Coffeeneuring 2017 - Fourth Cup at Lone Sailor Park

With breezy weather and a short time-frame, I gambled that I could find a sheltered spot to brew tea at Lone Sailor Park.

Squeezed between a working dock and ECHO science center/ UVM research facility, the statue and narrow strip of land has always attracted me to it's peaceful presence and heavenly views.

Erected in 2004, the naval statue is a replica of the original Lone Sailor in our nation's capital, and dedicated to naval battles past and present in our region. Circling the compass are plaques commemorating early naval admirals George Dewey and Henry Mayo, both naval commanders born in Vermont, Revolutionary Battle of Valcour and 1812 Battle of Plattsburgh Bay. The whole park was erected in honor of former governor Robert Stafford, a captain in the US Navy and first commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Center, site of current park.

Art depicting lake, plants, and fish.

Beyond Burlington's breakwater, foliage on the New York shoreline.

Miss Piggy tugboat.

ECHO Science Center (glass building) and UVM Lake Research building (brick).

Stove is somewhat sheltered behind a granite block.

A couple from Florida took my photo.

Who knew this area held so much history? I was pleasantly surprised that tourists eventually wandered around because the park is hidden. And I thought only locals knew about this gem!

The Place: Lone Sailor Park
Date: Friday, October 27
Drink: Bentley's Cranberry Blood Orange Rooibos Tea
Observation:  I had forgotten that this was a replica of a statue in Washington, DC. I had no idea the parklet attracted so many visitors.
Total Miles: 4 

The Beauty of Bike Overnights at Camp

The sun has just risen, geese are honking, and I'm heading south along the waterfront trail. It is relatively quiet and peaceful, a world away from nearby busy North Avenue, with breathtaking views across Lake Champlain to New York.

I treasure this solitude, pedaling, observing glimpses of emerging fall color on the distant shoreline.

I come across hundreds of squawking geese, rousing, preparing for flight. I laugh at their rambunctiousness.

New, fashionable Dewalt protective eye wear. Get your own at a hardware store!

We are lucky to have a place on the lake, within cycling distance to my workplace. Come September, renters are gone, and most family members have abandoned staying overnight, mostly because the camp is unheated. However, I look at the months of September and October as prime-time before camp closes for the season. Summer visitors - and the commotion associated with it - are gone. The only noises are occasional raccoons or woodchucks squealing in the tight spaces below camp, an ongoing nature program we've become accustomed to all summer. Sunsets are still beautiful and with the aid of space heaters I enjoy peace and quiet and simple living. My mother-in-law sums up the experience nicely, "Camp is camp".

Commuting homeward during peak foliage.

And so, I enjoy bike overnights of a different flavor.

Last weekend my husband and youngest son mobilized and rode to camp for a balmy October evening, the grand finale, I imagine, as rains and cooler weather have returned.

An oak tree is ablaze in golden hues just before sunset on my ride home.

Coffeeneuring 2017 - Third Cup at Rossetti Natural Area Beach

Another warm 70F + weekend is a gift in late October. Time for another Coffee Shop Without Walls, Water View edition!

The scenery: can't beat peak foliage along the waterfront path. And the smooth repaved and wider lanes are spectacular. Oddly enough, I pedaled around a firetruck blocking the path. After smelling smoke and spying firemen and people on the beach, I presume a Saturday night bonfire had rekindled in the morning breeze.

I was pleased to see colorful young maples in vibrant hues along Colchester's Holy Cross Road bike path.

At Rossetti Natural Area, I biked through the gravel parking lot, down a wide path, then over a boardwalk, then declared a nearby log as official coffeenering base. Sheltered from the south wind, the entire beach was an extraordinairy, windless oasis. 

As an experiment, I swished coffee in a tea strainer until the brew was strong. Easy, peasy clean up, toss coffee soaked utensil in a plastic bag. I'm also considering buying a single cup coffee press that would satisfy my need for better brews on bike overnights.

Coffeeneuring to my heart's content!

The Place: Rossetti Natural Area Beach
Date: Sunday, October 22
Drink: Speeder & Earls classic
Observation:  A tea strainer makes an acceptable cup of joe.
Total Miles: 8.5

Colchester Streets Challenge - Challenging Motivation

A nice view from Water Tower Hill in Colchester.

I've decided to put the Colchester Streets Challenge on hold for the remainder of 2017. While I could devote weekends towards this goal, I've lost the motivation to get to roads that are a fair distance from home. While a challenge should be difficult to some degree, otherwise it's not a challenge, but especially a self-imposed one - at least the way I understand it - should be a source of inspiration...and frankly, I've lost interest. While I may finish a few more Colchester streets before the year's out, it's no longer my primary focus.

Other exciting events and projects have taken precedence:

• Coffeeneuring Challenge
• Revamping the Trek Antelope
• Getting to know the Dahon
• Bike overnights at camp
• Researching 2018 bike tour ideas

I'm also looking forward to gearing up for winter riding, more Burlington Bicycle Club rides, and weather dependent Cranksgiving and Winter Solstice events - all short term goals that I can easily get behind!

Coffeeneuring 2017 - Second Cup at Texaco Beach

On Sunday the weather is still sublime, sunny and in the 60's. I pack up my new toy bicycle - it's hard to take the Dahon seriously - but I'm tickled that my coffeeneuring basket fits well with ample clearance for my heels. I pressed an old versatile Eastsport pack into service as a handle bar bag.

Texaco Beach is easily accessed from the waterfront trail. A wide, sandy beach invites one and all. Two people with bikes made tracks in the sand and are huddled against rocks and trees in their own private oasis.

The wind howls from the south, but I've found an inviting clump of trees to hide behind. Sunshine. Warmth.

I fire up my 20 year old Coleman stove. It hisses.

I make herbal tea. yet again, because I didn't venture on my bike until mid-afternoon. One of these days coffee will be welcome.

For now, I sit on the log, sipping tea, admiring the lake. That's what I've come for. Calm. Water views. Foliage.

The Place: Texaco Beach
Date: Sunday, October 15.
Drink: Celestial Seasoning's Red Zinger Tea
Observation: The warm weather won't last and soon I'll be brewing coffee! 
Total Miles: 13