Pedalling My A-- Around Town

What better way to start the day than with a bike ride in the early morning hours? I love being out and about while people are still sleeping. It's so quiet and peaceful, the only sounds those of nature. Travelling east, my first stop is the tulip lady's house, her beautiful Japanese plum tree in full pink bloom.


Continuing on my journey, the scent of freshly mown hay wafts on the soft breeze, long lines of cuttings damp with dew, left to dry in the sun, Mt. Cheam towering over the valley.


Cycling south, the pavement comes to an abrupt end up over an incline, a gravel road taking it's place. Blueberry fields stretch to the west, a robin perching on a numbered post indicating the row. Two old rubber boots are upside down over a couple of posts, an indication of something to the owner.


An occasional house and riotous vegetation hide the slough to the east. An abandoned house, broken windows with plywood coverings and sagging doors in a state of disrepair, blackberry bushes almost to the height of the second floor, is the last house.

Just past a barrier of tall alders and poplars, an large field is home to hydro towers. At this early hour, as the sun starts to peek above the mountains, even the towers take on a certain beauty, metal girders glowing as they reflect the first fingers of light.


Continuing on my journey, the gravel road continues towards the bridge and the old ferry landing. Wild cherry trees intermingle with other deciduous trees, their white blossoms contrasting with the new growth of spring leaves.


Of course, my penchant for macro photos had me paused there for quite some time taking the 'perfect' shot of shadow and light on the milky, fragrant blossoms. A challenge, as this close to the river, the wind is always a little stronger. Of course, gusts of wind play games with one's attempt at macro photography. I believe I did manage to 'win' this contest, though. lol.


Stopping at the bridge and the former road to the ferry landing, solar rays danced light across the river, breaking through the clouds behind the indomitable Mt. Cheam. Too many clouds for a colourful sunrise, the shadowed scene filled me with a sense of wonder and peace.


Riding under the bridge, the riverside bench greeted me. I can just visualize people sitting there, watching the former ferry traverse the river and dock on either side. Perhaps watching the pleasure boats in the summer, large plumes of water arcing behind sharp turns, waves slapping the shore from their wake.


Through a narrow path and vegetation that threatens to take over along the riverfront, the path opens up to a gravel lane, blueberry fields bordering both sides. Dodging potholes and mud, asphalt greets me at the first massive domicile, following the path of the slough. A heritage home sits at one corner, it's multi coloured orange tulips with sculpted petals beckoning me to photograph it's allure.


The owner of the home was out walking, a rosary in her right hand, greeting me with cheery hello. We discussed the height of the slough, already high with spring runoff, and the resident beaver she hadn't seen in awhile. I mentioned that I'd seen one there the evening before but it was too fast and too dark for me to take a photo.

...continued....