Coffeeneuring 2023 - Learning to Paint with Gouache, Rides 1-4

#1 - This mug was a gift from a brother.

Learning to Paint with Gouache

Leaning into my eleventh year of the Coffeeneuring Challenge, I've come up with a theme that might fuel the flames a little longer - painting! Lately, I've been exploring Gouache's bold, flat colors, a medium that appeals to the beginner. If a mistake is made, let it dry, and repaint areas of concern. Surely, gouache and I will get along fine! A 4" x 4" simple layout, using my mug of choice, is an easy size to practice color mixing and brush techniques without feeling overwhelmed by a large project. I also love that Gouache adapts well to detailed or loose brushwork.

Impromptu tea drinking, joining neighbors that I found resting near a bridge.

Coffeenuering #1 was a family affair. After I finished my tea, my family rolled up and I set off with them. We made up the route as we went, eventually cresting Ethan Allen Park for peak foliage peeping. Oh, the colors!

1. The Place: Pedestrian bridge over the Winooski River

Date: Sunday, October 22

Drink: Tulsi Tea
Observation: I planned to drink my tea in another spot but joined neighbors sitting on a bench near the bridge.
Total Miles: 14

#2 - I acquired this mug from my employer's holiday party.

The second outing was a typical after-work scramble to get outside before sunset. It's relatively easy to fill a thermos with hot beverage, grab a mug, bike lights, and wear layers for an autumn evening ride - insert bike of choice - then stop somewhere interesting before adding more miles. I'm comfortable with riding in the dark, and most days I prefer the solitude of an empty bike path.

Dahon Boardwalk, my trusty small wheeler.

All alone on the beach. I like to stay a while to see how the sunset morphs. Is the color better right at sunset or several minutes later?

2. The Place: North Beach, Burlington

Date: Monday, October 23

Drink: Wild Sweet Orange Tea
Observation: Geese were flying overhead and a small contingent frolicked on the shoreline nearby.
Total Miles: 9

#3 - Our eldest son sent this mug for my birthday, acquired in Mexico on a recent vacation. It's fun because the circular top morphs into a square bottom. It's a Mara design.

For Coffeeneuring #3, I set out to meet up with Adele, both on folding bikes, to attend the Halloween Bike Ride. Adele's costume was too hot and she eventually left as the route swung close to where she lived, where I continued on. Burlington did a great job keeping the riders moving by blocking intersections plus leading and ending with a police escort. Despite 40 F temperatures, I dressed well for the event.

On the way home, I stopped in Lakeview Cemetery near a lovely hydrangea tree for tea.

3. The Place: Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington

Date: Sunday, October 29

Drink: Ginger Tea
Observation: After attending the Halloween Bike Ride, I stopped to admire my favorite umbrella-shaped colorful hydrangeas that are abundant in Lakeview Cemetery.
Total Miles: 14

#4 - I found this beauty at a dollar store.

Coffeeneuring #4 took place during a weekend excursion to the Glens Falls region of New York. I brought my mug with me, stored safely between clothing articles in my front bag. I filled the mug with hotel coffee and hightailed it to Overlook Park, a lovely spot on the Hudson River.

Afterward, I continued exploring many trails before taking Amtrak home.

4. The Place: Overlook Park, Glens Falls, NY

Date: Sunday, November 5

Drink: Holiday Inn Coffee
Observation: Such a peaceful place with a view of the Hudson River. It's the confluence of the Feeder Canal Trail and the Hudson River, and where I began following trails for most of the day.
Total Miles: 38