A bit of Manchester, CT
Some days you just gotta change things up. Those who keep up with DL’s blog (and I assume that is all of you) know that she had quite a day yesterday. And those who keep up with me know that I am not a fan of the hills (understatement). I don’t remember if I ever wrote it, but I have thought it and said it to many, I never wanted to include this part of the Greenway in my ride. But I thought I’d give it a try. There was a reason I did not. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into the beautiful trails and the infrastructure to maintain them. I love that. I just don't love the terrain for cycling. I know I have more hills in my future. But I don't have to have them in this presence.
This morning I had the great idea to change up rest day and how we spend the next two days in this area. Truly, there are some particular parts of my body that could use an extra day of rest from the bike seat. (No snide comments, please.) As a matter of fact, last week we both spoke of having a two-day rest day sometime soon. Tah dah. Let's make it happen.
I made pancakes and eggs for breakfast. We leisurely prepared for a little ride, loaded our bikes on the car and headed for Manchester. We rode a quick little ride on the Charter Oak Trail from Charter Oak Park there. How delightful. I wasn’t such a fan of the hill that we encountered until we rode back and were able to experience the downhill. I typically don’t like to go too fast. And on the road, a 30mph downhill may be met with all manner of cracks or gravel or drain grates. But this was a well-manicured trail with some little curves. Fun. And this trail is part of the East Coast Greenway. Best of all, we were able to ride a little together on the trail.
This plant lined the trail today. (I know, plant friends. I probably have known its name at some point. But I can't recall it.) I’ve been seeing it, but today the colors seemed so vivid, in two shades--the richer deep red and a lovely burnt orange-red. From the road or trail, the texture of them reminds me of French Burnt Peanuts. (Do I really need to see snack food in nature?)
What we both loved about the Charter Oak Park (in addition to its access to the trail!) was the effort put into art. Under bridge murals and a gate adorned with little paintings. Just lovely.
We then had a lovely lunch in downtown. Next we took a driving tour of the Manchester interstates to get to the mall area in search of a few electronics. Back home. Did a few chores. Put Jack in his outdoor crate. Toasted to a wonderful day with some lovely prosecco courtesy of Elizabeth Wise. Cooked supper outside under the awning.
Nice day for a rest.
4.4 miles / 465.12
That's a sumac! Love the art!
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