Thames Path Hike

The Thames Path is a 184-mile National Trail that roughly follows the River Thames from its source in the Cotswold Hills to the Thames Barrier east of London. For three days this week I walked part of the trail from near Reading to Oxford. I’m grateful I was joined by two friends I’ve known for…… Continue reading Thames Path Hike

Rare Iron Bridge

Cycled the Gateway State Trail until it ran out, then cycled back. Crossed this 1873 wrought iron bridge. By the 1890’s steel had displaced iron as the material of choice for bridges, so iron bridges are quite rare.

Categorized as Cycle

Round Every Corner

Wetland view from the Cannon Valley Trail, cycling from Welch to Red Wing, then back to Welch. In Red Wing our destination was a cafe specializing in pies, but it had closed early. My friend didn’t miss a beat and led me to a bake shop round the corner.

Categorized as Eat, Cycle

Suburban Surprises

Cycled with a friend in search of decent cycle trails in suburbs like Roseville, Shoreview, and Arden Hills. We assumed we would have to ride cycle lanes on busy roads; instead, we sometimes found lovely trails with views like this.

Categorized as Cycle

Trespassing

Kept cycling. In Minnesota “No Trespassing” signs must have “either the signature or the name and telephone number of the landowner, lessee or manager.

Categorized as Cycle

Molten Asphalt

A worker congratulated me on my braking when I screeched to a halt, inches short of newly poured, molten asphalt. There were no warning cones, but I tend to swerve around them, anyway, if the coast looks clear.

Categorized as Cycle