.

puzzle pieces

Sunday, July 24, 2011

cycling scenes

I just had an entire day to myself.
And you know what? 
I had no idea what to do with it.
Maybe I just had too many choices...but I ended up settling with a 50km bike ride.
(Laundry could wait. And still is.)

Tired of the same route, I decided to be adventurous 
(pfft! as much as I dare to be....)
and take a new road.
AND...
I decided to not let my bike pace dictate today.
I wanted  to enjoy the sights.....and  remind myself  why it is  I like it here.

(note: pictures are of not-so-great cell phone camera quality.)




Road stretched out before me.
And although it may look monotonous,
I took part in a Dragonfly Dodge AND 
a Porcupine Pedestrian crossing!
(Kicking myself for not being quicker on the camera draw for a capture of the porcupine. 
Those things can Speed Waddle!)

And remember this post?
Well at the risk of making my area look like "Party Central"....
I found the same truck- moved several miles another direction. 
This time it even sported a flashing light on its top, 
blinking even during the daylight hours.

I captured old Squashed buildings:

And a barn that was for sale:

I also cycled past ditches full of the result of the never-ending rain we have been receiving.

(Sorry southern friends. I WISH I could funnel it down to you!)

It was 51.6 km of a beautiful route which I could have continued on,
if I hadn't heard the call of a cold cider calling my name from home.
(Ahhh...human nature can be so fickle.)


Now...
I believe it's the Laundry calling.

35 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Wow I would so love to be the little bell on the front of your bike. The one with the funny ring like when we were kids. I think biking would be the best way to see these beautiful views. 51 K wow girl you inspire me. B

Leontien said...

Ohh you don't need to sent all that rain south! Just sent it here!!!

Glad you had a great day!
Leontien

Debbie said...

i could almost feel the wind blowing through my hair....you choose the perfect path!!!

Jack said...

It looks like a great day. A day snoozing in a hammock would also have been great.

Rambling said...

Good luck with the laundry. I wonder how much they are asking for the barn ... I have a notion to convert a barn into a house ...

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You had a fun ride. Pleeeze send the rain our way in the South:) as we are so dry!

Deb said...

enjoyed the ride.....so glad you shared.....darn laundry is always calling...

darlin said...

What a fantastic way to take some time out for yourself. I find the same thing sometimes... free time and I don't know what to do with myself. Not too often though. You captured some interesting sights, I like the "speed waddle" of the porcupines... now that'd be quite the sight to see.

I don't think that there's an end to laundry when you have a family or a spouse, it just keeps on coming and coming and it's patient, it won't go anywhere at all.

Have fun with your Sunday night laundry and I hope you have a clothesline and can hang your sheets, the smell is one of the best in my world in my opinion.

TexWisGirl said...

you're an amazing woman, dear dawn. looks like a great ride tho and a way to both clear the head and fill it all over again. i think i'd have to go look at that barn for sale!

Michelle said...

Oh dear....I think I want that barn!

Randy said...

What a great ride. So happy you decided on the ride. I love the photos.

Reena said...

That was such a fun bike ride and the barn ... well, I may need to come there and get my own pics!!!

Farm Girl said...

It looks like a lovely ride. I loved all you saw and boy I would love to own that big ole red barn that is just beautiful.

Ransick said...

Great pics and wonderful ride! The open road/trail is so soothing (if the wind isn't too bad). Almost makes me feel as alive as triathlons but without the stress.

Jimmy said...

Nice pics Dawn, would have been cool to catch the Porcupine speed waddling too Ha Ha

Sometimes laundry just has to wait.

Elizabeth Grimes said...

I would keep the laundry waiting, but not sure if I could venture a 50K bike ride! :) Great pictures, and a great day! :)

Hilary said...

Those darn calls. So rude of them to interrupt this fine ride. I enjoyed it!

Liesl said...

Ahh bliss Dawn! That looks like so much fun,not safe around here to do this on your own,at least one cyclist gets ridden over by taxi drivers here every month! And then you think hmm,get a dirt rode bike for those much needed solitary moments and then you are warned about the hippos all around...also not safe....Urghh!! Anyway,my washing is screaming for attention by now!

Peter said...

Beautiful open country - and deep blue skies. Keep on rollin'

Allison said...

Oh how fun! Even I would bike 50k in your town... flat as a pancake. I would LOVE that. Thanks for taking me along!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous long road - and that squashed building is a beauty.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I hope you feel totally rejuvenated after a day to yourself! What beautiful scenery :-)

Samantha said...

Gorgeous scenery!
I love the Party Truck..I actually thought of you/the truck as we passed a local sign for an *everyone invited* party a few days ago.

Out on the prairie said...

This is how I am starting my day all week.I just heard of a team triatholon where four people ride, run and swim, but the kicker is eating also.

Clint said...

Good for you! What a great trip!

Robin said...

Love it!

Lynette Jacobs said...

Stunning scenery...don't you ever get tired...I just look at your recordings on Daily Mile and feel tired.

xx

Bev said...

Oh I would love some blue sky...but we have had rain and cool and clouds... whin whin whin..poor me ?? hehe

Brandy Marie said...

Ahh. Nice bike ride adventure :) Reminds me of home & the country road I grew up on. Thanks for the trip. I loved the squashed house and the big red barn. I WISH you could send some rain! That would be lovely. We have heat, humidity & t-storms but no rain. Hope you have great rest of the week and the laundry isn't calling too loudly ;) It can be insufferable at times. _B

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

My legs and bum hurt just thinking about all those miles. LOL! What a wonderful ride it must have been. Laundry can always wait.

Melissa Jo said...

What a perfect way to spend a 'day to yourself'! I need one of those!

mountain mama said...

great shots, i enjoyed the adventure with you. funny about the porcupine.

Lowell said...

51.6km? Yikes! That's a lot of miles. You are amazing! And I loved your travelogue and photos - you can do that again, anytime. Maybe you ought to do a Traveling Alberta blog?

Alan said...

Cider, eh? Good to know you have a vice after all. I can picture you now, check shirt, threadbare cap, chewed up straw in the side of your cheek, crumpled can of cider by your side. ..:-)

Unknown said...

And the best part...no snow. We never thought we'd see this, it was iffy!

: )