Sunday, April 24, 2022

A River Runs Through It

An early spring and good cycling weather saw me out on the bike in late March for a week of good roadwork.  That week was a false start to spring.  Seemingly plunged back into winter with many mornings seeing snow on the ground, strong winds, and frigid temperatures, the bike was configured back onto the indoor trainer for more than a month. 

Finally, the winds calmed, the rain stopped, and the temperatures are beginning to rise.  Unhitching the bike off the trainer, giving it a quick clean and check, I headed outdoors for the first time in a month.  Saturday's route would take me about 15 miles to the north and back through downtown Spokane for a thirty mile out and back.

Approaching Spokane from the west.
Spokane developed upon both banks of the Spokane (Sp’q’n’i in Salish) River centered upon a series of waterfalls as the river drops into the Spokane River Gorge.

As today's route brings me back into down from the west, I stop to take a few photos as I follow the river back into town.  Spring runoff always offers up enjoyable photo ops.  I reach the Lower Falls first.  Viewed from above on the bike path, the Lower Falls may look unimpressive.  That perception changes when the viewing angle switches to the Monroe Street Bridge. 

Lower Falls
with Monroe Street Dam in background.
Lower Falls viewed from Monroe Street Bridge.
(photo taken in February 2022)
Continuing upriver, I reach the Upper Falls.  The Upper Falls are bifurcated by an island as the river carves its way through the gorge.  Spectacular viewing especially in early spring when the torrent of water creates a spray that can soak pedestrians standing on the foot bridge above.  

Upper Falls from North footbridge looking west.
Upper Falls from North footbridge looking east.
Upper Falls from South footbridge looking east.
Finally, the waters calm as I reach Riverfront Park.  For those unaware, Spokane was the site of the 1974 World's Fair and marked my first visit to my Fair City.

Clock Tower in Riverfront Park.
From Riverfront Park, I turn south and make the 600 foot climb up the South Hill to return home.

Sunday looks equally promising and I expect to strike out on the bike again this afternoon following a scheduled remote game with Matt.  A return to our long-running AWI campaign sees another skirmish today.  Today's clash sees a skirmish at Drake's Farm.  Matt suggests this may be a tough one for the Americans.  Aren't they all?

Skirmish at Drake's Farm
Oh.  The solid painting session I anticipated in the last post, never materialized.

51 comments:

  1. Great looking bike ride, good looking game!
    Best Iain

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    1. Matt always sets up an interesting and inviting game. Hope my Rebels will persevere on this day.

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  2. Your local area is spectacular Jon. Happy cycling.
    Very much also looking forward to the AWI action.

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    1. Darren, the Pacific Northwest is full of scenic beauty. You will not be disappointed by today's AWI battle outcome.

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  3. Great photos Jon - really enjoyed them - thanks for showing us around!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the photoshoot, Tony! Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Those outdoor shots are very uplifting. I wonder if Matt's luck will change for this one though?

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    1. Uplifting, I agree. The power and majesty of nature at work.

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    2. Oh. Matt's luck changed for sure. The deck may have been stacked a wee bit.

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  5. What a great view! I like the contrast between civilization, skyscrapers and beautiful nature.
    I have to take pictures of my trips around the ancient Polish forests in the summer!
    best regards

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    1. It is unusual to see a series of waterfalls split a city in two. I look forward to seeing photos from your part of the world, Michal.

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  6. That is a serious looking river to have running through the centre of a city Jon, some great images there, thanks for taking the time to share them. Looking forward to seeing if Matt and the Brits can prevail in a rare win, or whether you are able to triumph again!

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    1. It is a serious river, indeed. The power generated by the falls and the elevation drop is impressive.

      You will be pleased with today's battle outcome.

      Why does everyone root for the Crown???

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    2. Well, I don't suppose everyone does, but as I still hold a British passport, you have to permit me to be a bit partisan when it comes to the British army!

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    3. Ah, perhaps it is rooting for my opponent?

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  7. Nice weather and it sounds like you're thoroughly enjoying being out and about. Looking forward to the AWI game, but with Matt in charge of the British I know where my money's going. I think General Cornwallis had more luck than Matt.

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    1. Getting out after a long winter is enjoyable, for sure, Lawrence. Let's hope the good weather lasts.

      You may have lost your money today!

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  8. With scenery like that I can see why the painting got missed!

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    1. Indeed! That is the excuse I will use...Thanks for the excuse and visit, Matt!

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    1. I agree! I enjoy stopping at the falls every time I pass through the downtown area.

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  10. Some some lovely pictures there Jonathan. Good to see your spring has sprung. Our seasons are changing the other way and the Indian Summer we have enjoyed is starting to wane.

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    1. Thanks, Mark. With luck, we have turned the corner. What are winters like for you?

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  11. Lovely looking river and big too ! Glad the weather is easing make the most of it 👍

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    1. The river holds a lot of power as it passes through the city. Weather is improving here, for sure.

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  12. That’s an impressive looking river Jonathan…
    There certainly many worse things that can take you away from the painting desk…

    Another nice table from Matt for you to play on as well…


    All the best. Aly

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    1. Taking exercise in the Great Outdoors is an excusable distraction away from the painting desk. Yes, Matt always sets a very fine table.

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  13. Glad for you that you got the bike off the trainer. 😀
    What qualifies as a solid paint session for you?

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    1. For me, a "solid" painting session is two hours, uninterrupted. For someone with small children, this time set-aside is probably unfamiliar to you.

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  14. Thank you for taking me on your bike ride with you. Spectacular!
    What a tease with the table... can't wait to see the report.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the spin around Spokane!

      As for the battle report, I may allow Matt to tell his tale first since he was the gracious host.

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  15. You do have great cycling country aorund you Jon and the roads look in way better condition than the rural ones near to me. Half the time I'm watching out for potholes rather than enjoying the view. Looking forward to seeing how the game goes with Matt.

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    1. Steve, plenty of potholes here too. Sometimes, we half joke that we have two seasons: Winter and Road Construction!

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  16. I barely remember driving through Spokane as a young lad when we took a family trip to see my dad's parents in Kalispell MT back in the 80's. (Flew into Seattle and drove there for "whatever" reason.) I mainly recall just being blown away by how many flavours of bubblegum was available in the states! :)

    You are a lucky man to live in such a pretty area of the country and to be able to enjoy it so much on your cycling trips!

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    1. It is amazing and curious what one takes away from a family trip. For you, it was the variety of bubblegum flavors. Hilarious!

      Next time you are passing through, let me know.

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  17. In our neck of the woods, we're still waiting for a convincing turn of the season as well: had a bit of a warm up and then plunged back down into more March like temps. Lots of towns/cities have rivers, but few (that I know of) sport such dramatic aspects as the waterfalls and rapids of Spokane. What a splendid place to ramble and ride.

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    1. Ed, the river is a dramatic waterway cutting its way through the heart of the city, no doubt.

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  18. Some lovely photos there Jonathan. I am off to Penrith this Saturday for a game with Matt, it should knock the holiday blues out of me.

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    1. I expect you will have a terrific time gaming with Matt. He is a great host. I hear Operation Sealion may be on tap.

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  19. LOL. I'm more of a 45 min man. Oh well, phase of life. :)

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  20. You are so perfect making excellent photos. Lovely setup for the game by the way.

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  21. A fine series of pictures of a wonderful looking river - I wish we had something as impressive here! I can see why you might prefer the great outdoors to painting more French infantry... ;-)

    Cheers,

    David.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed s look at some of the local scenery. As weather improves and cycling increases, expect more pictorials.

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  22. There are times when I miss Spokane very much...

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    1. I can see that. Not enough, though?

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    2. Each side of this state has their own appeal, and for me it tips slightly westward.

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