seafoam

It has struck me lately how much more familiar I am with the area where we live since we took up cycling. I've driven these roads in the car for years, but now I know where there's a beautiful, hidden rock formation on a nearby creek. I know where there is a patch of Johnny-jump-ups and another of kitten ears. I know which dogs look up disinterestedly as you go by and which will take out after you (like the Australian cattle dog that was interested in my ankles for breakfast yesterday morning!).

I did my first bike commute to work yesterday, leaving in the dark. Those 16 miles on back roads were almost magical! Got to say hi to a bunch of kids waiting for buses, saw a field full of white horses with a low mist hanging over, smelled the wood fires from several houses, and arrived at work with a lot more energy than usual. Just wonderful. Just need to invest in some leg warmers...