Pine Moon

Our natural satellite hangs near the branches of a pine.

Morning Coffee with the Silver Fox

This wonderful chap was made by one of the students at the University of Shanghai. The stitches are so tiny and neat and the eyes are beautifully embroidered.There is no mistaking who is meant to be!








It has been a grey, rainy day but that didn't bother Jonny and I. We took a trip to Louth and ran a few errands, before enjoying a very nice pot of coffee in one of the many little tea rooms.





Time to get that hair cut! The little doll is sporting a much better style.

Weekend away

It's about time I updated this page to represent last weekend's ride of discovery. That came on Sunday, with a trip to the Bellthorpe range, west of Caboolture. Prior to that there was a small matter of a 50km ride to Wynnum and back on Saturday morning. It was largely unremarkable, apart from the mist that hung over Brisbane early. It was only noticeable on the southern side of the Story Bridge -- it didn't put in any kind of appearance on the north side. It did create something of a spectacle, before riding on to the bay and those who try to impersonate millionaires.



The bike shop I was planning to visit had already had it's "closing down" sale, and was now in the vacating phase. Nevertheless, I did manage to make a trek to Epic cycles, and pick up a frame pump, a handlebar bag, and a book containing information on mountain bike rides in South East Queensland. Of course, I had already planned to head for Bellthorpe on the Sunday, but this book also mentioned it. I think the authors should carefully reconsider their grading system for climbs. Anyone who can pedal up an 18% gradient on loose gravel in the middle ring is either very strong, or has very small gearing.


As it was, I took a train ride to Caboolture, before riding out to Wamuran and deciding to continue westward on the old rail trail. Even though it was relatively short (around 10km), it passed through a surprising variety of scenery and terrain, and provided a number of different challenges. Unfortunately, parts of this track are blighted by people who think "maintenance" means simply dumping as much sand in a pile as possible. Nevertheless, there are only isolated patches of this, and the rest of the trail is an extremely pleasant experience.

There were also a large number of side tracks to explore if I'd had the time. One in particular follows some power lines, possibly all the way to Peachester if my information is correct. I might make that a project for another day. On this particular day I had something of a mission to reach Woodforde where I could stock up in the bakery for the rest of the day's adventures.


After Woodforde it was time to detour to the Bellthorpe range, the main attraction of the day. My information suggested the climb would gain 500 metres or so in around 18km, easy. Unfortunately, it was a little more complicated than that. There are a few ups and downs, with no net height gain before the climb kicks. The initial kick of 9-10% is very manageable, but it gets steeper further along, culminating in two sections of 17-18% climbing. The loose gravel makes traction a little more difficult, but the rewards here are special, as the views open up in the gaps in the ever-changing forest.



After the steep initial onslaught, things settled down as they often do, and I found myself riding across the top of the range over the green rolling hills. The temperature was rapidly increasing, 30 degrees C at 600 metres above sea level. Fortunately, I found a water tank at the Bellthorpe hall before the descent. The descent is memorable for two reasons -- firstly, the switchbacks are a pleasure to corner, secondly, this road is actually closed during schoolbus operating times on weekdays. That wasn't a concern to me on a Sunday, but the temperature continued riding. My thermometer claimed 37 degrees C at one point.

At the bottom I decided on another climb, the western approach to Peachester, before taking Bald Knob road toward Maleny. I had actually forgotten what a pretty ride this section really is. The Bald Knob road in particular, passing through a combination of rainforest and green rolling hills. Yet there was a further surprise at the summit. Having been treated to a blisteringly hot day, the heavens opened up for about 20 minutes with a totally irrational downpour. I was beautifully soaked on the descent back to Landsborough. It says a lot about the temperature that being rain on during the descent didn't bother me. I took on more food at Landsborough while standing in the rain (deliberately avoiding the shelter) before preparing for the final run through the glasshouse mountains back to Caboolture.
The final stretch passed quicker than I'd expected, perhaps strangely because I could feel some serious fatigue after the day's climbs. I can only assume here that my technique must have been spot on. Old Gympie road is also very pretty, and a reminder that I really should spend more time in this part of the world. I pulled into Caboolture rail station at the end and stepped onto a train 30 seconds before it departed. A brilliant piece of timing, and a fitting way to end a memorable day.

We're Here!

This manor house is at Powhatan Plantation resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.  This is the third time we've stayed here.  Once when the children were young, once last year, and now this year.  It's a great place.  It has this authentic house build in 1734 with gardens to meander in.  There's also several pools and plenty of places to walk.  
Inside the house is a harpsichord that I've played on every time we've been here.  All the children did too.  They also got a lecture on how a harpsichord works and how it's different from a piano.  The learning never stops; even on vacation! 
This morning we took a tour of the gardens.  It was really cold.  The two older children went with me.  We learned about the history of the plantation and the gardens.  The two most interesting things was the cannonball stuck in the side of the chimney from a Yankee cannonball and the signatures etched into the brick facade of the house.   The guide said that various owners and visitors would sign the house; it was the colonial form of a guestbook. 
More to come as it happens.  Tomorrow we head to Tennessee.  Ciao!  Or I guess I should say "Fare Thee well".

2500+ Mile

Back pedaling Monday. Had a SWINT (Wabash Trace) board meeting that evening so decided to ride Malvern to Imogene (or as far as I have time for).
Just as I left Malvern I met Randy - a Silver City residence. We were both stopping to clear a branch on the trail. We rode together to White Cloud. Nice to have someone to ride with.
Previously, I had ridden from the south to Strahan and out of Imogene perhaps again to Strahan. But This was the first time I attempted the Malvern to Imogene ride. That 13.6 miles section of the Wabash Trace is a roller coaster. Seem like always climbing or descending.
Today's photo -- believe it or not, THIS is 370th St in Mills County, Iowa! The Wabash Trace is to the left at the street sign. There are still dirt streets/roads in Iowa in the 21st century.
Didn't quite make it to Imogene when I had to turn back for the meeting. Think I was about 1.5 miles short (turned around at 390th St.) Back in Malverm, as I loaded the bike on the car, I see I got a flat - what great timing. That bike needs new tires anyway and are on order.
Yesterday was a "touring" relaxing pace ride on the hybrid. A ride to post miles, not training. Rode from the bike shop to S. Omaha Bridge, to Trails Center. Stopped for break and on up to the Bob Bridge. Then rode non-stop (except for lights) to the bike shop.
Blew past the 2500 mileage mark for the year. My 30 mile ride on paved trails put me at 2520 miles for . That's over 300 miles over last year's total.
This was the first relaxing ride on the hybrid since the new tires. Really enjoyed the ride. Averaged just under 13 mph over the ride.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

I was visiting a friend's website today.  She is a middleman (woman) for people selling homeschooling supplies and curriculum.  I found ABeka Fifth Grade Language and ordered it.  Come to find out, the seller is my husband's boss in Florida!  Our world just keeps getting smaller and smaller.

Grand Canyon

A long day today. Bus trip (charter for our Army Reunion group) up to Grand Canyon. Took several photos - some pretty good, others just for our group. Eventually they will on my web site.
Back to the hotel about 8pm. Golf tournament in the morning - I will be taking pictures. Before that, I am hoping to travel out to McDowell Mountain Park to get in a little singletrack riding. It will be 3 days off the bike - getting withdrawals. Not sure what I will do when I don't have mountain trails to explore. Having soooo much fun out here riding in the SouthWest.