December 8: Happy at Hagg Lake

Wow! Today’s ride out to Hagg Lake was about as good as it gets this time of year. As I swooped around one back country road after another passing valleys and vineyards and orchards and tree farms, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country. With touches of blue in the sky above and not a drop of rain, I enjoyed every moment of the crisp fall air.

I typically tutor every day after school. But with so many rainy days falling on the weekends the last several weeks and family in town on other days, it had been way too long since I went for a ride. I decided to throw caution to the wind, reschedule my Friday clients, and head out right after work on My Baby.

What a glorious afternoon it was! Heading west on SW Roy Rogers Road and then Scholls -Sherwood road I traversed along portions of the Valleys and Vineyards Scenic Tour route, passing by numerous groves of fruit and nut trees, plenty of family tree farms, and almost a dozen wineries. Pops of purple and yellow from the surrounding deciduous trees burst out on both sides as I rode up and over hill and dale.

With recent heavy rains, I passed several road placards warning of high water in the street but was fortunate to avoid any unduly deep sections of water. As I twisted through the forested area of Laurelwood and passed signs warning of the steep 17% grades, I made it a point to keep an eye on the wet leaves in the road as I wound my way around the lush evergreen trees.

Arriving at Hagg Lake, I stopped to enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunset. The haze in front of the sun cast a lovely orange and yellow glow on the peaceful waters nestled between the grassy banks. I had the lake to myself and enjoyed the solitude while the sun went down.

Riding home, the fog settled on the hills around me, creating a lace-like skirt at the base of the foothills with the fields swaying back and forth in the gentle evening breeze. What a great day to be on the bike!