Rainy Sunday Mtn Bike Ride

 Despite Sunday's rain I took to a loop that is just up the road from my apartment, Marshall Park. It is not very long, but it gives you enough time to get out of the house and do something that you like without having to travel a great distance.

 There is a decent change in elevation and nothing too technical for a beginner like me!

 This winter I look forward to snowshoeing out here. Since I have only seen one other person on the trail I think that it will be a good place to get some deep winter solitude without running into other people.

-J

Can you tell me what this is?

I have a little contest for you today. Below is a picture that I took from near the top of Dorr Mtn. Can you tell me the correct name of the rock structure?

Bonus points will be awarded if you give a little history bit about them as well! Good luck!

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If you would like to contribute to RSOC please contact us at: randomstreamoc@gmail.com

Fun, it is out there and you should be too

Whenever people talk about adventuring and getting outside they make a big deal out of it, they plan, and pack and book rooms, which is all fine and dandy a few times a year, but, what needs to be realized is that you can get outside, get some exercise, have a great time and do it more often by only driving a few miles, or even walking just a bit.

Today we decided to get out of the house despite the intermittent showers. While we would have rather hopped in the car and high-tailed it out of here, we have to work tomorrow, so our trip was short. However short, it was a great time.

We started by walking to Nichol's Arboretum, a large park owned by the University. The "Arb" as it is known around here is like a mini forest amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It makes me forget where I am.

Due to the near constant rain that we have been receiving lately there is an excess of fungi everywhere. I am still working on identifying them, but here they are:
 
 

I find fungus to be extremely interesting, strange and mesmerizing.

Though it was drizzling we still managed to see a few critters including this groundhog!

There were also large visible areas of flattened grass where deer bed down for the night. It is amazing and refreshing to see wildlife still around when most of their habitat has been squashed.

You would never know that she is just 50 steps from the street!

Every once in a while everyone needs to get out, even if it is just around the corner...

To hell with roads, I will take a trail any day!

Wide open spaces within the confines of a tall city.

Chelsea in pursuit of a pic of that groundhog.

Look at that great bag! It survived the rain of the day and no camera equip ruined!

This poor little guy was dodging rain drops to grab a quick snap.

What a great way to get away for a few hours, no noise, no sirens, nowhere to go and no time to get there by. It is very grounding. I cannot wait for our next trip out.

As for now, there appears to be a small rain storm on its way, nothing severe, and we are watching Spies Like Us.

Enjoy your evening,


-J