Back in the Saddle Again

...


After weeks of being held hostage by the dog kennel project, I finally was able to spend a fun weekend with Robb. I did some much needed housework, not to mention some all-important lazing around, and then we loaded up the bikes and headed out for a ride.



Somehow, we completely failed to find the portion of the Bay Trail that we sought. Instead, we cycled through the suburbs of San Mateo County, along the shores of some vast canal or lagoon thingamajig. Despite how closely together the houses were packed, there was a surprising amount of wildlife to be seen. Above is a snowy egret, sporting lovely mating plumage. (Robb alerted me to this fine fellow by shouting "Hairdo! Hairdo!") Next is a lesser yellowlegs, and below that is a jackrabbit (for Erica).



I didn't end up uploading all my photos, and I lay the blame at the feet of that prickly pear margarita that accompanied my dinner. (Hey, a girl needs a night off, from time to time.)



Sunday was the Berkeley Kite Festival. We met up with Kara and our letterboxing friend Barbara for a glorious day in the sun and wind. Robb too his trike, and the rest of us walked. (Coincidentally, we were spotted by another letterboxing friend Kathy, who just happened to be on the highway at the exact moment we were crossing over the pedestrian bridge. Can't miss that trike!)



It was a challenging day for Robb. He has been experiencing a lot of back pain, so he had to take a lot of rest breaks. Both Kara and Barbara have gone through serious recoveries, so they were entirely empathetic.

It is always nice, going out with friends. I get to range a bit further from Robb than I normally do when we are out alone. I suspect this sounds really strange, but I'm uncomfortable wandering off when it is just the two of us. Actually, Robb often wanders when I'm trying to photograph birds. Either he needs shade, or he needs to keep his muscles moving, or he's just bored out of his mind. Somehow, when he wanders I don't worry, but I don't like to be the one leaving his side.

Barbara brought a couple of kites, which she shared with the rest of us. I can't remember the last time I flew a kite. When Kara had her turn at the kite, Robb needed to lay down (back pain) so she flew the kite while sitting in his trike next to the picnic bench he was using as a bed. It was all very cozy.

I was very inspired by this gorgeous kite. It was gigantic and delicate. I loved it, and am idly dreaming of making a kite of my own. (My sewing skills stink, for the record, and my backlog of projects is as long as my arm.) Something so nice about the idea of a kite.




I'll post more kite festival photos throughout this week.