For The Birds

Today's bike ride was a relaxing exploration of Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

I was pleasantly surprised by this fella.  My, what a beak, what a neck. What an exquisite creature.

Best part of the ride besides enjoying the nice temperature was this sign!

I soaked it all in, appreciating the beauty of the area.  The stillness. The quiet.  The calm.

A nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Soothing.

A Day of Anticipation

Club ride going all the way to the top of Mt. Umunhum!  This jewel had its long awaited and highly anticipated grand opening in September.  Mt Um is located within the 18,000 acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara County, and is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range at 3,486 feet.  A nicely paved road made the climb very nice.

 First though, we had to climb Hicks East.  I hadn't been on the bike for 2 weeks due to illness. I hadn't gone on a bike ride with The Boyfriend in quite some time as well.  So, it was definitely a day of excitement.  And absolutely worth every moment. I'm at the top finally.  It was a thrill to go beyond the point where we had to stop in the past.  The few miles to the top is mellow with a flat section, too.

We worried about heavy traffic on the road but that was not the case.  In fact, car traffic was light and drivers were polite!  I, of course, was one of the last to arrive at the top.  Along the way, a driver stopped to say, "I am impressed."  Naturally, I thought he was referring to me.  Turns out he was amazed by Donny and Joan on their tandem.  Still, being the heroine of all my tales, I pretended the driver was in awe of me.  Ha ha.

Everyone else made it to the top a good 15-30 minutes before me but, being the heroine of my all my tales, I'd like to point out that I did make it.  And boy was it worth it. The views were spectacular.

I love this climb not just because of the views. It is challenging but somehow calming at the same time.  I asked The BF if rangers waved to him as he climbed.  No, he said.  Well they certainly did with me, Mister.  And male cyclists gave encouraging remarks as they sped past me.  What can I say, being the heroine of all my tales....

Felt like Mt. Ventoux or being on the moon or a scene from Planet of the Apes.  We are so fortunate that time, energy and money were spent to provide access to this wonderful natural resource.

It was chilly when we started, signs of Fall becoming apparent, and chilly on parts of the climb and descent, but, worth every minute for the stunning views.  The BF enjoyed himself.  I enjoyed myself.  I can't wait to do it again and take more photos. 

An Afternoon at the Symphony

Here I am at the California Theatre in San Jose to hear Symphony Silicon Valley.

Here I am hobnobbing with High Society.  Well, we're really just ordinary folks in San Jose. 

The California Theatre, once known as the Fox Theatre is beautiful.  A long time ago, it was almost demolished.  Now it is a venue for our symphony, our opera and other cultural events.

Warming up.  Omg, it was wonderful.  Watching the violinists with their bows, the flutists, all of the musicians with their instruments ... a live performance is truly a marvel.  This was opening weekend, so, apparently, they begin by playing the Star Spangled Banner.  Who knew.  The concert included Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture, Britten's Passacaglia & Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes and finally, Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.  A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  On a date with myself.