Root River Trail Return—Day 2

Rain was heavy during dark of night.
This morning, wet trails.
Dry bodies.

From first pedal stroke,
Raincoats part of uniform worn today.
Made good layer for warmth,
And just-in-case ready for rain that didn't come.

I started my ride from Rushford,
Bob started from Peterson where he parked car.
Bob was flat-out with bad cold for three days,
Just prior to coming to Root River.
Now being realistic about his stamina.

Together we rode along nearly private trail.
Saw three deer running ahead on trail,
White tails erect and bobbing.
Those tails look as long as a squirrel's!

Later, unexpected trail walkers:
Five cattle.
Some farmer must have hole in fence.

We are a bit early for blaze of autumn color,
Still lovely patches of yellow, some red.

Passing through Whalan,
We checked to see if POSSIBLY
Aroma Pie Shoppe was open.

For last two years,
Our timing has found closed shop.

But today! Oh joy, pie.
Some years ago in Northfield,
Someone asked me if, in all my pie sampling,
I'd ever found pie as good as I can make.
Answer was "NO.”

Today changed that; excellent pie.
I told pie-creator that her crust is as good as mine.
(We all know that was when I was still baking with gluten-laden flour)

She was astute and diplomatic.
Took my remark as big compliment.

On to Rushford where we lunched.
Riding home I relearned my lesson I'd forgotten:
"Don't ride right after heavy meal."
The constant forward lean in biking,
Constricts belly and organs.

Pain ---- probably just gas bubbles.
Something so physically inconsequential,
Extremely painful.

I walked some,
Grimaced and pedaled.
Got to car in Peterson, loaded on with Bob's bike,
To motel, stretched out,
I'm okay. And can be wiser another time.

Good day today,
Lovely to ride and gift to be here.

Grateful for this way to bring life to my days!

Hugs to each of you.
Lin

LIMERICK