Weekending

Yes, this post is a bit belated. I've been busy at work, blah, blah, blah. But before the next weekend is upon us, a look back at the last one...

On Saturday afternoon we took the sled out for a spin on a trail closer to our house. The funny thing being that even though we hopped on the trail less than 3 miles from our house, it headed immediately into unknown (to me) territory. Whereas the trail we rode last time was much further from home but in an area I am quite familiar with due to frequent walks. While it was fun to explore a new trail system, I preferred the trail conditions on the last trail and the added pleasure of seeing a well-known route from a much different perspective. We saw a groomer out smoothing the trail, which was cool to see in action. In my pre-snowmobiling life, I was unaware that the trails were groomed in any fashion (not that I'd ever given it any thought at all). Even after only two rides, I can appreciate the value in a smoothly groomed trail.

On Sunday we went snowshoeing, but, much to my disappointment, we had to cut our hike short because my husband experienced excruciating back spasms after only a few minutes out. We had hiked down a long hill towards the river but turned back just shy of the river's edge, at which point he removed his snowshoes, deciding they were to blame for the back pain, and we headed back to the car at a slow pace. Unfortunately, his back is still causing him issues and I have sworn off suggesting snowshoeing as an activity for the two of us.

In addition, there were the usual meals out and grocery shopping. And since this post was so late in being written, I am already looking ahead to this coming weekend...

First Snowmobiling Outing

Sunday morning I finally felt well enough to go for a ride on our new (used) snowmobile. We drove to the same town park adjacent to the Erie Canal that my husband had ridden from the day before with his friends. Since it was my first outing, he wanted to stay on trails he was familiar with to ensure it went as smoothly as possible.

The first four miles we covered were miles I knew very well. I walk them regularly during the summer months, so it was fun to watch the familiar scenery fly by. We continued along the Erie Canal on a section I've never walked (note to self: walk this!) before turning onto a road to cross a bridge over the NYS Thruway to enter woods and fields on private land.

In the last few days I've learned a little about the sledding culture, but I'm sure I've still got a lot to learn. I had no idea there were official, maintained snowmobile trails (which is what we rode on for the entire two hours we were out). I also had no idea that joining a regional club got you a discount on your sled registration.

My husband is having a new seat made, which will hopefully give us a few more inches and allow for a bit more comfort on our next ride. This sled could be the trick to making winter more tolerable. Fingers crossed!

Naming

We went for a ride on the motorcycle this afternoon. We rode past fields of corn and soybeans and amber waves of grain. Everything was green and the sky was blue. It was the perfect temperature, warm enough for the wind to keep me comfortable.

While riding on the back of the bike I can see so much more of my surroundings than I can from the inside of a car. I am constantly swiveling my head, trying to see as much as possible. I often think of how when I see things, I name them in my head. Blue spruce, Queen Anne's Lace, white oak, sugar maple, sweet pea, geranium, and so on. Most people don't know the names of the trees and plants they see on a daily basis. Do they think to themselves "more green things" or do they not even notice the green things at all? Do they just take them so for granted that the plants never even cross their minds? I can't imagine going through life like that. It bothers me that I can no longer identify all the things I could in college, and let's not even talk about the Latin names that I've forgotten.

Pretty in Pink

So pink is no longer my favorite color. In fact, it never was. But the color green had been taken by my older sister, and so I was more or less assigned the color pink. This weekend I got back to my pink roots when picking out a motorcycle helmet. The one I liked best was available in pink or black, but the black had to be ordered in my size. Always a fan of instant gratification I opted for pink.

That night we went for my first real ride on the bike (the test drive through a housing development hardly counts). The first couple miles were bordering on terrifying. I was chilled from the wind and super tense. When I finally relaxed, I found myself able to warm up some and enjoy myself. I even kept my eyes open during the last turn into our neighborhood. Probably a good thing we didn't go out on any of the local highways...

I can't wait to go out again as soon as the rain stops and the temperatures warm. Maybe I need a pink riding jacket and some pink riding gloves...