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| The Wood River |
The weather has moderated here. The cold snap seems to be over and the warm, glowing days of September are upon us. Yesterday could be described no other way than glorious. It was in the mid-30's when we awoke, and by 2:30, it was 84 outside the motor home!
In the early afternoon we decided to ride the bike trail south again. What a difference a week made. Last Sunday we bucked the wind going both ways and it was chilly until you started riding. Yesterday was very still and pleasantly warm. The ride to Hailey was really fast because the elevation decreases 600 feet, which oddly enough makes a difference, even over nine miles. We sailed down to the south end of Hailey. After going nine miles, we contemplated going farther, just to see where the trail ends. We decided against it, but noticed a 14 mile marker just after we turned around. We will explore the rest of the trail another day when we get an earlier start.
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| A Golf Course |
Going south is nice. You pass several horse ranches, a golf course, and many large homes. The trail winds through the Wood River Valley, which is flanked by sandy, high desert foothills. It has a quiet beauty. The ride north is spectacular because you can see the higher foothills near Ketchum and the distant snow-capped Boulder Mountains. Remnants of hardy, colorful wildflowers are scattered along the side of the trail. Of course, you can always hear sounds of the Wood River and see an occasional fly-fisherman.
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| A Horse Ranch |
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| Looking North |
I noticed that everyone on the trail was smiling. The path was lightly traveled on the northern end near Ketchum. As we got closer to Hailey, there were many families riding together. A family of eight was strung out along the trail. Mom led the way with five kids of all ages in the middle, while dad and a 4- or 5-year-old on a tandem brought up the rear. We saw several parents towing their little ones in those cool trailers. At one point, Dick remarked about the amazing advances in bicycle technology since we started riding in the mid-seventies.
This trail is constructed over an old railroad route and is groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing, showshoeing, and walking.
It was a great ride. We have two weeks left to enjoy more.
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