1) CARNATION: FLOWER FUN CAMPING

This is Lisa’s second year to host this outing that is so close to home. Check in was not until 3:00 which gave time for us to complete any last minute chores at home, AND for me to get a bike ride in for the day. That made ME happy 🤗.

The early morning mist at home had me waiting longer than I had thought, but once on the saddle, I was feeling good. the ride had reminders for me that summer was indeed over. As tightly as I tried to hold onto it, I did have to let go. The fall weather is the first sign, but there were others today that said I could no longer think it was even close to being summer.

School is back in session and I was so happy to see several bikes as ways for some of the elementary students to get to school.

Another sign of Fall — leaves are beginning to turn and will soon offer bright color to the days.

And there were two very very early signs that indicated the Halloween was nearby. At least there were only two of these reminders 🙄.

Once home and showered it was time for me to get the last bits of my stuff packed into the van. And off we went to Lisa’s Flower Fun ;’-)

It was fun meeting everyone at our Meet and Greet around the campfire after making and decorating our name tags. While enjoying goodies and our self chosen beverage of choice, Lisa helped us outline what we wanted to do here in Carnation. There are lots of choices. Lisa made a list and we were ready for a FULL few days.

First choice for our cycling sisters for our first morning here was to do a “warm up” ride into town (very nearby). Afterward would be a trip to Snoqualmie Falls.

Gathering was scheduled for 9:30, Susan and I would lead the group of six others for an easy get-acquainted meander along a side road of Carnation.

Ahh, best laid plans as they say…

We woke to this and at 8:30 it was still thick. We anxiously waited for ride time, thinking of alternatives if this fog remained.

In the mean time — here is the agenda for today. The fog may or may not impact today’s activities/times.

And whattaya know — they wanted to ride! At first there was talk of riding on gravel! I told Susan to go ahead without me as I do not like riding on gravel. By the time it was time, the decision was to do the on the road ride I had planned, so I did not miss out on the ride though I did miss out on the first group photo.

As Cindy said, this was a good dry run so we could be prepared for the next day’s full, longer ride. Several things had been forgotten — glasses, safety vest, correct shoes, seat covers…

But soon we were off — a little later than planned, but off we go.

The sun did come out and stayed for all of our ride. We passed near two deer grazing in someone’s yard. At first look we each thought these were statues of deer, then they raised their heads and looked at us. And we could not resist this old truck.

And the Tolt sign (we were on Tolt Road which turned off Tolt Highway, on the way to Tolt River).

The ride was short but it was long on fun and enjoyment. And now we have had our test, shakedown-ride and are all ready for our ride tomorrow.

Some of the gals drove to Snoqualmie Falls for some fantastic views of the falls and lunch and drinks at the lodge. Having just recently been there with Etienne, Susan and I opted to stay at camp, relax, read, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Walking the beach was another activity enjoyed.

After our activities and as evening began to fall, and we were all back at camp, there was Happy Hour and Nese’s. That include a fruit wine tasting by Sheryl. (Shhhhh, this is an alcohol free campground.)

We had a smiling group photo —

Then dinner round the campfire with lots of chatting and laughing.

Lisa coordinates the next day’s activities with us and we once again complete a full day of fun with the sisters.