Two Short Rides

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Chickadees whistling "Still here, still here"
Marsh frogs chirping tentative songs
Dogwood glowing red in the sun

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Spring is no longer behaving like a timid guest who peeps around the corners of doors before retreating shyly to her room. Now she's walking around with confidence as though she intends to stay a while. Last weekend was warm and dry enough (hooray!) for me to squeeze in two short rides.

Saturday's ride is gloriously sunny, though a chilly wind is freezing my fingers and tickling the marshes. They don't seem to mind, but sparkle happily and reflect back the blue of the spring sky:

Wild geese step daintily away from the verge as I approach:

Today's ride is a short out-and-back. Here's the same marsh from the opposite direction:

A few frogs chirp as I pass, sounding uncertain whether to continue or to go back to sleep. (Stay awake, guys - it's getting warmer every day!)

And a few miles later I'm home. A good brisk pipe-opener squeezed in between Saturday housework and a movie date with friends.

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Sunday I have a little more time to spare, so the ride is slightly longer. The weather is warmer today, but overcast - not so good for photos.

Blurry self-portrait, or, Cyclist with Turtle:

A favourite willowy corner:

The willows are fairly glowing right now with golden-green shoots streaming down to the dark water.

I pass buff-coloured fields and leafless woods. I see clumps of bare lilac and the ghosts of last year's Queen Anne's Lace. It's hard to believe that in a few months all will be green and lush.

One last shot of a favourite marshy bend:

Some ice remains on the water, but it's shrinking and will soon be gone. There's a new nest in that tall tree to left of center, and dogwood glows rosily on the far bank.

Make yourself at home, Spring. We are so glad to have you. :)

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