 |
Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
 |
Smoke and Art, part 1, November 2018
Downtown: A Photographic Log
15 November 2018, 17 miles
Our smoky air is not nearly as dangerous and destructive as the fire that roared through Paradise (and continues to rage), but it is harmful enough that schools have been closed, outdoor events cancelled, and residents warned to stay indoors. That's been going on for eight days.By the time I headed out today, the Air Quality Index had improved to 88, putting it in the "moderate" zone (51-100) for the first time in more than a week. By the time I returned, the AQI had deteriorated to 147, making it "unhealthy for sensitive groups" (101-150.) Later in the day it worsened to 155, meaning "unhealthy." Changes in the fire and small shifts in the wind pattern can make a huge difference in our air.
I intended to make my usual run out the Greenway and back just to stretch my legs. But, with my eyes and throat feeling the smoke, I changed my mind and ended up swinging through downtown and shortening the ride. That enabled me to snap some photos of local outdoor art for the Challenge of the Month over at Cycle365. I've already photographed most of these on various other rides, but they're all worth a few more pixels.
Addendum on Friday, 16 November: Unhealthy AQI forced Jeff and me to postpone Monday's ride until today (the day after "Smoke and Art" ride). AQI still unhealthy today, so Tolay ride with Jeff postponed again. The smoke is really causing loss of what would otherwise be beautiful November riding weather. Oh, well. Our homes didn't burn down, so I shouldn't be whining.
One of two "guardian elders" presented to Santa Rosa by our sister city in South Korea.
The Big Fish at the downtown terminus of the Greenway.
I've probably aimed my camera at the fish more often than anything else I've ever photographed.
The hand in front of the downtown mall cups the Ogre.
Part of a big, bright mural on a wall in "Anarchy Alley" off 4th Street.
The Ogre snuggles up to Marcie (from the Peanuts comic strip) on a bench outside the downtown branch of the library.
Charlie Brown (from the Peanuts comic strip) guards the front door of the downtown branch of the library.
Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, lived and worked in Santa Rosa, and we also host the Charles Schulz Museum. Dozens of these Peanuts statues are scattered around town.
Summary
Date: 15 November 2018
Time: 12:30 - 2:00
Weather: 65° F, smoke
Route: Downtown and back via Brush Creek Trail
Distance: 13 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
~ 95 ~
| bstone@sonic.net | ::: Bill Books ::: Bill Bikes ::: Bill Games ::: | Copyright © 1983-2021 Bill Stone |