I was hungry, but I did want to finish. We stopped at a nearby convenient store to get some food. I got a turkey sandwich, which for some reason I have been craving all year, and continued our ride. We climbed a few hills, got in a number of great downhill tucks - up to 50mph today, and completed our miles!<br /><br />Tonight we CELEBRATE riding 2,000 miles for the summer of 2008!!</p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-75732635638242985942008-08-22T11:12:00.009-04:002008-09-08T22:49:18.654-04:00Finishing our Ride around Lake Champlain<span><span><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKtQtbFpFgI/AAAAAAAAAIA/jwVds6mrP_I/s1600-h/IMGP2169.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 5:</span></a></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal">By early Tuesday morning our one man pup tent was sagging very close to us.<span style=""> </span>Movement was a coordinated effort as it was, even more so now.<span style=""> </span>Puddles had also collected along the sides of the tent, but did not soak the sleeping bag (yes, to save on weight on the bike we just brought one).<span style=""> </span>The downpour started as soon as we got into the tent the night before and rain continued till morning, but we stayed dry.<span style=""> </span>In the morning as soon as we heard the rain taper off we quickly took everything into the campgrounds laundromat so we would have room to roll up the sleeping bag, tent, and tarp, and get packed up and ready for a rainy day.<span style=""> </span>Providence/Luck (I don’t know which to say these days) was with us, not another drop of rain fell during our ride.<span style=""> </span>The trip turned out to be perfect, we had the excitement of a thunderstorm in a tent, while staying dry and not having to ride through a bit of rain the entire trip.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLCt1RMjhiI/AAAAAAAAAJk/R-yBnqCk5d0/s1600-h/IMGP2170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLCt1RMjhiI/AAAAAAAAAJk/R-yBnqCk5d0/s320/IMGP2170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237877497292621346" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our five day route ended on mile 244.<br /></p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-43405325152505999962008-08-22T11:11:00.007-04:002008-09-08T22:48:42.917-04:00City Ride<span><span><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKtQtbFpFgI/AAAAAAAAAIA/jwVds6mrP_I/s1600-h/IMGP2169.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 4:</span></a></span></span></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Monday morning we headed out of Adult Camp through Burlington toward <a href="http://www.shelburnecamping.com/">Shelburne camp</a>.<span style=""> </span>Burlington had some nice bike paths through town making travel through the city a bit more enjoyable and a lot safer.<span style=""> </span>I could tell we were in a city by the demeanor of the other cyclists.<span style=""> </span>Normally all cyclist wave, smile or nod to each other.<span style=""> </span>On the city trails they all ignore each other, just like pedestrians in New York City.<span style=""> </span>I guess I understand, after all it would be exhausting to acknowledge everyone you passed on the street in NY City. This is why I would rather be on back roads or in the woods any day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLARnrhst8I/AAAAAAAAAJY/boaJOLS3koo/s1600-h/IMGP2200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SLARnrhst8I/AAAAAAAAAJY/boaJOLS3koo/s320/IMGP2200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237705740028524482" border="0" /></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Monday was hot as soon as we checked into the camp we rode our bikes out to the deserted pool and jumped it.<span style=""> </span>It felt so good.<span style=""> </span>I love to bike, and I love to swim, this is a perfect day.<span style=""> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The wind had been blowing hard all day; we thought it might be blowing in a storm.<span style=""> </span>Soon after we were in our tent a huge thunderstorm ensued along with a torrential downpour.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully we had a tarp over the bikes and tent, but torrential rain on a tarp is very loud. The rain continued all night.<span style=""> </span></p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-78898962234206734102008-08-21T22:31:00.010-04:002008-09-08T22:48:12.683-04:00Peace by the Lake<span><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKtQtbFpFgI/AAAAAAAAAIA/jwVds6mrP_I/s1600-h/IMGP2169.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 3:</span></a></span></span><br />Sunday morning, we headed out early.<span style=""> </span>Our neighbor on the left, evidently noticing our bikes for the first time watched us pack up and seemed intrigued.<span style=""> </span>He never said anything but seemed to enjoy watching, maybe remembering trips he had taken when he was young.<span style=""> </span>To our right a boy emerged from a camper with his dog.<span style=""> </span>He proceeded across the road to the lake looking for his raft.<span style=""> </span>When he didn’t find it he proceeded to throw a fit, screaming at the world flaying his arms. His neglected dog then ran out into the road and nearly got hit, when the car slowed down the boy ran across the road as well.<span style=""> </span>Trin said “Prime Time television.” The boy then called his dog stupid, Trin whispered, “nope, its not the dog”<span style=""> </span>We looked at the neighbor to the left and we all rolled our eyes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4wIXupvhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/xu_wYGbzVZ4/s1600-h/IMGP2181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4wIXupvhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/xu_wYGbzVZ4/s320/IMGP2181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237176337045241362" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today our destination was <a href="http://www.champlainresort.com/">Champlain Adult Campground</a>.<span style=""> </span>When Trin first told me he booked a night at Adult camp I was a little concerned and asked what we would be expected to do there.<span style=""> </span>I soon found out that “Adult camp” meant a camp ground only for Adults, no kids (no flailing kids) allowed.<span style=""> </span>This would make a great mid-way stop, and hopefully a great night of sleep with little noise.<span style=""> </span>Don’t get me wrong I like kids, and like this morning they can be very entertaining, but this would be a night off.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4u0PCDYrI/AAAAAAAAAJA/pYCNFL_bXlA/s1600-h/IMGP2196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4u0PCDYrI/AAAAAAAAAJA/pYCNFL_bXlA/s320/IMGP2196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237174891601683122" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday was supposed to be the shortest ride of our trip.<span style=""> </span>After getting our camp site we decided to head out to the local store to get food for our next few meals.<span style=""> </span>The friendly Frenchman who owned the camp directed us to a store “1 mile down the road.”<span style=""> </span>Five miles later we found it, so we still ended up riding 50 miles just like the past two days.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4vBlA7vmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/D0vEZHh4sBA/s1600-h/IMGP2198.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SK4vBlA7vmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/D0vEZHh4sBA/s320/IMGP2198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237175120840867426" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The camp site was perfect, secluded and right next to the lake.<span style=""> </span>We set up camp and went for a nice long swim in Lake Champlain.<span style=""> </span>Our tent rested at the crest of a rock cliff and high winds drove the waves hard all night.<span style=""> So much for "quiet", but we </span>really enjoyed the site; it was a great chance to relax.</p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607703691674477747.post-2027248988247630082008-08-20T23:04:00.006-04:002008-09-08T22:47:38.929-04:00We eat Spam, not dog<span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKtQtbFpFgI/AAAAAAAAAIA/jwVds6mrP_I/s1600-h/IMGP2169.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2:</span></a></span><br />Saturday morning after loading up the bikes again we hung our laundry from the bungee cords that were securing our tent and sleeping bag hoping they would air dry during the day.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately they did come out a little musty smelling from the bit of rain Friday night, but at least they didn’t smell like skunk!<span style=""> </span>We continued up the New York side of Lake Champlain crossing the Rt 2 bridge over to Vermont just before the Canadian border.<span style=""> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKzdP3GRfsI/AAAAAAAAAI4/iPw6HwLdOrw/s1600-h/IMGP2186.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKzdP3GRfsI/AAAAAAAAAI4/iPw6HwLdOrw/s400/IMGP2186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236803731283082946" border="0" /></a>Saturday evening we stayed at <a href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Goose_Point_Va/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73500">Goose Point Camp ground.</a><span style=""> </span>I was concerned when we pedaled in as all the tents in the camp ground seemed to be very close together.<span style=""> </span>When we got to our lot we found it might not be that bad.<span style=""> </span>There was a nice weeping willows overhead that hopefully would shield our laundry that evening from the dew. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stopped at the store to see what we could get for dinner. <span style=""> </span>The woman running the store had a group of visitor sitting around at the entrance making it very difficult to get to the actual isles and their kids were running all over screaming – not just making noise, but actually coming close to splitting the ear drums.<span style=""> </span>When we found a few items we had to interrupt to purchase them.<span style=""> </span>If there were any other stores in the vicinity they would not have gotten our business.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKzc-4PrTHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/MvJOcks-pYs/s1600-h/IMGP2187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y4BALeRpzYE/SKzc-4PrTHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/MvJOcks-pYs/s320/IMGP2187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236803439533182066" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With no stove (we had decided to keep our load as light as possible,) we ended up with spam, after getting frustrated with the peal back lid doubling as a spoon we decided to use our fingers.<span style=""> </span>With the close quarters we could hear the entire conversation of our neighbors that seemingly recently came out of a box.<span style=""> </span>One of the kids had been reading a book during their time at this camp and was amazed at things she was finding out.<span style=""> </span>The statements like “did you know Filipinos eat dogs?!” kept intruding our slumber.<span style=""> </span>Trin of course was raised in the Philippines, and he has never eaten dog.</p>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750264894358084622noreply@blogger.com3