219: That first hill was a doozy

(Yesterday’s sunset.)

M and I finally got to take our new bikes out for a spin.  We woke up to clear skies, sunshine, and a mild breeze.  Perfect.  It was a little cool (around 50), but after going up the first hill I was thankful for the cooler temperature.  That hill was quite a doozy, followed by some smaller hills.  I had already anticipated the big hills.  The small hills, not too noticeable when I’m walking, are much more evident when I’m pedaling up them.

Sunset clouds with lens flare (lens flare added in Photoshop)

We didn’t go out for too long.  The grand total in mileage was 3.5 miles.  Time-wise, only 27 minutes.  It was a good start.  I was surprised by how tired my legs felt when we finished.  I should probably start using the elliptical on rainy days.  I think it will help strengthen my legs for cycling.  I’ve been using the treadmill and walking outdoors while the elliptical has collected dust (and been used as a drying rack for some of the clean laundry when I can’t hang it outside).

Fruit tree blossoms

I did not take the camera along on this first trip.  I need to get used to cycling again.  It’s been a while.  I did purchase a bag for my camera that will be attached to the handle bars.  When I upgrade to a DSLR sometime in the future, I’ll probably get a rack and padded bag for the back of the bike.  In the meantime, the current arrangement should work quite well.

Apple blossom opening to the sun

The first fruit tree blossom is an unknown to me.  We were given some fruit trees a while back and neither M nor I remember which is which.  Could be a plum.  Or an apricot.  Or something else.  I think this is the first time we’ve seen it blossom.

Big Red Ball plays hide and seek

I took a hike around the pond right after we returned from our bike ride.  It was so nice to feel the sun that I stayed out longer than planned.  I reminded myself several times that I have a ton of work to do.  I followed that up with a reminder that it’s going to start raining again tonight and there is rain in the forecast here for the next 10 days.  Best to enjoy the sunshine while I can.

I came across these two visitors at the pond on my walk.  At first I thought they were killdeers but upon closer inspection, I’m not so sure.  The markings don’t seem right.  The closest I can come from looking at photos at All About Birds is the Pectoral Sandpiper.  The region is right and the call sounded about right.

Shaggy lawn

M mowed the lawn for the first time this season.  I think we’re the only folks on this road (or within miles) that haven’t already mowed.  One of our neighbors has mowed three times already.  He’s one of those guys who mows about every other day whether it needs it or not.

Well, that’s about it from the Bogs for today.  I want to go out for another spin on the bike before the rain moves in later this evening.  I hope your Saturday was a good one.  🙂

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