Sunday, February 25
Today, we took a nice bike ride – 26 miles – around the area. Tom had been doing some sporadic cycling over the winter in Seattle, but I hadn’t been on my bike since last September, so the distance was plenty for me. Just a couple of stats for my “gear geek” friends – top speed 38.3 mph (sweet hill, big chain ring) low speed 2.7mph (it was a STEEP hill!!). All in all, it felt good to be back on the bike, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s ride.
We went back to the beach again right after cycling to bob around in the ocean waves. There is a protected cove, where the beach is steep, so you can be up to your shoulders less than 10 yards from shore. Very relaxing and a good way to work out the cycling kinks. After a quick breakfast in the apartment, we went for a hike in the national park nearby. There’s a 2km walk that goes from sea level to 161 meters high, so the views are spectacular. It was pretty clear, so we could see the panorama of islands around the area, and the various bays and beaches. Then off for a short shopping trip to pick up cheap beach chairs. Tom was delighted (actually overjoyed beyond belief) to find a hardbound calendar book for $2.00. He’s purchased this same book the last few years, and for some unknown reason, it thrills him to no end. This outpouring of emotion is not usual for Tom, who normally maintains a rather staid posture even in the face of things that would excite the normal person. Anyway, it kept him busy for an hour or so, updating his “journal.”
I’d woken up at 4:17am (what did I expect, going to sleep at 7:30!?!) so I wasn’t in any mood to go out for dinner. Tom picked up some take out and we once again spent a quiet evening in the apartment.
This next part is for my knitting friends – so others beware, it may be mind-numbingly boring for you to read the next bit. I decided my main project this time would be the sawtooth sweater from Vivian’s Shadow Knitting book. I’d wanted to make it for some time, but hadn’t had a chance to start it yet. Those of you who know Vivian’s patterns will appreciate that they are the consummate in good and clear instruction, and her designs are amazingly beautiful. And, they involve a lot of knitting on small needles and with lightweight yarn – the perfect travel project. It just about floored me when, while we were packing, Tom casually remarked “Oh, you’re bringing another Shadow knitting project.” This, from a man, who after 23 years of marriage would probably not be able to describe the exact color of my eyes. So, unbeknownst to me, some of what I say as I’m babbling along to him DOES actually get through.
I didn’t do much plane knitting, since we flew at night, but I did spend my early morning casting on for the cuff and completely the first 12-14 rows of the sleeve. I know I’m going to enjoy knitting this garment, as the pattern has good rhythm and a straightforward chart. Thank you, Vivian!
Today, we took a nice bike ride – 26 miles – around the area. Tom had been doing some sporadic cycling over the winter in Seattle, but I hadn’t been on my bike since last September, so the distance was plenty for me. Just a couple of stats for my “gear geek” friends – top speed 38.3 mph (sweet hill, big chain ring) low speed 2.7mph (it was a STEEP hill!!). All in all, it felt good to be back on the bike, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s ride.
We went back to the beach again right after cycling to bob around in the ocean waves. There is a protected cove, where the beach is steep, so you can be up to your shoulders less than 10 yards from shore. Very relaxing and a good way to work out the cycling kinks. After a quick breakfast in the apartment, we went for a hike in the national park nearby. There’s a 2km walk that goes from sea level to 161 meters high, so the views are spectacular. It was pretty clear, so we could see the panorama of islands around the area, and the various bays and beaches. Then off for a short shopping trip to pick up cheap beach chairs. Tom was delighted (actually overjoyed beyond belief) to find a hardbound calendar book for $2.00. He’s purchased this same book the last few years, and for some unknown reason, it thrills him to no end. This outpouring of emotion is not usual for Tom, who normally maintains a rather staid posture even in the face of things that would excite the normal person. Anyway, it kept him busy for an hour or so, updating his “journal.”I’d woken up at 4:17am (what did I expect, going to sleep at 7:30!?!) so I wasn’t in any mood to go out for dinner. Tom picked up some take out and we once again spent a quiet evening in the apartment.
This next part is for my knitting friends – so others beware, it may be mind-numbingly boring for you to read the next bit. I decided my main project this time would be the sawtooth sweater from Vivian’s Shadow Knitting book. I’d wanted to make it for some time, but hadn’t had a chance to start it yet. Those of you who know Vivian’s patterns will appreciate that they are the consummate in good and clear instruction, and her designs are amazingly beautiful. And, they involve a lot of knitting on small needles and with lightweight yarn – the perfect travel project. It just about floored me when, while we were packing, Tom casually remarked “Oh, you’re bringing another Shadow knitting project.” This, from a man, who after 23 years of marriage would probably not be able to describe the exact color of my eyes. So, unbeknownst to me, some of what I say as I’m babbling along to him DOES actually get through.
I didn’t do much plane knitting, since we flew at night, but I did spend my early morning casting on for the cuff and completely the first 12-14 rows of the sleeve. I know I’m going to enjoy knitting this garment, as the pattern has good rhythm and a straightforward chart. Thank you, Vivian!
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