Stonehaven

One of the things I miss in Edinburgh is the sea. That may sound strange, as Edinburgh lies on a wide estuary, the Firth of Forth, and a short walk from our house brings us within sight and sound of its tidal reaches. But for all its whitecaps and wheeling seabirds it's a tame sea. The fields and hills of Fife lie just across the water.

By contrast from Stonehaven, to the south of Aberdeen, there is only the wide horizon of the North Sea.





Below, Stonehaven's setting on a sheltered bay.





Even in the town centre, the 'real' sea is always present. In the gap between the buildings below, a working ships of the North Sea is a counterpoint to land-based traffic.





Can you detect that I'm feeling homesick for the North?

Read What You Enjoy

"Never force yourself to read a book that you do not enjoy. There are so many good books in the world that it is foolish to waste time on one that does not give you pleasure and profit." Professor Atwood H. Townsend
I've finally gotten to the place where I can take Professor Townsend's advice. Last week I put down two library books that I just couldn't get into for whatever reason. Maybe I'll come back to them later or maybe not. They just didn't capture my attention right now, and that's okay. No guilt.

Santa Fe

Forecast for Friday was sunny and windy. Figured it was a good day to make my trip to Santa Fe. Original plans were to bring the bike. But with riding the 3 last day, I needed a day off the bike (my butt would thank me).

Drove over to the Rio Rancho/Journal station on the RailRunner. Found out that it was Albuquerque's "Bike to Work Day". Visited with folks from New Mexico Transportation Dept and BikeABQ (stationed at opposite ends of the parking lot). I talked with Steve of BikeABQ - who happens to be from Iowa! We are everywhere.

Uneventful train ride to Santa Fe. Stopped in at the Santa Fe Depot (today's photo) for information. Got suggestions of places to visit. Caught the free shuttle bus to The Plaza.

Did a walking tour of downtown Santa Fe. Visited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Walked around the Plaza. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi (did not go inside). Lunch at San Francisco Street Bar & Grill.

Now, time to walk off lunch. Walked over to San Miguel Mission and the oldest house in Santa Fe. (Passed on Loretto Chapel as I was there this Winter). Next stop was the Roundhouse (New Mexico State Capitol). Toured most of the capitol (that i could get to).

The Bataan Memorial was on the way back to the train. Stopped there. By now I was thirsty. Found The Junction, as sports bar & grill at the Railyard.

Visited with another patron of the bar. Found out that my train ticket was also good for travel in any of the Santa Fe buses. Word is there is the same situation in Albuquerque. Cheap travel (since my Senior rate for the train was $6). Train ticket prices go up Monday.

Train was packed part of the way - not surprising since i was on the 4:10 train on a Friday afternoon!. Was exhausted by the time i got back to the room. Spent some time processing the photos, but was too tired to blog and post on fb.

A Little Ladder

I bought this small ladder at a local thrift store without knowing what I was going to do with it. I figured you can always use a little ladder, right? The first thing I thought to do with it was to hang it on the kitchen ceiling with pots attached. Only thing wrong with that is... I have a ceiling fan in the middle of my kitchen ceiling. It wouldn't really look good in my 1940's style kitchen anyway.
Instead I put it in the library with magazines draped over the rungs. I like it for now. Anyone have another good idea on how to use it?

Down By The River Side

This week I've been taking every road I know that crosses the Ogeechee River trying to find a 'Kodak moment' for an exhibition coming up at the end of May that'll benefit a local organization called The RiverKeepers. They're dedicated to cleaning up our local river, and our art association wanted to draw attention to them and raise a little money in the process.

The above three are the best ones so far. Each person can submit up to three works of art for entry into the exhibition. If they sell, a portion of the proceeds will go to the RiverKeepers organization. I love entering these local contests! Wish me luck or good providence.

Woodland Star

The tiny flowers of woodland star, Lithophragma parviflorum.

Arches

It was really difficult to get going this morning. A couple times I tried getting up, just to nap. Guess I really needed the sleep.

Decided to drive up to Arches National Park to scope out the park again. take some photos, re-orient myself (been 15 or more years since I was there). Since it was late morning on a Sunday, there were a lot of folks in the park. The most popular trailhead parking lots were full to the brim.

Stopped in at the Visitor's Center to inquire about places to shoot sunrise/sunset. Picked up some reading material while I was there. Took a good number of photos. Started processing the files.

When I got back to the motel, I was time for my bike ride. Aired up the tires on the road bike and lubed the chain. Plans were to head out of the motel and to ride North out of town.

For the first 2 miles I was on streets, highway shoulder, and bike path - up to Rt. 128. Crossed the road and rode up to the new pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River.

From this point, I was on the Moab Canyon Trail (Pathway). The trail climbs along US 191. The scenery (read rock formations) leaves you confused of the slope of the trail. At places, the trail looks like you are descending but you are still climbing. Yup, you climb so much that you think you are dropping when you are still climbing.

Made it up to the road entrance to Arches - about 5 miles. Recruited a couple of fellow cyclists to take my photo at the entrance (see above). It was lots of fun coasting down the canyon trail to Rt 128.

There, the road (UT 191)basically levels out until it drops down into Moab. As I rode into town, I was getting exhausted, Still had enough energy to pick up some souvenirs.

Back in the room, I transferred today's photos to the auxiliary laptop drive. Then time for food.

Not looking for riding the bike or a long walk to dinner. I had seen Woody's Tavern just a block from my motel. Not impressed with the service. The bartender was paying more attention to the football gane than her customer. Eventually she saw me. Good burger and seasoned waffle fried. Washed it down with an amber ale.

Most of today's photos have been processed. Will take some time to finish up and select those for posting on fb.