Longing for the Open Road

For a while now I've felt out of sorts. I've felt hemmed in by work, family obligations, too many kids' sleepovers, and not enough free time with my husband. It's life, some would remind me. And yet the lure of warmth, sunshine, and longer daylight, fuels the urge to be somewhere other than at home.

As I watch dandelions turn into white puffs, lilacs lose their wondrous fragrance, and the first wave of mosquitoes hatch, I know I must sneak away for an early June bike overnight before summer's humidity rears its ugly head.

Plans fused, and this time a girl friend is tagging along. We both like history and taking our time. Hopefully she'll enjoy the camping too. It's been a long time since she's slept on the ground, but she's game for just about anything. That's good enough for me.

We leave tomorrow, a day earlier than planned, because a rainy period is moving in mid week. We're expecting to get wet on the third and final day of our adventure. It's futile to obsess too much about it, otherwise we may never leave home. We are lucky to get two good days.

I know I needed a bike overnight when I started considering stealth camping at places close to home. The shelter is in a city park. I'd envision ducking under the ramp at right. There's just enough grass space to lay out a sleeping bag, hide the bike, especially at dusk. No one would be the wiser.

I'll be ready to pack the bike in the morning. A day ago I regreased creaky pedals (that's a blog post in itself!). I'm anxious and excited. And thrilled to share this trip with a friend. Wish us luck.