Big River
Those who have followed my rides (and who wouldn’t want to waste a great deal of time doing exactly that?) know I haven’t been out and about exploring new locales as much as usual over the last nine months or so. That’s because of—surprise, surprise—virus, fires, and family obligations. Naturally, I’ve been itching to pedal some new territory. When Bud returned from hiking the Big River Trail a few weeks ago, he suggested it might make a decent bicycling destination. A little googling indicated he might be right.
10 response to "Big River"
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Here are my thoughts on your lunch spot: A woman probably had plans to hike to that location and go for a swim in the Big River. When she saw that nobody was around, she took off her shoes and swim suit and decided to go for a quick skinny dip. Then you came along. She was too embarrassed to come back up the embankment while you were there, so she waited until you were gone. Unfortunately, while you unpacked your bag, spread your food and drink on the bench, and ate a nice leisurely meal, she was shivering in the cold water . . . waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting.
Of course, that story is all speculation. There is a 25% chance that isn’t what happened at all.
One more thing Bill, (I mean, “Old Grumbleface.”) I must commend you on your excellent ability to stay in-character wherever you go. Never a smile. Never even a HINT of a smile. I’ll bet when you’re off-camera, you’re joking and laughing all the time. (Secret message to the Ace Support Crew: Am I wrong?)
Regarding the alleged swimmer, if she had emerged dripping from the chilly river I can assure you I would have gallantly offered her my handy little bandana for drying herself.
As to my grumbly face, I can only suggest that in my youth I learned how to pose for photographic portraits by studying pictures of Civil War soldiers. Give me a uniform and a sword, and I think I would have made a fine subject for Mathew Brady. 😉
THAT’S IT! I knew I’ve seen that majestic, emotionless pose before and I now remember it comes from Civil War generals. Some of your famous selfies on top of big rocks should be enshrined in . . . um . . . stone.
That looks like a great trail, well worth a two hour drive. Great photos. I’m sure Greg’s theory on the swimsuit must be right. Hopefully you didn’t pick it up in an effort to ‘clean up litter’ on the trail! The poor woman would be stranded.
Bob, you’ll be relieved to know that after determining neither the shoes nor the lady’s swimsuit would fit me, I left them where I found them.
Oh yes, well worth the drive — if you like unpaved riding. Lots of good photos Bill. So glad you were able to get off your well beaten paths for something new to you.
Thanks, Nancy. The drive itself — a good part of it through a redwood forest — is quite interesting.
Beautiful place to ride, well worth the trip there and back.
The pampas grass photo is great, so, its an invasive species there? Sold as an ornamental grass here.
According to the ever-trustworthy Wikipedia, Pampas Grass is considered a big enough problem to be banned in at least two countries. It’s definitely ornamental, but tends to displace native vegetation and cause some ecological damage. It certainly grows densely on some steep hillsides along Highway 1 at the coast.
Addendum: I heard from John, one of the guys I met on this ride. He has a spectacular bio-dynamic farm outside of Hopland in Mendocino County. Be sure to check out the video on his homepage:
http://sunhawkfarms.com