Riding the Trail

Six days a week, weather permitting, E and I either walk for a minimum of a half hour or ride our bikes. We have been doing this for about 3 years now and, when we are at our timeshare, we walk the beach. We feel so much better doing this, even if all we do is ride into town and have breakfast...lol.

Yesterday, we rode the Trail through the North Anclote River Nature Preserve, over the river bridge and into town. It was overcast and a bit cool but the ride was pleasant. Because it was overcast and the tide was going out, I focused on the smells along the Trail, rather than the beauty.

Going through the Preserve, the predominate smell was of pine then salt through the salt marsh through which we ride before we get onto the actual Trail. Both were brisk aromas, clean and pure.


When we got to the river, I stopped to soak it all in in both directions. It was quiet and there was a dank, deep and fecund smell coming off the exposed sand and rock of the river where the receding tide had left the bottom exposed. While not the most pleasing of the aromas that day, it was a part of the cycle of the tidal pull as our river empties into the Gulf.




And then we got to town. E wanted to stop at the bank and we rode a bit further through town. And the best aroma of all...from one of the Greek bakeries here in town...the smell itself was probably filled with calories. There is nothing better than the smell of baking bread.!



Today is a busy day here in Paradise. Jo and I have a date to the Blessing of the Fleet, which starts the Epiphany Celebration here in Tarpon Springs. Our large Greek community here sponsors the largest celebration in the U.S. and our population surges. The tossing of the cross into the bayou is tomorrow. I also have a haircut apt. today and we are celebrating my son's 39th. birthday here tonight. He requested his favorite meal of corn on the cob, crab legs and steak.

And then there is tomorrow. CLARE arrives and the fun continues through the 20th of this month. I have a surprise for her for this weekend, our friend, Pam arrives Sunday and we pick up Janet on Anna Maria Monday and check into Tween Waters Inn on Captiva for a few days! Then it is back to Janet's and we have so many adventures planned...well, stay tuned and you will see!