Coffeeneuring 2020 - Third Cup in a Wooded Clearing

 

A beautiful clearing near a little used trail.

Glorious golden-leafed 360 degree canopy.

Relaxing in comfort.

Focusing on Gratitude

I packed a lunch, thermos, mug, small table cloth, and a chair in a backpack for more woodland exploration aboard my mountain bike. Plus, its peak foliage viewing - always a reason to get outside!

Like in year's past my coffeeneurng outings have been afternoon wanderings to take advantage of the warmest part of October days. I'm a coffee drinker at heart but prefer herbal tea later in the day.

I took my time, pedaling towards the woods. Each time I head that direction, I search for a new entrance, or turning down (or up) a different path. This time I bushwhacked through brambles but eventually connected with a better trail, then sought a clearing on a side path, ringed with golden-leafed glory. Wind whispered through the canopy. The earthy smell of leaves, pines, and decay is intoxicating. A perfect spot to drink tea. In a half hour of relaxing, only one family walked past. Afterwards, I dropped my ballot off at the town clerk's office and returned through the woods and eventually home. 

I'm grateful for comfort in solitude. I feel totally at home having a picnic in the middle of a forest! Aspects of my life are stagnant -  it's 2020 after all - but I'm currently happy to take one day at a time, one trail at a time.

 

The Place: Somewhere in Colchester Woods (no official name that I can tell, but a place nonetheless I'm keeping under wraps for obvious reasons)
Date: Monday, October 18
Drink: Stash Lemon Ginger Tea

Observation: I like using the wild spaces as a cut-through to other parts of town
Total Miles: 9

Coffeeneuring 2017 - Fifth Cup at the Salmon Hole

A lovely spot to break out the chair.

For my fifth Coffee Shop Without Walls installment I hooked up with Carmen, of rogue beerenuering fame, at Lone Sailor Park then we pedaled to the Salmon Hole on the last warm afternoon before high winds knocked down trees and created power outages all over Vermont.

Once my coffee is brewed, Carmen pours her coffee flavored stout.

The Salmon Hole is a tributary to Lake Champlain, thus satisfying my water view theme, which, this year, has included rivers. The ledges are sheltered in warmth and we have a fine view of the old Winooski Mill buildings and bridge. Carmen also reminded me there's a fish elevator, or lift, on the other side that aims to restore fish populations.

Carmen displays her "Always Be Coffeeneuring" patch.

I mentioned to Carmen that I have to be careful about location because my stove functions best in sheltered spots. I didn't realize that Carmen also has concerns. She must be discreet with her beer in public, thus the brown bag disguise. Once her drink is poured into a glass, however, her beer could easily pass for root beer.

 Cheers to coffee and coffee stout!

Annie pushes her bike back up the trail. (Carmen, thanks for the photo.)

The Place: Salmon Hole
Date: Saturday, October 28
Drink: Cafe Bustelo
Observation:  Coffeeneuring is more fun with a friend.
Total Miles: 7 

Coffeeneuring 2016 - Sixth Cup on the Bank Near the Fishing Pier

A day like November 12 was the quintessential Coffee Shop Without Walls experience. I didn't intend to do my brew up on Saturday - Sunday was forecasted to be 10F warmer, near 50F -  but by the time I'd raked and bagged leaves and the morning remained windless with brilliant sunshine, I couldn't resist the opportunity for the perfect opportunity on the waterfront.

The fishing pier is located just beyond the metal wall, and is lit up at night. The pier deserves another visit, perhaps next year with a hot drink in a thermos so I can walk around and enjoy a different experience.

I set up on the bank near the fishing pier - the very place where we watch July 4th fireworks - so the location is familiar. I considered brewing up on the end of the pier, except the railings would obstruct my view unless I leaned over the rail - definitely not conducive for lounging in my chair! This time I rode Miss Clementine. I itched to take her out for a longer spin afterward.

It was nearly noon, but I still favored coffee over tea so I brewed using my usual method: a nylon filter propped up with stick.

Ah, a mug of coffee with my husband's homemade fresh roll. Gotta love it! I could sit like this for an hour, watching the lake. With intense sunshine, it was hard to imagine it was only 40F.

I am trying a new seat on Clementine.

I spent a while in my chair, but eventually I wanted to take advantage of the fine weather. So off I went, rolling beneath the last autumn foliage, delightfully cruising for several miles before looping back towards home. 

The Place: Near the Fishing Pier
Date: Saturday, November 12
Drink: Vermont Coffee Company, Dark Roast 
Observation, Bike Friendliness: There is a bike rack, should anyone require it to use the fishing pier. I love this relatively secluded spot behind the water department building.
Total Miles: 17

Coffeeneuring 2016 - Fifth Cup at Rail Yard Park

"Why do I coffeeneur? To keep the wheels turning, the mind stimulated (all the planning requires mental enterprise!), and to enjoy my surroundings." - from Coffeeneuring 2015 - Sixth Cup at the Earth Clock

With limited time, I set off for nearby Rail Yard Park, a small peninsula in front of Vermont Railway and the lakefront sewage treatment plant. Fortunately, odor is a non-issue because the strip of land juts far enough into breezy Lake Champlain.

Where's Annie's stove? Look in the center of the water droplet on the camera lens.

And despite it's tiny size, the park is pleasant with picnic tables, marble blocks carved into marine life (my favorite is the mermaid), expansive water views, and in the summer is filled with children and couples, easily accessed from the well-used bike path. In other words, a perfect coffeeneuring spot.

Mid-morning, I rolled into the park amidst a drizzle, but unlike Coffeeneuring #4 where I learned my lesson about inappropriate outerwear, I wore a down parka, double-layer tights, a scarf, and hat, plus Thinsulate-lined mittens. Better overdressed than a frozen, unhappy coffeeneuring gal!

While I waited for water to boil, hands stuffed in down pockets, I relaxed in my chair, taking in an interesting view. Rock piles led out from the point. A boat buzzed by - it seems there are die-hard boaters still cruising in 50F water.

A gull landed on a rock island.

Beyond the breakwater I could still spy color in the New York hills.

And delightful stone stacks on the shoreline in front of me.

I've learned to keep the lid on the mug to keep beverages hot.

As I sat, cupping the warm mug of chai tea I realized I've made this year's challenge theme more complicated than it has to be. I could do without the chair - the set-up and take down requires bare hands, not to mention the difficult documentation involved with self-timed camera, requiring several out takes before I get a decent shot. I've even considered using a thermos in place of stove - but those are ideas for next year's challenge. For now, I'll finish out the challenge with brew ups at Lake Champlain vistas, relaxing in my camping chair. 

One good thing, brewing tea is easier than fussing with coffee apparatus. And I still "enjoy my surroundings" - my initial impetus for joining M.G.'s Coffeeneuring Challenge. 

It was a hot sweaty ride back up the hill towards home thankfully and I unzipped my down coat en route.

The Place: Rail Yard Park
Date: Saturday, November 5
Drink: Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea 
Observation, Bike Friendliness: The waterfront trail passes by this tiny, but well situated peninsular park.
Total Miles: 5

Coffeeneuring 2016 - Fourth Cup at Starr Farm Beach

The coffeeneuring game face.

I headed out early afternoon with my husband for a leisurely pedal, one of those amazing windless days that seems to good to be true. We meandered, checking out a couple neighborhoods and homes for sale. The foliage along the waterfront trail blazed in golds, oranges, and reds - peak color - so I reveled beneath the brilliant canopy.

So it was no surprise that the coffeeneuring wind started blowing as we neared the appointed spot: the cement dock at Starr Farm Beach, a private beach community where my husband's family has a summer camp. My husband came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea: coffeeneuring on the end of the dock. I imagined relaxing in my chair with water all around!

Looking back on the shoreline shows the spectacular foliage.

However, with the increasing chilly north breeze we resorted to plan B, using the shelter of the dock for stove set up. I was growing colder, unfortunately so cold that I left my helmet on. I realized with the weather taking a turn I had to come better prepared next time. I needed my down jacket. As soon as I was done we packed up and left. 

My husband took this amazing photo.

I set a mean pace for the return trip, trying to get warm!

The Place: Starr Farm Beach
Date: Sunday, October 30
Drink: Yorkshire Gold English Breakfast Tea 
Observation, Bike Friendliness: This is a private beach community where my husband's family owns a camp, so we had free reign to pick the best beach spot. I need to wear warmer clothing the next time I venture out. 
Total Miles: 14

Coffeeneuring 2016 - Third Cup at Second Overlook Beach

The Coffeeneuring Where's Waldo Edition - Can you find Annie on the beach? Photo credit: Lizzy.

On the heels of my Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk blog post, I returned to the same waterfront location the following weekend - this time with a girlfriend. I successfully brewed tea, after momentarily panicking because my stove was in pieces, but I managed to put it back together and it functioned fine. (Note to self: don't forget to store stove in a plastic bag, instead of letting it rattle around in the basket.)

Once again, storing bike on last stair landing. Photo credit: Lizzy.

I brought my Ross commuter bike this time around because she is lighter than Miss Clementine and easier to lug down a few flights of stairs.

Annie with a cup of tea, admiring the Lake Champlain vista.

I especially enjoyed catching up with my friend, Lizzy. She also brought her dog, Ollie along, who amused himself on the beach. At one point Lizzy and Ollie walked out on the sand flats and took the photo of me relaxing on the sand. 

The Place: Second Overlook Public Beach
Date: Saturday, October 22.
Drink: Celestial Seasoning's Wild Berry Zinger Tea 
Observation, Bike Friendliness: Plenty of places to lock a bike to the railing. Coffee Shop Without Walls outings are better with a partner. This is the only beach that is sheltered from both north and south winds.
Total Miles: 14

Loving the Helinox Ground Chair

The Helinox Ground Chair is easy to put together.

I've been lightening my bike camping gear, little by little, but this year I've added a 1 lb. item that I can't live without: the Helinox Ground Chair.

I was seeking a foldable, compact, lightweight chair that I could relax in at campsitea, and/or as an alternative to spending long nights in a cramped prone position inside the tent. Helinox's Chair One has garnered rave reviews. I was close to considering purchasing the Chair One when I stumbled on the Ground Chair version, a relative newcomer. While both versions are reputable, I liked the stability, lighter weight, and smaller package of the Ground Chair. Both chairs have their pros and cons. The Chair One is slightly less compact, weighs 2 oz. more and is a normal chair height, yet the separate legs may sink into the ground. The Ground Chair has a stable base, but sitting position is low and it's more difficult to get up out of the chair, a feature I can live with.

The Ground Chair is a brilliant piece of engineering. It has aluminum shock-corded poles that once unfolded, practically put themselves together. Just check that all poles are securely fastened then place the sling-style cordura and mesh panel in place. And just in case you need help, directions are conveniently printed on the backside of the fabric.

The chair dimensions are surprisingly small, but once I was seated, I felt very comfortable. I've sat in the chair at events and on one bike overnight. I hadn't intended to use the chair inside a tent, but to escape insects (and admittedly to feel less vulnerable sitting outside alone in the dark) I was, quite amazingly, able to wedge the chair inside my one person tent and read for an hour.

A compact package, about the size of a 3-season sleeping bag.

The chair is a perfect addition to my bike camping adventures and can double as coffeeneuring seating for this year's Coffeeneuring Without Walls adventures. Think about it, what could be better than sipping a cup of joe, while relaxing in comfort and staring out at beautiful Lake Champlain?

Grand Isle State Park Bike Overnight - New Pedals, a Camp Chair, and Instructions to "Don't Forget the Pie!"

Mount Saint Helens, ready for an overnight. The Clementine will get her outing in September.

My goal this summer was to go on four bike overnights, one per month. For August, I planned to try out the Clementine, but with rack difficulties I put that idea on hold, instead opting to load up the Mount Saint Helens. If I'm honest, the idea to tour on the Ross has always been on my mind, so the decision wasn't so much consolation, but a chance to try a simple tour on a step through bicycle, one I'm completely confident and comfortable riding for short distances.

Loving the MKS "sneaker" pedals.

First, I made time to replace the Tioga pedals with Rivendell's MKS "sneaker" pedals then loaded the bike with bare necessities: a change of clothes, the usual sleeping bag, mat and single person 3 lb. tent, camp stove and stainless cup, bathing suit and water shoes (which I never used), the usual toiletries, and one superfluous item: a 1 lb. Helinox ground chair, a new item that I wanted to try on a tour. As I was getting ready to leave, my husband mentioned that if I could possibly carry it, I should return with a pie. It's kind of a joke between us, because once we were able to haul a pie back from apple country in South Hero, and that pie made it home a little squished, but definitely edible. Since then it's become our mantra: if you go there, then find a way to bike a pie home. So then I pushed off  at 4 pm. with a lightly loaded bike. Immediately, I fell in love with what I couldn't feel with the "sneaker" pedals, the spindle that used to protrude and caused my feet to slide on the old touring pedals. The new pedals are keepers!

The U-shape racks on the bike ferry are covered in corrugated flexible pipe so bicycles are not scratched.

I easily pedaled the flat waterfront path, connected with the causeway trail,  took the ferry, and was pedaling on South Hero in the Champlain Islands. I had a slight headwind, but with less than 20 miles, tops, to get to Grand Isle State Park, I realized this would be the shortest bike overnight I'd ever done.

I stopped  at Keeler's Bay Store for a couple items to supplement dinner and breakfast and parked my bike next to another  bicycle, this one heavily loaded with four monstrous panniers. And surely, I surmised, the bike belonged to someone on a very long tour. As I roamed the store, I kept my eye out for whom the bike might belong to, but the store was busy and by the time I went back outside the bicycle was gone. I suspected I might see the owner again in the campground because it was nearly 6 pm., but there was no guarantee that was their final destination for the evening.

Within a mile I easily caught up to the bicycle, piloted by an older woman and as luck would have it, we were headed the same direction. I slowed down and we swapped our stories. Jan, from California, was embarking on a two week tour of Canada having just retrieved her bike from a Burlington bike shop.

Cooking tomatoes and yellow beans from my garden, then adding ramen and tuna fish.

At the park entrance we agreed to camp together and were able to split the site fee. The lady in the office didn't quite know where to put us at first but settled on the paddlers' site, which proved to be a great choice. Lake Champlain reserves special campsites along it's 110 mile length for anyone traveling by human powered watercraft. The patch of lawn was next to the beach and secluded, so even though the site lacked a picnic table, it was a short walk to our pick of 4 tables with a beautiful northern view of the lake.

Jan's and my tent easily fit in the site. It had been a sultry day and the evening continued in the same vein. An offshore breeze was welcome filtering through my tent opening (in blue) so after dark I set up my little chair which happened to snuggly fit inside the tent. I have difficulty spending more than 6 hours on my back so the chair was a splurge that I hoped would pay off in the long run and make tenting a little easier on me, especially during shorter daylight hours. I'm happy to say the experiment worked - I spent an entire hour sitting upright, reading Never Cry Wolf until I was ready to retire.

In the morning Jan and I rolled our bikes to the picnic table so she could organize her panniers. She'd been in a hurry the previous day to get moving and was exhausted from a red eye flight so now she had the time to properly organize her gear. As I soon discovered, Jan carries extra clothing so she's never cold. Indeed I wore a t-shirt while she added a layer of fleece. But still, it seemed she was carrying way too much gear for a two week journey. However, Jan is a seasoned world traveler and certainly understands her comfort zone.

Jan and I parted at 8 am. after swapping addresses and phone numbers. I invited Jan to stay with our family on her return to Burlington where she will fly back to California.

While Jan had a nice tailwind to propel her into Canada, a headwind greeted me as I headed in the opposite direction, retracing my route. However, as with short rides, any wind is doable. I was too early before the orchard store opened it's doors, so I walked in a cemetery, spending several quiet minutes, indeed recognizing family names from nearby establishments.

The orchards were bursting with red fruit and as I later found out, some varieties of apples are harvested as early as July and continue well into November.

With string and yarn I secured a whole apple crisp, packed in a box (this orchard sold crisp and not pies, but I knew my family wouldn't care!). I rolled on more asphalt, then dodged potholes on a dirt road, then pedaled a relatively smooth stone dust causeway, then more bumpy pavement, over a wooden bridge before returning to our family camp.

When I opened the box at 11 am. my family stood around and marveled at it's perfect shape, then sniffed the dessert, and looked at me with salivating eyes. I told them to dig in and we all gobbled heaping portions as a treat on the deck overlooking the lake.

While the bike overnight was a mere 40 miles round-trip, the Ross performed well, I love the new pedals, my chair will now be a must-have on future trips, and I met a wonderful lady. As I've mentioned before, it's all about the experience that makes these simple journeys worthwhile.