Rich Days of Summer

Rich.  The rich days of summer.  Today was one of them. 

The sprinklers came on in usual fashion at 6:00 a.m.  There is a startle among the sheets at the sound of the air rushing from the system.  When water becomes airborne and the sound of the sprinklers fills the air, there is a settling.  Such a comforting sound in the early morning air.  A sound that means summer saturation and growth.  Growth that wouldn't be possible without the daily love of coolness.

We lingered at the breakfast table for only a bit.  We had plans.  Plans that included sweat and scenery.  Because, Carla's in the house.  Today was a day in the memory bank from "Camp Carla" where no one lingers too long in one spot, where the day is planned and fully executed.  Where memories are active and the smile doesn't fade. 

It was off to Hamlin Gulch where we began our trek.  Strava.  With the help of Strava we would find out how far our trusty bikes took us and all the other important information needed to be a good cyclist.  So with clean frames and unused helmets, we set out on an adventure.  There is no doubt that my biking skills need improvement but I felt very encouraged by the "catch up little tomato" attitude from my co-exercisers. 

It was an amazing morning and as we crossed over and headed back by way of Scarface Road, the view of the valley is just short of breathtaking.  So between the deep pants of this new rider, the view was once again on my mind.  So many beautiful places in this valley we call home.

The day proceeded with a quick trip to Fort Jones to the Gallery and the museum.  Home for a quick clean-up and off again.  The traffic was bunched up, indicating the possibility of road work on Forest Mountain.  Yep.  But it was further complicated by a fire on the top of the mountain.  Looked like the emergency vehicles were looking for a way to the top of that hill that my dad says contains "about a bucket full of dirt on the whole mountain". 

We headed south at Yreka.  Destination....McCloud.  Carla commented that she hadn't been in McCloud since she was in high school.  Was there where she showed her stud-li-ness in basketball with the box and one?  Could have been.  I'm pretty sure she did that more than once.

We checked out the mercantile in this small, sleepy town.  Christmas shopping.  Yeah.  I really was. 

We headed back to Yreka where my "fine figure of a man" had a hair cut.  We shopped a bit, visited a bit and had a good time with friends.  Our plan was to take Florence (you know, the lady with a plan) to dinner.  Treat her.  Love on her and see how she's doing. 

It was an evening of catching up.  How's the family?  Turns out Florence had been on a two week vacation.  Glacier National Park.  It was on her bucket list.  Made me smile just thinking about her and the things she wants to do before she joins her hubbie in heaven some day.  But for now, she's living life in wonderful fashion.  Filling her days with activities, puppy love and a 13 year old she adores.

The herd of ten bucks that crossed the road on our way home was a surely a treat. 

We stopped at one of our favorite spots in North Kidder Creek to say hello to some of our most favorite people.  Mom and Dad.  Dad was rototilling the garden because it needed to be done but soon came in to check the Giants game.  Mom was chillin' from her active day.  It was a nice end to a nice day. 

So after chatting with Trevor on Facetime, I think it's time to give this fine day a rest.  After all, tomorrow's another day.  And as our good friend Mr. Wilkins told us, "the sun rises every morning" and I'm thinking we need to be ready for it.