Yesterday, Clif and I went on a bike ride. As we have been, ahem, a little inactive this winter, we only went five miles. (Somehow, riding on the road to nowhere on the exercise bike just doesn’t do it for us.) No matter! It was a glorious five miles, and as June wears on, we will build up our strength. For our birthdays in September, we hope to go on a fifteen-mile trek and then cap it off with fish and chips at a local pub.
For yesterday’s bike ride, we started from Norcross Point, a small but lovely waterfront park in town where residents can launch their boats or come for a picnic or just plain relax and enjoy the view.
We went past the public beach and down pretty Memorial Drive, a great road for bikers, and I came upon these lupines, which are early this year.
Here is a closer look. Always fascinating to see flowers up close, where they are nearly unrecognizable.
We also stopped to take pictures of a friend’s garden, which right now is vivid with pink. Later in the summer, it will be cool blue and yellow. I love how gardens change color with the seasons.
On we went by the lake, and although we were slow, we were steady. The sun was hot, but there was a gentle breeze to help cool us. When we got back to Norcross Point, I noticed a froth of white by the edge of the lake. Naturally, I had to take a picture.
Two women from my book group were sitting nearby. They had brought their lawn chairs and lunches, and were reveling in the fine weather and the beautiful sweep of the lake. “A bit of paradise,” one of them said.
I couldn’t argue.
This afternoon, Clif and I will go on another bike ride. This time I hope to get good pictures of a hawthorn tree that is in glorious bloom in my friend’s yard.
Fingers crossed!
Notes From the Hinterland 
I planted lupines last year and they are blooming now for the first time. So beautiful. I think riding five miles is an accomplishment!
Betsy, I am envious. I love lupine, but it will not grow in my gardens. Five miles isn’t too bad, but we hope to build up our strength over the summer.
thanks for taking us on the our with you, Laurie. Lovely pix! And I like lupines too.
Cynthia, you’re most welcome. And many thanks for the kind words.
You’re welcome, Laurie.
What vibrant colours. Summers definitely here. Enjoy. (And don’t fall off bike)
Ah, summer! And, yes, we’ll be careful.
They say you never forget how to ride a bike. Not true. We bought them when we retired. I fell off 3 times. We sold them soon after. 😉
Oh, dear! Well, as the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. Clif and I seem to be made for bike riding.
That sounds so relaxing… A good bikeride on a lovely day.
Yes, a good bike ride!
Lovely photos
Thanks, Derrick!
Five miles on the bike gets applause from this reader. 🙂 Love the Lupines.
Thanks, Judy! Five more miles yesterday. Love it!
A bit of paradise indeed! So many flowers!! And great photos! Have a lovely weekend, xo Johanna
Thanks, Johanna!
Good for you two! It’s been years since I was on a bike. It sure was a beautiful day for a ride. Love the lupine, esp. the close up!
Thanks, Eliza! Clif and I are fools for bike riding. Just have to get in shape after a long, inactive winter.
Love the bi-color Lupines. We rarely see Lupines of any kind around here. Fish and chips sounds like the perfect reward for a long bike ride.
Love lupines, and right now they are in glorious bloom in Maine.