I hope everyone had a terrific Memorial Day weekend last weekend. I wanted to post this on Tuesday, but since I have barely been home in the last three days, the week got away from me. I hope things calm down and I can get back to a normal schedule soon.
On Monday, Chris and I took our bikes to the East Bay Bicycle Path near Providence, RI to do a nice long ride. Most of the time we ride on the roads around our home, but every so often it's nice to hit the flat, no-car rail trails, especially when they have ocean views. East Bay is about 14 miles one way, so we rode 28 miles total. We started at Independence Park in Bristol.
The trail was busy that day, but not impossible. It was fun to see so many people of all ages on their bikes! Please click to enlarge the photos. They look so much better in larger size.
I am biased, but I think we are blessed to live (and ride) in one of the prettiest places ever. If it weren't for that whole winter thing, it would be my paradise.
Some people like to fish off of the bridges, below. Riding over them is bumpy but not too bad.
The Pomham Rocks lighthouse. It was just turned over to its private society by Exxon Mobil after restoration.
This building below was a mystery, so I called the friendly and helpful librarian at East Providence Library, who told me it belongs to the Squantum Association. It can be rented for weddings and events. If you click the link, the virtual tour is fun.
Providence is coming into view...
Not bad for a self-portrait with the skyline in the background!
After we rode the 14 miles back, we were more than ready for a late lunch and a cushier seat. We had lunch outdoors at a cafe in Bristol, and then on the way home, we stopped at one of my very favorite places ever, Watch Hill. This view gets me every time:
The muted afternoon sun washing on the buildings and boats is my therapy of choice. It is so peaceful with the lapping of the water against the docks or the sand...nothing like it in the world. The sunsets are just sublime.
Another beautiful shot by Chris...
And if all of that summer beauty was not joy enough for me, I saw this:
The Ocean House "restoration" is finished! The original Victorian structure could not be saved, and was knocked down to the ground two years ago (I think). I totally cried when I discovered the building in rubble. But every piece that could be saved was stored and put into the new building, and the likeness is perfect right down to the sign out front! Last summer (in progress) it looked like this:
We do have an original "before" photo I want to show you, so you can see how amazing the restoration is, but I have to get it scanned in. Chris discovered two days ago that the firm that did the restoration is right up the road from us here at home, and he rides bikes with the architects!! I hope someday to thank them in person (if I can do it without losing my composure!) because I love old homes and buildings and I can't bear to see them neglected.
Here is the croquet lawn to the right. You must enlarge this to see the tiny white sails in the background. It is so beautiful I cannot stand it.
The little tea house or club house, which is to the left of the hotel in the first photo above.
We had a wonderful day and a wonderful welcome to summer. I am going to soak up every minute of my 14 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day (yes, I counted!) and spend as much of it outdoors as possible.
Last but not least, I'd like for you to meet Mae.
After our adventures last week, she's settling in nicely in the teenagers room at the shelter. The vet says she's 1-2 years old.
She is the sweetest girl, and I wish we could have kept her, but my cats do not play well with others.
I will enjoy her while I can, but hopefully she'll find a forever family of her own soon.
Guarding the house wore me out!
Rosie (photo taken by our friend Bob) is glad for peace and quiet at last! Hope your weekend is peaceful too, and you spend it doing what you love.
When I was in college (which was 15 years ago, so a lot could have changed), Westerly had a Shakespeare in the park event during the summer -- and we really enjoyed it. I'd recommend checking it out if it still exists!
Posted by: sprite | June 05, 2010 at 02:29 AM
What a wonderful day of biking! My sweetheart likes road riding, but he's willing to do the bike path (and slow down!) in order to ride with me!
I so envy those of you who live near an ocean!
Posted by: Deborah | June 05, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Lovely photos. That Watch Hill view of the boats is probably east coast equivalent of my favorite therapy view, which is overlooking the beach at Carmel-by-the=Sea on the central California coast.
Posted by: bettyc | June 05, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Gorgeous scenery! It sounds like you had a wonderful ride.
Posted by: Meredith | June 05, 2010 at 12:50 PM
*Jaw drops* That bike trail looks heavenly. What amazing scenery. Sigh, I do love the east coast. Looking at your pictures I can take this ride in my mind.
Posted by: Kara | June 05, 2010 at 02:39 PM
As always I Love your photos and am very envious--I want a sunset like that, too! But I am sure you appreciated it enough for both of us! :) Omaha is not very pedestrian/bike-friendly, but I would love a bike path like that and especially with such a great view. Mae is a cutey by the way--I hope she finds a nice family to live with. I have a cat that also doesn't play nice with others, so taking in any other kitties is also out of the question. Enjoy your summer--those fourteen weeks sound blissful!
Posted by: Danielle | June 05, 2010 at 07:50 PM
What a beautiful place for a bike ride! Your pictures are awesome; thanks for sharing them.
Mae looks a lot like my sweet Phoebe. I hope she finds her forever family soon.
Posted by: Julie | June 05, 2010 at 08:31 PM
That ocean house is amazing! Looks like a beautiful place to be...and a nice day! Hope that you are enjoying your weekend :)
Posted by: Emily | June 05, 2010 at 09:22 PM
Okay, I know I'm warped because I got a good chuckle out of your sentence "Some people like to fish off of the bridges, below. Riding over them is bumpy but not too bad." because I pictured how bumpy it was to ride over the people fishing. :) But seriously, I agree - it's so beautiful living here. Even in the winter - but I could do without the snow and cold!!
Wow, the new Ocean House is incredible! I'm so happy they built it to look like the original and saved as many materials as they could.
Mae is adorable. I'm sure she will find a wonderful home soon!!
Posted by: Karen | June 06, 2010 at 03:42 PM
I still have not ridden on the East Bay bike path. I have eaten a few times at Quito's in Bristol though- great seafood.
There has been a ton of articles in our local papers about the 'new' Ocean House. Wish I had the money to stay there a night or two!
Mae is precious. Tabbies are my favorites!
Posted by: Kristen | June 06, 2010 at 06:29 PM
What a GORGEOUS ride!
Posted by: Chris | June 06, 2010 at 10:17 PM
You will have to book a getaway at the Ocean House! Glad to see you had a lovely holiday weekend!
Posted by: Sarah | June 07, 2010 at 09:47 PM