Spinning both figuratively and literally!
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| Upper Falls split by Canada Island. |
The literal wheel spinning gives a nod to an increase in mileage out on the bike. While not up to the mileage of old, I am pushing an average of about 150 miles per week. This is much better mileage than logged during the winter and early spring months of indoor training. Good to get out in the pleasant weather before the daytime temperatures nudge the thermometer up into the 90s. Doubly good to get the roadwork in before the hazards of negotiating crosstown traffic make the journey a bit stressful until I can get out onto the relative safety of the bike path and relax.
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| Upper Falls, South Channel |
Saturday morning's ride saw me stopping on the Post Street Bridge for a brief snack break in the middle of downtown. Breakfast consisted of downing a couple pieces of sushi while I enjoyed the pleasant view of the Upper Falls before making the long and hot climb back up the South Hill and home. With no measurable rain for more than a month and the mountain snowpack long gone, the Spokane River is running low with both Lower and Upper Falls showing their mid-summer, natural state of exposed rock and reduced water flow.
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| Lower Falls under Monroe Street Bridge |
Following the series on Mortimer's Cross battles and the chronicling of those very enjoyable games, returning to the keyboard and painting table has been difficult. After wrapping up a series of battles, I am frequently distracted by what might occupy the table next. That research continues. After suggestions, a return to the 18th Century may be in the cards. Early candidates include War of Austrian Succession and War of Polish Succession battles. Which one to tackle first is still undecided.
Another distraction is that Nancy and I brought a new dog into the family. We all are adjusting quickly and this fellow has every hint at being a very good dog. His calm and friendly disposition is unmatched by any dog we have had before. The animal shelter says he is a poodle (mix?) but when I conducted an image match, a Spanish Water Dog came up as a close look-a-like. Time (and possibly a DNA test) will tell, I suppose.
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| Lee delivering a bow rake into Steve after I softened him up! |
Finally, I did get a game in this week! Reject Richard hosted another of his superbly directed playtests for the Age of Sail rules he is designing and developing. Game ran smoothly and Lee and I came away with a victory. Great fun!
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| Jon delivering a stern rake into Dan to seal the deal! |
Next time, maybe some new units to parade? By the way, the dog is asleep at my feet as I type, snoring...
Perhaps "Swoodle" or Spoodle"? ☺
ReplyDeleteNeil
Perhaps!
DeleteHe is a fine-looking dog Jonathan. Rather than a DNA test you could take him on your next trip to Spokane and see if he gets twitchy around the water or a tapas bar.
ReplyDeleteMy painting output also seems well down on last year due to various social activities. At least you are getting a fair bit of gaming in even if chronicling them has been taking up a lot of the time.
I like your test suggestion, Lawrence. He seems to enjoy the water; not sure about tapas but so far, he eats anything! I am getting in regular gaming with more on tap next week. Chronicling battle reports takes me a long time.
DeleteBeautiful photos from you latest ride and a lovely pooch. Life is so much better with dogs.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, James
Life IS better with a dog! We lost our previous pooch in December so we have not had a little companion for about half a year.
DeleteAfter a series of HYW games, or any games, there always seems to be a lull as you refocus on what’s next. The dog will also be a distraction (a welcome one).
ReplyDeleteI agree on both counts!
DeleteLovely biking scenery and a nice looking dog too, Jon! We all need a break occasionally, even from things we enjoy doing normally!
ReplyDeleteNot working for the local tourism board, I do not have your well-versed knack! I have too many interests and summer is a good time to take advantage of these seasonal diversions.
DeleteLovely looking pictures of the river Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteCan't say that I enjoy dogs but if it is a poodle or poodle cross at least it won't shed hair everywhere.
Ben, at least it will not shed everywhere!
DeleteDog gone it, he's cute. Glad your summer is turning into a good one.
ReplyDeleteHe is a cute one and friendly too!
DeleteSome empathy from drought stricken Yorkshire. At least it's cooler here than darn sarf. Like the dog (you must tell us his name, age etc.). Sensible summer clip - I don't like poodles looking like topiary personally.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies. The West has been plagued with drought for a long time. Fire season began early this year with multiple brush/forest fires already in the books. High temps, low humidity, and gusty winds are a recipe for disaster. The naming of the dog was a protracted ordeal. Finally, Nancy picked "Milo". Milo is a 15-month male currently weighing in at 27 pounds.
DeleteMilo seems a reasonable name. At least you won't feel embarrassed shouting it in the park.
DeleteIndeed, and he is more than twice the size of the previous dog. I bit more manly to take for a walk.
DeleteLovely pictures of the falls, very impressive and also equally impressive is the new addition to your household, lovely looking chap, whatever his heritage is he is rather splendid!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donnie! Yes, whatever his heritage, he is a splendid specimen.
DeleteGreat photos of the Falls as always Jon and nice to know you are ramping up the miles. Frankly here it has been far too hot here, with it feeling very warm by 7.00am. At a friends birthday party yesterday, even the West Africans were complaining about the heat plus the humidity, the latter due to our maritime climate!!!
ReplyDeleteNice addition to the family and I look forward to what crosses the games table next. Hopefully with a 10C drop in temperatures from tomorrow, both painting and gaming might make a welcome return...
Thank you, Steve! Readers may tire of seeing the falls but I never do. I cycle through this area almost daily. What makes the heat more tolerable here is that it is a "dry heat" with very low humidity. Often the humidity is running in the teens during these hot stretches.
DeleteStill debating what will come out on the table next. I am confident that it will be the 18th Century collections out next. Hope you get a reprieve from your hot temperatures and can return to painting and gaming.
Have experienced the journey of losing a dog and then welcoming a new family companion after a period of transition, I can appreciate the moment that you have shared. Did the dog come with a name he already responds to or are you going to give him one?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ed. There is a period of mourning and transition upon losing a dog, for sure. We were not sure we would get another but here we are! The fellow came with a name but that was jettisoned, and he now has a new name. He did not respond to his old name and is learning to respond to the new one.
DeleteYou have some great scenery for your bike rides. A dog is a great, mine is wrapped around my feet as I type, just what I need in a bloody heat wave
ReplyDeleteYes, this is good cycling country. A dog at feet or on lap on a hot day is no good!
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