October 5, 2024
Last night we went to the Pizza place, by far our favorite restaurant in the Town. We've gotten to know the workers there. I'm particularly fond of Dawn. She's such a nice lady and we share an interest in bicycling. Dawn is an experienced Mountaint Bicycler, not surprising considering where she lives. She didn't tell me this directly, but I found out through friends that at one point, she was a very successful MTB competitor. Every time I see her, we talk about riding this trail or that trail. It's fun. Last night, one thing led to another, and we decided to get together this morning and ride.
I woke up to some light rain moving through the area. It's gonna end before I meet Dawn, but it's kind of chilly. Had it not been for "plans", I would have likely stayed home, but instead, I put on an extra layer and drove 5-ish miles to the meeting place. I got there a full 30 minutes early. It takes Pants a LONG time to warm up for strenuous exercise and today, it's gonna take longer. I spent a half hour repeatedly climbing a small hill next to the meeting spot trying to get some heat in my legs.
Dawn shows up on time and off we go. She led me on a nice flat warm up trail near the parking area and then we crossed the highway and started climbing. She led me on some trails that I never knew existed, with good reason. These trails were HARD!
Imagine trying to ride this shit.
Three miles into this and it was quite clear that Pants was WAY over his head. But to Dawn's credit, she took it easy on me and waited patiently. It was really fun watching her ride. Her physical fitness stood on its own. What really impressed me was how she could maneuver the bicycle effortlessly to negociate rocks, roots, trees, etc. Going uphill, she would pick her lines deliberately and when necessary, expend useful energy to get over the hump. Going downhill, I didn't see much. She'd lower her seat and then rip it down like greased lightening. I held my own good enough, I guess. At times, I conceded to just walk the bike uphill (or downhill), lest I let my pride get in the way and hurt myself.
I had a really good time.
True to her kind soul, she led us to some more familiar easier flowing stuff and held herself back enough for us to enjoy it together. That was the highlight of the ride. About 10:30, we wound up back at the parking lot and she broke off to go home and get ready for work.
I went home, had lunch, and then suggested to Tammy that we not waste the afternoon. It's warmed up a bit now (63-ish), but looking at the 10-day forecast, it doesn't appear that we will see that temperature again. So I told Tammy, if she wants to paddle one more time, today is the day.
We get to Perch Pond and it's windy. Not exactly ideal for paddling, but we made due.
We hugged the coast and slugged it upwind to the other side. Good time and place for a nap.
I hope you're having fun wherever you are!
The color in the landscape is beautiful. If it's not peak, it sure is close.
My girl likes the kayak.
We drifted quietly at one point to watch the Loon Family hunting on the Pond. This time I brought my binoculars and these are a stunningly beautiful bird. That was quite enjoyable.
After a good run around the Pond, we pulled out and stopped in Campton OTW back for a few supplies. Noteworthy was a large waterproof "tub" container (Dollar General to the rescue). Tammy's love of shopping was not surpresssed in any way this summer. More crap to tote home. Oh well - no problem, Dear.
It's getting closer to the end. We've had such an amazing summer. We are talking more about home and what the upcoming months will mean for us.
It's been indescribably fun, but we are just about ready to go.
Stay thirsty, my friends....
