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Summer Solstice, June 2018
A ride and two hikes: A Photographic Log
21 June 2018, 24 miles

My ace support crew and I were up at 3:00 AM and drove to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From the parking lot we hiked in the dark to the summit of Bald Mountain, overlooking the Napa valley to the east, the Sonoma valley to the west, and San Francisco Bay to the south. (See also my bike ride up Bald Mountain in September 2016.) Fortunately, there were only a few patches of low-lying fog, so we had a beautiful, clear morning with perfect visibility. As predicted, the summer solstice sun rose in the east.

After we returned home and I took a nap, I climbed aboard the Ogre and pedaled out the Greenway. Due no doubt to the recent incidents of arson along the bikeway, for the first time in years I saw local police officers on patrol. I conversed with them for awhile, and they suggested I should volunteer for civilian patrols along the path, which I might do since I ride that route all the time.

After returning home and taking another nap—hey, I'm old and feeble!—my ace support crew and I drove out to the coast where we rendezvoused with two other couples at Shell Beach just south of Jenner on the Highway 1 bicycle route. From there we hiked up Red Hill to sip champagne and enjoy the view across the mouth of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. As predicted, the summer solstice sun set into the ocean in the west.

The longest day of the year really was a long day for Old Grumble-Face!


Crop inspection.

Wine berries on the bushes by Willowside Road at the end of the Greenway looking good.


Earth Day mural at Madrone Elementary School.

Made out of thousands of plastic bottle caps collected by the kids.


Special Bonus: Hiking pictures!



On Bald Mountain, my ace support crew welcomes the summer solstice sunrise.


Old Grumble-Face at sunrise on Bald Mountain.


On Red Hill, champagne in hand, my ace support crew toasts the summer solstice sunset.


Old Grumble-Face at sunset on Red Hill.


The sun sets into the Pacific Ocean beyond Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River along Highway 1 on the northern California coast.



Summary

Date: 21 June 2018
Time: 11:30 - 1:30
Weather: 75-80° F, sunny
Route: Greenway (Plus sunrise hike and sunset hike)
Distance: 24 miles
Bike: Surly Ogre
Riders: Solo




Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.

~ 93 ~



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