Not much riding this week. Work kept me in need of the truck. A collection of unfortunate coincidence. When I finally rolled out of the driveway yesterday it was onto wet pavement and leaves. At this time of year the roads have a lot of them and when wet they can be like ice. More reminders of things to come.
I had things to do at work so I had to get up a bit early to give myself time to meander into the office. The clouds quickly gave way to blue sky and warming temperatures. The red barn was just part of the illuminated landscape. With all the apparent color it made perfect sense that I would choose this morning to bring along a camera loaded with black and white film.
Ever the thoughtful planner I left the camera on the front seat of the truck in the driveway to enjoy the 29-degree chill. The moment I removed the lens cap the cold glass introduced to the moist air created a mini-fog on the front element. I grew impatient waiting for the sun to clear things up so I unzipped and unbuttoned down to my black t-shirt and wiped the lens clean so I could make a few exposures. Nothing like an old worn t-shirt to clean a lens.
In spite of turning my camera on these open farmlands with sweeping trees a hundred times I’m still smitten. And surprised. I swear sometimes the places are rearranged. Time and chemistry will reveal surprise or frustration—probably tomorrow evening. Riding on I came across another interesting natural hazard – the Osage Orange.
There is a large Osage Orange tree along one of the country roads I sometimes ride to work on. The fruit are about the size of softballs, hard, and heavy. Another instance where a helmet is a nice thing.
These specimens along the road seem innocent enough until you realize the tree is on the other side of the road. Lots of these guys fall on the road and I have to thing more than a few have struck the unsuspecting cage operator.
Just looking at those things starts to give me the shivers when I think about having one ding my pretty Vespa. There aren’t many of these trees around though so I don’t have much to worry about.
The rest of the ride was relaxed. This evening the temperature will drop to the mid 30’s with a chance of snow showers during the night. I’m riding the Vespa to work tomorrow regardless. I’m getting a bit antsy not having ridden much of late. This weekend I have to get out and go. Who cares if the temperature will approach the freezing mark…
64 degrees this morning and windy in the Florida Keys. A day off and the prospect of a ride? Brrr. Its all in what you’re used to i guess.
conchscooter: I’m tired and when I am I have a hard time with the cold. I just want to curl up somewhere warm. By the end of the winter 20 degrees feels pretty warm so you’re right, it is what you are used to.
Stay warm, keep your Triumph under 50 mph and all will be balmy!
Steve,
If I had to brave the cold elements of 50 degrees; I would definitely order up a pair glove warmer. The weather has changed to summer like with temps the mid 80s for a few days. Just today the temps are turning toward mid 70s for the rest of weekend and on through toward through next week until Turkey day. Your adaptation or climatization gives you strength and ability to ride. Beautiful fall weather with the lovely change of color-give great brilliancy to your picturelog. I say stay warm and enjoy your seasonal offerings.
By the way your co-workers Vino 125 – is he a daily rider or just now and then.
Phil – basting like a turkey in SoCal.
What beautiful images, especially the red barn with your Vespa. We really enjoy the Fall thru your photos and without the biting cold. You said you are not yet acclimated to the cold, imagine us in SoFla. We would really suffer.
phil: The fellow at work is a daily commuter surprising himself at how much he enjoys riding. As it has gotten colder he has mentioned that he needs better gear. He’s still there with temperatures in the 30’s. Not sure how much longer he’ll ride though.
heinz and frenchie: Once you get acclimated to warmed temperatures it is really hard to deal with the cold I bet. I’ll try and keep you supplied with vicarious experience!
Those Osage Orange trees are kinda weird! The worse you can find here, to stumble upon, are chestnuts and acorns. I’d be worried if I knew I might find those huge balls on the pavement!