The Sundial Bridge

The week has been rainy and cool (50s and 60s) here in northern California. But Mark finally has some time off and so we decided to do a little out of town exploring. We headed up to Redding, CA, about 75 miles north of here. The town is slightly bigger than Chico and has great trails along the Sacramento River. The Turtle Bay Exploration Park includes the Sundial Bridge, which also includes a botanical garden. We will definitely return to the area when the weather is less wet. Very pretty!

He's looking pretty relaxed!

Cool glass walkway.

The Sundial up close

It was one week ago today that I returned from Chico from parts east and here are some other miscellaneous pictures from the week:

Out the front door of Fairmount in the morning....

Hiking up to Monkey Face in the afternoon!

Made plans today to come back to MN over Mark's winter break. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Trip Pictures: Sandy, Drag Queen Race & more!

After spending most of the month of October in Chico, I headed out for a three week swing eastward. I arrived in New York just about 48 hours before Hurricane Sandy.  After celebrating a 20 year anniversary of a first date, I got on the subway just hours before it shut down and took one of the last trains up to Massachusetts.

The view of Manhattan from Brooklyn

Smith College in Northhampton

Maureen blowin' in the wind!

The next stop after Northhampton, Massachusetts was Washington DC. Lots of visiting with family and also watching the Drag Queen Races in DuPont Circle:

Another highlight from DC--touring the Smithsonian and the Washington Mall using the Capitol Bike  Share:

Notice the sky....I did not see the sun for the entire trip!

Mall....setting up for inauguration??

Chico First Annual Tweed Ride

I'm baacckkk.....in Chico and, finally, back to the blog. During the nearly three weeks I was back in Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington DC, fall descended on Chico. It is still comparatively warm here, but the trees have definitely turned, the sunny and warm days are less frequent, and rain is here. But, the bike community in Butte County is tight and there was a great turnout for the Tweed Ride this morning through Bidwell Park. Here are the photo highlights:

We started out from downtown at City Plaza

Vintage bikes and clothing were the norm

These are our new neighbors Karen and Pete. They are very active in the Chico biking community.

About 130 people turned out for this inaugural ride, many riding fun bikes. We stopped for a picnic in the park and then many people continued to the Sierra Nevada Brewery for a pint. The event ended back in downtown Chico, where the Christmas Preview occurred....kind of like the Grand Meander in St. Paul.

Love the goggles

This bike is carrying a grill and fuel.

Much better than an old folks home!

Bomber, notice the flasks....I thought of you!

Mrs. Peacock from the Chico production of "Clue"