(Part 2 coming next week, so here is Part `)
For most it is ‘coffeeneuring’ time, but I am that much different and choose tea as my beverage ;’-). You can read all about it here if you want to know more…
https://chasingmailboxes.com/2023/09/24/coffeeneuring-challenge-2023-lucky-13/
#1 FOOTHILLS TRAIL, Orting Washington. KIOSK
Five of my friends joined me for a ride on this trail that I have not ridden in years. I liked it when I rode it several times in the past, and it has now been extended a bit farther for even more to like. I told my friends that we WOULD be stopping for my first tea stop along the way there or on the return and they were more than happy to do that. South Prairie was here for my first rides years ago and remains as a perfect spot for our tea/coffee stop.
My theme this year is “no theme”, but will try for 2 tea stops each week (Saturday to Saturday) and make the stops as different as I find doable, like: cafe, no walls, near water, visit a friend, C store or gas station. You know, run the gamut. I really liked Astrid’s theme a few challenges ago of “Tour de Kiosks”, but my 7 weeks are a mixture being at home and away, so that won’t work for me for this challenge.
Happy drinking everyone ;’).
#2 TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES Harrison Idaho. GROCERY
10/13/2023 (Friday) End MY week 1
65 and sunny!
I NEVER tire of this delightful trail. We have done it end to end several times and though I am disappointed to not have the opportunity/time to do that on this trip, I am satisfied with riding any of it. Camping with our Sisters on The Fly again with a good group of women who love the outdoors. The campground is located just off the trail (more on it than off it) and is most convenient for our ride.
Weather was extremely cooperative with sun and temps in the mid 60s, much nicer than it has recently been with the rain and colder temps.
Place & tea choice: Tea Leaf cold tea with infusion of peach from Harrison
Grocery Store (was very tasty). The entire area is having water pipes replaced and a rupture in on has the water not potable. We thought that was for the campground only and everyone brought big supplies of water for personal use. When we got to Harrison we learned that water there is also an issue, and restaurant and coffee shop were closed due to that. Cyclists (and SOTF), being resourceful and adaptive, found the grocery store/deli, made purchases, pulled up a comfortable rock and had our lunch and beverage.
#3 BARNEDAY DISTILLERY, Boise Idaho. RESTAURANT
10/16/2023 (Monday)
73 climbed to 80 and sunny!
A big change in temperature here in Boise. It is often warmer here later in the year around here but this might be unseasonable and we are the lucky recipients. Will be close to 70s all week with sun.
Visiting our friend here in Boise, she directed us to the Greenbelt bike trail that runs on both sides of the Boise River. We were on the trail for quite a bit of it, but also on streets through town for much of our ride.
Decided on lunch and tea stop in “Basque Block”. Loved it.
#4 ARTEMIS LAKEFRONT CAFE, South Lake Tahoe, California CAFE/GRILLE
10/19/2023 Thursday (End my week 2)
70 and full sun
Organic English Breakfast
We drove through Nevada with one stop to camp at Washoe Lake before continuing on into California. No bike ride or teaneuring in Nevada though I would have liked to.
We were almost in Nevada! On Stateline road when we started our ride on the South Tahoe Bikeway. My hopes for a teaneuring outing when we started our ride started to dwindle as some places were closed, some were high end resort restaurants, and one had a long 45 minute waiting line. As I was about to give up hope, we turned down a roadway to see what might be there, and lo! We found the perfect spot. Our traveling beautiful weather continues to follow us as we proceed, and today was sunny and warm.
Though we were on the Bikeway path for quite a bit, the Bikeway includes some riding on backstreets and we enjoyed seeing a part of town we would not otherwise see. Granted it was the part of town with the dump, construction, automotive and other such industry, but interesting none the less.
#5 RESCATE COFFEE, Elk Grove CA COFFEE SHOP
10/22/2023 (Sunday)
69 and overcast skies
English Breakfast.
A very busy time withe the Grands and family here in northern CA. So much fun to see them all and share time with. Sunday brought some time for me to have 9 year old Grand, Kate, take me riding on many of her neighborhood streets – she knows this neighborhood very well! She knows her address, but says she doesn’t seem to be able to remember her zip code ;’). Our ride included finding some Halloween things which included a skeleton-monster! There were lots of other things to find as well, but this will do as a sample.
After Ride d’Kate’s Neighborhood I went on my own for a short ride to tea. I have posted this spot at least one other time when we were visiting family here. At that time I believe I had a lot of positives, but either my perspective/taste has changed or there is new management. It took three people to help figure out how to pay with my credit; tea choices were limited to three Green Teas, none of which I like, and two Black teas. Since I am not the fondest of Earl Grey, the choice was easily made for my standby English Breakfast. My cinnamon bun took way too long to heat up, and ended up with overheated/hard crust – and some how, not very melted icing. But, the tea was hot and I had a table outdoors.
There had been a threat of rain for this morning, and may still be on its way for this afternoon, but I missed that and a nice ride in the overcast mid morning sky.
#6 WITHOUT WALLS JELLYSTONE PARK, Lido CA
10/24/2023 (End of my Week 3) Almost half way to my goal of 13 tea stops for our 13th year ;’-).
68-74 sunny. Cooler than it has been here.
Bigelow Green Tea brewed at camp and carried on bike.
We have adventure with the Grandgirls as we take them camping at Jellystone State Park ;’). They are both accomplished cyclists (recall the Ride d’Kate’s Neighborhood), and would accompany me for tea time #6. The Park has minimal activity at this time, curtailed even more by a water issue that has the water zone with slides and river float closed. But at least one pool is open and the girls did enjoy a swim and time at the playground on our first day at camp. Then on the following days as well.
Today I asked if we could find a good table and have some tea, and for them a beverage of their choice, with a treat ;’-). They said yes, and we kept our eyes peeled as we did more riding to complete a scavenger hunt at the park. We stopped for a Yogi Bear sighting, and then did some panning for gems! They found them.
After lunch we had some quiet time and activity near our campsite, and then it was tea time! We saddled up and rode to the perfect spot we had found earlier, situated on the Potato Slough. There could be no better company than these two Grands that we love so much.
I do have a major disappointment however. I discovered at today’s tea time that I apparently left my beloved blue coffeeneuring bandana at the tea time in South Tahoe. I have to accept that I have had and used it for quite a while, and maybe someone else will now get good use with it. And maybe there will be another bandana available to us on the current or future challenge ;’-). Or maybe Mary has an extra one hanging around that she is willing to sell to me?? Wishful thinking I know, but I did love that blue bandana.
We had so much adventure that there are too many photos to put into one collage! So there are two ;’-
Before this post gets much too long!! And since I am almost halfway to my goal of 13 tea stops, I will post this now and the next half will come later ;’). We continue to have fun and keep on the go here this year!
Adventures with Nancy 