Summer is here finally

I joined a dear friend for a ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail yesterday. As you can see, it was a gorgeous day. We are both fully vaccinated. She lives out of state and this is the first time we saw each other in over a year. Hugs happened! This is one of several pretty ponds along the route.

[Timtam56]

How beautiful. Hugs. Friends. A lovely day had. So important.

[Bettybuckets]

I can’t wait to get home to mass! Left NZ on April 1st and still travelling home.. can’t wait to hug my mum in Kingston! Met my husband cycling on the cape cod rail trail 35 years ago. Excited to get home! Thanks for sharing the pic and reminding me

[8576]

Glad you got a chance to meet with our friend and enjoy the fine weather. Uplifting for the spirits for sure. Thanks for sharing that.

Cheers, June S.

[Mary115]

What good news that you were out with a friend, and what a grand photo: Smile Producing.

[Aquadog]

Lovely! That's a pond? Here in Texas, that's a lake! LOL

[mariootsi]

Lived on the Cape for awhile. It is beautiful! I miss it!

[PJBinMI]

Lovely picture! Thanks for posting it. We live in the woods and this spring has been especially beautiful. Daffodils stayed in bloom for a long long time!

[13plus]

Sounds and looks wonderful! I'm hoping I can get somewhere with a bike this summer and do a long ride. I've never managed to do one before but I'm sure it is a lot of fun ! And isn't it so good to connect with friends again in person!

[Hidden in reply to 13plus]

I used to ride a 10 speed road bike but switched to a battery assist e bike 2 years ago. I love it. Makes the hills surmountable

[Hidden]

What a lovely picture. So glad you had a lovely time with your friend.Clare

[TammyCross]

Where is that? One of those old restored rail lines? Near the Cape Cold canal? I am in West Tisbury.

[Hidden in reply to TammyCross]

The trail runs from Dennis to Brewster.

I discovered your trails in the MV state forest 3 years ago — so pretty

[TammyCross]

I never go to the forest, not for decades. I am right on Tisbury Great Pond. Stunning here. A great heron is stalking fish most of the time. I go to Lambert's Cove a lot, and I have to get myself to Quansoo. I think the cut is open, so on a warm day there should be a good ride. Wanna go? Wanna take me on a walk in the forest?

[Hidden in reply to TammyCross]

Lol! That’d be great. I confess I don’t know Quansoo.

I stick to paved trails so as not to risk falling. I’m impressed by off road riders who navigate roots, rocks and dirt. My MBC is in my bones so I’m very careful. I’m so grateful I can ride and enjoy the gorgeous blue skies and puffy clouds this past week.

My very favorite rail trail is Shining Sea trail from North Falmouth to Woods Hole

[TammyCross in reply to Hidden]

You don't? It is a private ocean beach in West Tisbury - wait, no, I think it is across the line in Chilmark. I pay Chilmark taxes for my little piece of beach. I usually get there by taking motor boat across Tisbury Great Pond. Afraid to do that on my own. (I do have house guests coming tomorrow evening who might take me. Last year I got stuck coming back, couldn't start the motor, and had to get someone to come out in his boat and reach over and pull the cord! Very embarrassing.) I can also drive, and will probably do that today. The cut is open, I believe. That is when they open the pond to the ocean to clean the pond. There is a great and safe ride through the cut, if it is warm enough to swim. I haven't found it so. Have you?

Sounds like you prefer the forest and biking. I haven't ridden a bike in years, but I am game. And if you feel up to a long beach walk, I invite you to Quansoo. Are you down Island? I get the sense that you are.

[Hidden in reply to TammyCross]

I live off island in metro Boston, but you’re right in that I don’t usually get up island when I visit. Those hills near Chilmark & Aquinah are challenging! But, now that things are opening up, perhaps I can visit with my e bike and navigate those hills better this summer!

Great for you to access beautiful beaches that way. The Vineyard is a special place. Enjoy!

[TammyCross in reply to Hidden]

I saw a notice somewhere that e bikes are not allowed. I think it must have been on Land Bank/conservation trails. I see them all the time in NY, haven't seen any here on the roads.

Yes, I woke up this morning and looked out at the pond and the 2 swans that hover off the deck and felt joy, although before I get up, I just think about my dying sooner than I hoped and wondering if the pain in my chest is the recurrence. Yet I can't help smiling to be here. Back to Manhattan in 10 days. I feel I need this. My nieces and sister-in-law are coming up June 2, and gave me these two weeks. My mother and I did the same to them when we controlled the time here, so I guess turn about is fair play. They feel they are being generous. Since I have started taking generous off-season time as of last fall, it is really working for me to have stretches when I can settle in and pretend it is the old days when I came for a month in the spring and fall, or even spent the summer and winter.

[Hidden]

Yes, we share a love of cycling. With my friend visiting, we rode 4 times in a week. This was a level 20 mile ride. I’m glad you have this wonderful outlet and hope places open up for you soon.

[Sunnydrinking]

So pleased you had a lovely day with your friend. The photo is beautiful - thanks for sharing.

We are still getting so many heavy showers here in the UK but the sunshine should return next week 🤞

Lockdown has begun to ease but I’m not sure for how long as we now have the very contagious Indian Covid variant to contend with!

Take care & stay safe!

Jo xx