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Wednesday 23 September 2020

Bicycle by the sea

It was a beautiful September day and we drove to the national park on Prince Edward Island in advance of post tropical storm Teddy. A year ago, a similar storm, Dorian, caused a tremendous amount of wind damage and our visits to the park were finished for the year.


With the possibility of another park closure, we had what could have been our last picnic in Cavendish Grove for 2020. We picnicked on a red bench which in the spring offers a great view of the water where ducks and geese swim with their young. This time of year, the pond is dry and grown over. Asters bloomed around us.





We brought our bikes along for our first expedition off the Confederation Trail. We started in the Grove after lunch and cycled to the Homestead Trail, through forest and farmland along by the sea. This trail was an adventure. 


It has a gentle but long downward slope which sounds great for a cycler. However for this senior, new to biking, the trail had a rut which I had to stay in as I sped downward, brakes engaged and nerves frazzled. If I strayed out of the rut, I was in the trees or up on lumpy grass and who knows where. Either way would have been disastrous. The shadows on the trail and my poor eyesight made it hard to see details of the trail too. I cycled downhill on a balance beam through a tunnel of trees with impaired vision.





At the bottom of the slope, I stopped and cheered. It was scary but exhilarating, an adrenaline rush. My husband, behind me on the trail, watched the whole spectacle and thought I was a goner a few times. His experience on the E-bike was more controlled, or he is more skilled. Luckily we could loop back to the entrance rather than have to cycle up that particular slope. Otherwise, I’d be there yet.


After the balance beam, the trail opens to a clearing beside New London Bay.





In the distance the sand dunes on the other side of the bay are visible. As you follow the trail, you can see the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the far side of the dunes. 





A pond empties into the bay and we heard unfamiliar birds along its perimeter. 





I had the wrong camera for photos when they flew away.


The upward grade required I walk the bike a few times. 





The view of the water, both sea and pond, kept me going however. 





Besides, what choice did I have?





The last part of the trail with the dancing shadows 





and the smell of apples fallen from the trees were perfect precursors to autumn which was a few days away at that time. 





The ride was exhilarating but difficult. However, I am stronger with each ride and always enjoy the surroundings and the company. Cycling has been a great addition to life for my husband and me. 


Update:


Post tropical storm Teddy hit us yesterday afternoon with high winds and torrential rain. There was a lull in the storm overnight but it’s miserable again this morning. This evening we will find out about damage around the island. However, this storm is not as bad as Dorian by the look and sound of it.


Happy autumn or spring to everyone around the planet.


32 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Beautiful photos and thanks for the update about Teddy!

Anvilcloud said...

It looks wonderful, and thanks for the storm update, which I was going to ask you about anyway.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Happy Autumn to you!

The trail looks nice, a pretty spot for a bike ride. I love the water views, the trees should be looking colorful soon. I hope there was not too much damage from the storm Teddy. Take care, enjoy your day!

Linda said...

Yay Marie! You two are rocking this.

Incredible pictures. Looking forward to watching the seasons change through my favorite photographer.

Anita said...

Wow what an experience with the bike!I was glad to read it went all okey!

Beautiful pictures today!Love that with all the apples on the ground.Thats very special!

Here we are expecting the hurricane Sally(I wonder who gives the storms their names?)It will hit Lofoten today and then come down to us in Westland
Better take in all those summer furnitures from the balcony and garden
Hope to see some of your pictures after the storm

Wish you a nice day!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh my gosh that was indeed an exhilarating ride Marie and just in time by the sound of it. You caught beautiful photos on this ride, your red bench is a delight 💛

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

That looks a great place for a bike ride with calming views as an antidote to the adrenalin rush of downhill cycling!

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Oh those dancing shadows and turning leaves! Perfect!

Do you have a recumbent bike, for winter time, to keep your muscles in shape?

🍁✨🍂✨🍎✨🍂✨🍁

Martha said...

Such a beautiful trail and gorgeous views! I'm glad you managed the balance beam, I probably would have wiped out lol. Thanks for sharing your beautiful day with us!

Tanza Erlambang said...

trail looks good and the views so amazing ....
nice chair under the apple tree.

# Hope, storms did not cause damages to island .... take care

Elephant's Child said...

WELL DONE!!!Thank you for taking us with you.
And I hope that Teddy has been relatively gentle (though I am sure it was messy).

photowannabe said...

Glad you are okay from Teddy and stay safe inside your cozy home during this time.
Your bike ride sounds like quite an adventure but the rewards of the sights and smells seem to be wonderful.

You made me smile as you talked about your downhill cycle on a balance beam through a tunnel of trees with impaired vision.
What a picture you painted..
Good for YOU !!!
Sue

Bill said...

As I was reading the post, I was rooting for you to make it a safe ride with no accidents. Well, you did it, YAY! The photos are beautiful and glad the storm wasn't as bad as Dorian.
Have a nice evening!

At Home In New Zealand said...

You always seem to manage to find the most gorgeous spots on your Island to go biking/walking in - or is all your Island that beautiful?
I laughed at your downhill experience as it reminded me of being a child again with wind rushing past and the exhilaration of not feeling fully in control of the bike - not for this Senior anymore!
I hope Teddy has not left too much damage behind. Take care, Mxx

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

Thank you for your heartfelt comment on my blog Marie. It means a lot to me.
Your bike escapade and the lovely pictures seem like pure heaven to me and I'm so glad the storm wasn't worse.

William Kendall said...

Wonderful views!

William Kendall said...

A beautiful place for a hike.

DJan said...

Those are wonderful pictures of what must have been a wild ride! I love your description and love how adventurous you are becoming. :-)

Joanne Noragon said...

Beautiful photos. The first trail reminds me of my cross country skiing adventure, having to land each ski in the narrow track of snow. Horrid. I fell often.

Rose said...

Oh, my, what a place to ride, but I am here to say that first part about having to ride in the rut set my nerves on edge! I am glad you survived it. And hope you are right that Teddy does not do so much damage.

Red said...

I can tell that you are really enjoying your cycling. I hope that you will not find any damage from Teddy.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The views along the way are spectacular . I must admit, you are much braver than I would be. I would walk that path, but never on a bike.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

That red bench makes a statement, as though it had changed colour in the fall.

The Padre said...

I Am So Happy For You - What An Adventure On The Bike - You Truly Experienced Freedom - You Were Given A Certain Situation And Prevailed - Well Done - Keeping It Slow And Control Is A Beautiful Thing - Your Confidence Is Soaring To Higher Limitations And Your Smile Will Only Widen - And Believe Me, If It Appears To Be Too Challenging, Its Because It Is And There Is NOTHING Wrong With Walking The Bike For Awhile - Ride On You Two Kids

Enjoy That Weekend,
Cheers

Rhodesia said...

I so enjoy these virtual rides with you. Lovely photos. I hope no serious damage from the storm. Take care and stay safe, cheers Diane

Margaret said...

Beautiful trees and sites. We're having rain too. Not good for bike rides, but very needed.

Mage said...

Fall here. And I love these bike rambles. Thank you.

Helen said...

I can't visit, but you certainly make me feel as if I am actually there.
This time last year I was just setting off to be there for Ben's birthday. The joy and beauty of autumn magically unfolded during my stay.

baili said...

oh i am sorry about the storm dear Marie
it is reliving to learn that this one is lighter than previous thankfully

your cycling tour made my day :) i am huge fan of your insightful words and majestic captures Marie

i enjoyed each bit of this post from the bottom of my heart and soul my friend!
stay well and safe please take great care
blessings!

Debbie said...

what a thrilling ride on the bike, i think i would have fallen. i'm glad you made it and i too am cheering for you!!! the shadows are so pretty!!

Catarina said...

I like trails with dancing shadows!! How poetic!

I am enjoying these pictures so much!!

Thanks, Marie!!

: )

Susie of Arabia said...

So pretty! What a beautiful area you live in.