On the Bike Trail

23.24 Mile Ride
Tequesta to Hobe Sound, FL
March 29, 2023

 I decided to change up my ride yesterday and headed off to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, just over 11 miles away. It is a tough ride and the route I take involves riding along US-1 for about six miles and crossing two drawbridges. No, not the same bridge twice, but two different as I ride a circuit rather than an out and back. There is a drawbridge on SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound, it is a small one, and then nearing the end of the ride there is a larger drawbridge, Cato's Bridge, on Beach Road in Tequesta. Cato's Bridge has a significant hill to climb and no bike lane making it challenging with traffic. I had the opportunity to wait at Cato's Bridge for two sailboats to pass through. Being at the end of the ride with about 21 miles behind me. my legs were a bit wobbly when, after waiting for about 5 minutes or more, I restarted my trek to cross the span. 

The Atlantis from Hobe Sound
National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
March 29, 2023

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a ride. I prefer a ride like this on a weekday as there is less traffic headed for the beaches along my route. Also, there are fewer bikers. On weekends groups of bikers ride Beach Road and that makes some of the truck and car drivers a bit impatient.

Although it is only my second biking trip to Hobe Sound, it is a beach that Chris and I very much enjoy and we attempt to get there every so often. Riding my bike, I take a few minutes to walk up the access ramps to stand and look out at the ocean to enjoy the scene. Yes, I did actually intentionally frame the tall grass sticking up in the image. 

The total time to complete the trek was 1h54m, of that 1h46m was actual time in the saddle. 

I am close to logging my second over-300 mile month. I lack just under 11 miles to cross that goal, but my bike is in the shop for maintenance. I have ridden my bike over 1840 miles since acquiring it during February 2022. I have a few rides not included in the total, but I have good records for most months. Also, while we were in Maryland during April, May, June, July and August 2022, I only rode about four times. I had no idea how many miles I had ridden until I added up the numbers. I guess it was definitely time for some maintenance, especially since it was beginning to sound like a sewing machine when I pedaled. The shop tech said I probably needed to lube the chain. Who knew the chain needed to be lubed? I do, now!

Well, today is a golfing day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rodney Atkins Concert - March 26, 2023

Witham Field, Stuart Airport,
Stuart Florida
March 26, 2023

 As I mentioned in my Monday Musings this week, Chris and I attended a Rodney Atkins concert in Stuart, Florida, on Sunday night. 

The concert was in a field at Witham Field, the Stuart Airport, and it was a fun venue. The concert was staged to support the Farm Dog Rescue charity and I felt it was a well attended event. I very much appreciated the reasonable prices for beverages, including adult beverages, and the presence of food trucks on-site to provide a variety of dining opportunities. 

Maggie Baugh was the opening act and went onstage right on time. She covered a range of classic country and sang some of her own compositions. Her vocals were strong, but she really showed off when she grabbed her fiddle. She covered Charlie Daniels' The Devil Went Down to Georgia and while the vocals were a bit rough, the fiddle playing was excellent. She provided a great and enjoyable opening act. 

Rodney Atkins
Witham Field, Stuart, FL
March 26, 2023

Rodney Atkins' portion of the show was solid. He saved his hits for last and I was almost afraid that If you're going Through Hell was going to be left out--but it was his final number and also his strongest performance of the night. His portion of the show lasted about 90 minutes and highlighted especially the expertise of his band. During the first portion of the show I felt that Rodney's vocals sounded tired. He strained for the high notes which were mostly unsupported. I never felt he connected with the crowd except in the most superficial manner. The second part of the show was much improved vocally as Rodney really seemed to enjoy singing and telling stories related to his hits.

Rodney covered a classic 1967 Buffalo Springfield song, For What Its Worth (a/k/a/ Stop Hey, What's That Sound). I enjoyed reliving the experience of the 1960's right up until he changed the words to reference "not let them take our guns" or something like that. The is no reference to taking guns away in the original song and while the sentiment may reflect his personal political views, and played well to the Florida crowd, in light of the gun violence related tragedies happening across America I felt it inappropriate.

I have a one minute video of the night from during the first part of the show. Lighting was a problem. The stage had a couple of bright lights that often were blinding. The sound, however, was expertly mixed and provided a clear and balanced experience.

Overall, I enjoyed the concert and am looking forward to supporting the Farm Dog Rescue next year. It was fun to see the performer of some of my favorite songs in person.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Where have the Republicans gone?

 Where have the real Republicans gone? 

Why have those who still believe in the ideals of Lincoln and Reagan seemingly gone into hiding while the Grand Old Party is co-opted by self-serving megalomaniacs? 

I see some potentially great Republicans out there, but they are hiding and afraid to crawl into the presidential olympics leaving the electorate to choose between worse and worse-er. 

I am appalled that one announced Republican presidential contender is allowed to stand on a platform for hours issuing vilifying and slanderous remarks while spouting irrational lies without consequences. 

The threat this person poses was summarized by one writer as follows:

And the danger to democracy at home was crystal clear last night, as former president Trump held a rally in Waco, Texas, where in 1993 a 51-day government siege of the headquarters of a religious cult gave birth to the modern anti-government militia movement. Since then, Waco has been a touchstone for violent attacks on the government. There, last night, Trump stood on stage with his hand over his heart while loudspeakers played not the national anthem but a song recorded by January 6 insurrectionists. Footage from the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol played on a screen behind him. (Letters from an American)

And an unannounced Republican presidential hopeful travels the country on a book-signing tour espousing the great job he has done as a governor, yet peeling back the onion it is clear that he has turned his back on homeowners and residents who need relief from the dual hurricanes of this past year and on others, like me, who are facing quadrupling or more rises in homeowners insurance, if insurance can found. All the while facing he is backwards and saying what a great job he did during COVID while ignoring his actions to limit freedom of thought in education and attacking communities of people and issues with whom/which he does not agree (e.g., LGBTQ+, and Women's Rights) through legislation rammed through a rubber-stamp legislature.

I won't even begin to get started on the Republican Speaker of the House and how he has sold his soul and the  soul of the party for and is intent on crippling the country and its economy for personal gain and perceived power.

Where is the plan? How are these Republicans going to move the country forward from partisan finger-pointing and division to make America the land of e pluribus unum again? It is clear that the Republican leaders are not trying to make America one, but rather divide and conquer by pandering to their base rather than leading for the masses. 

Instead of working to make themselves great, America needs a president and congressional leaders who are the ultimate servants of the people. Leaders who listen and take action. Leaders who promote stability, and not self, through selfless actions and words. 

The Republican party has lost its way.

There are no leaders left to guide them back and the party has resorted to gerrymandering and cheating to remain a viable force in American politics. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 27, 2023

 

1. The last Monday of March 2023 has arrived. By this time next week it will be April. For those counting, there are 39 Mondays remaining in the year which is steadily approaching the second quarter (or third quarter for using the Federal fiscal calendar).

2. The NCAA Men's Final Four is set. There are no seeds higher than 4 remaining and three of the teams are making their first Final Four appearance. What a tournament. I am still cheering on FAU and Miami!

3. Chris and I attended a Rodney Atkins concert in a field at the Stuart Airport last evening. We had a great time and the weather was almost perfect. It was a good show. I even enjoyed the opening act as she sang a lot of oldies that I knew. The event was the Tacos, Beer, and Dogs concert supporting the Farm Dog Rescue of Martin county. It has been a while since I attended a concert where the adult beverages (beer and wine) were priced at $5 and $7. We enjoyed dinner from local food trucks which were positioned on site.

4. Traffic appears easing here as people learn to deal with the US-1 bridge closure and I also believe that the winter-only residents (a/k/a/ Snow Birds) are returning to their permanent nests. 

5. Baseball begins its regular season on Thursday. I am excited for the games to begin and here's hoping that the Orioles have a great year. My prediction is that they finish with 84 wins and a wild card playoff spot.

6. Today in History. March 27, 1912: In Washington, D.C., Helen Taft, wife of President William Taft, and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, plant two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern bank of the Potomac River, near the Jefferson Memorial. The event was held in celebration of a gift, by the Japanese government, of 3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. government.

The planting of Japanese cherry trees along the Potomac was first proposed by socialite Eliza Scidmore, who raised money for the endeavor. Helen Taft had lived in Japan while her husband was president of the Philippine Commission, and knowing the beauty of cherry blossoms she embraced Scidmore’s idea. After learning of the first lady’s interest, the Japanese consul in New York suggested making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government from the city of Tokyo.

Pressure on Netanyahu as union calls 'historic' strike - CNN

Race left out of Rosa Parks story in revised weekly lesson text for Florida schools highlights confusion with state law - CNN

Delta passenger opens door, deploys emergency exit slide on plane at LA airport - CNN

Largest strike in decades brings Germany to a standstill - Reuters

NATO slams Putin plan for nukes in Belarus; Russia pounds Avdiivka - Reuters

North Korea fires ballistic missile off its east coast, South Korea's military says - Reuters

Trump casts 2024 contest in apocalyptic terms, slams prosecutors - Reuters

Trump Grand Jury to Reconvene Amid Mounting Expectations, Rhetoric - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sleepy Saturday

Looking West Across the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
March 25, 2023

 Saturday was a relaxing day. 

There was the obligatory 15.6 mile ride to get the blood moving after a 1.5 mile dog walk, but the rest of the day was devoted to relaxation, followed by a dinner with friends to cap off the evening. 

Turning to sports, I am excited that FAU arrived into the Final Four of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament. I am hoping that Miami makes it through tonight. 

Sadly, we did not make it to the ocean yesterday to fully enjoy the 85 degree temperatures we experienced. I am not entirely sure why.

I noted, with some concern, that a particular presidential candidate chose Waco, Texas, for a rally on the 30th anniversary of the Branch Davidian compound fire which ended a 51-day siege. I read somewhere that this particular candidate is adept at using "dog whistles" to energize his base. 

And so it was Saturday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Memories and Images and US-1

Patrick Early in the Morning
Marathon, Florida
2004

 

In retrospect I was smart, a few years ago, when I started saving all of the images from my various cameras onto CDs. I still actually possess an external CD/DVD reader that is compatible with my new Mac. I used it yesterday to begin to cull through the thousands of images that I have stored on CDs. I also have many more stored on a backup drive. 

Some of the images are just funny--like this one which was taken early in the morning when I think Patrick and I were in Marathon, FL, and heading out on one of our first dives after being certified. 

Patrick and Chris US-1 Beginning
Key West, FL
2004

Patrick was always funny with cameras and video equipment. Chris and I were reviewing some of our old videos and found his commentary priceless; making boring subjects like Roman ruins seem exciting.

One thing I discovered, however, is that the date of the images from the older cameras  changes each time I move it across media. Very frustrating. I am glad that I included the year on most of the folders in which I stored the images.

I don't know if it is a good thing or not, but I have been on both ends of US-1. I much prefer the Florida terminus to that in Maine. This image documents one instance of being at the beginning of US-1. I think it humorous that both Key West, FL, and Fort Kent, ME, call themselves the beginning of US-1. I guess US-1 South begins in Fort Kent while US-1 North begins in Key West. I drive on some part of US-1 nearly every day. And I also drove on US-1 nearly every day when I lived in Maryland. It is a highway that connects us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Rolling Along the Streets

Looking North on the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
March 23, 2023

 After our mid-week adventure on the golf course, yesterday was a biking day. Chris set a new personal record of over 17 miles. She bested her previous personal best by almost a mile-and-a-half. I was excited for her as we toured some different areas and pushed her endurance. I am hoping to get her over 20 miles soon and possibly begin some long distance and day rides. 

It was another perfect South Florida morning for riding. We rode along some undeveloped areas and enjoyed seeing the natural setting of wild palms and scrub. We looked for larger animals, but did not see any. I have seen deer along the route during past rides. Although the ride is along a well traveled road, the sidewalks are wide and smooth providing protection from the traffic. 

I always enjoy rides that take me across the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta and this route crossed the bridge near the end of the ride. Whether I look to the north or the south the view is always wide and open and inviting. Yesterday we were on the north side of the bridge heading into Tequesta and the river was flat and inviting. I sometimes wish that I had a boat so that I could explore the many areas along the rivers and channels. 

Maybe, in the future.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Golf to Beach

 

It was the almost perfect day. 

Chris on Hole 12
Jupiter dunes, Jupiter, FL
March 22, 2023

After our obligatory 1.5 mile morning dog walk, Chris and I managed a round of golf at a local course. The weather was fantastic, as it usually has been lately, and we enjoyed whacking the little ball with our clubs. Chris is doing much better hitting the ball for distance, although her accuracy has suffered a bit--but then that is the same problem for all golfers, the longer the ball is hit, the harder it is to get it to go where intended. Now if I can just get her to complete her follow through she will really see some distance improvement. We took pleasure in being together for the time we spent walking the course. I had an OK round with a few pars, but too many double bogeys. 

Sargassum on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 22, 2023

For the evening, or rather Happy Hour, we headed off to one of our favorite beaches, Carlin Park. The beach was a mess. The advance portion of the massive sargassum belt may be arriving and the beach was definitely in need of some maintenance. Despite the sargassum, the beach was very enjoyable for Happy Hour and we enjoyed quite a show as the rough Atlantic waters hosted a large number of surfers.

Surfer on a Wave
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
March 22, 2023

The beach was alive between the surfers and the birds. There seemed to be many more birds than normal. We saw the usual ospreys, seagulls, and sanderlings, but were also treated to pelican overflights and more terns than usual. There were at least 20 surfers catching waves all through the late afternoon and into the sunset. It was fun to watch them and some of them were very experienced. They had to be experienced to survive the rough surf and contend with conditions which resulted in the red flag for highly hazardous conditions.

It was, in short, a great day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tuesday Blues and Bikes

 

Although the day started very cool, it developed into one of those breathtakingly enjoyable South Florida days. 

Ride Around Tequesta
March 21, 2023

We did not do much except to enjoy the day. Chris and I managed an almost 16-mile bike ride to start the day. We are watching a number of houses being constructed and we enjoy noting the progress. We also have had our eyes on one particular house that has been for sale for an umber of months that apparently has sold since the "for sale" sign was removed yesterday. It was a very nice house on a canal with a pool and a $1.9M price tag. Way out of my league!

The Loxahatchee River was very turbid yesterday, I think we caught it as the tide and the river flow were meeting. 

We enjoyed the ride and I told Chris I am going to expand her distance on the next ride. I checked out an 18 mile route last week that I plan on introducing to her.

Traffic seems to be very light this week. It is Spring Break in Palm Beach County and the kids have the week off and I sense that the "Snow Birds" have begun to head north for the season. Both of these may have contributed to much lighter than normal traffic. I will have to wait and see if vehicular traffic remains lighter than it has been. Alternatively, people may be avoiding the US-1 bridge closure by staying away from the area entirely.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

What Happened Yesterday?

 

The cold, windy weather kept me inside for most of the day and I wound up spending too much time watching the continuing drama that seems to be paralyzing the Republican-controlled House regarding a former president. 

Too much was written and too much was spoken. It is a criminal case moving through the system and no one, as yet, has actually been charged with any illegal behavior. The posturing is amazing, probably because everyone knows the "smoking gun was found in the room."

But here is some other information that was reported yesterday that could easily have been missed:

American citizen held hostage for 6 years in West Africa has been freed

CNN — 

An American aid worker who was kidnapped in Niger more than six years ago and held hostage by terrorists has been released, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted on Monday.

“I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” Sullivan tweeted. 

Jeffery Woodke is now being offered support and transport. He was released outside of Niger in the Mali-Burkina Faso area, the official said. 

Biden to designate area sacred to tribes as largest national monument of his presidency

Spirit Mountain is seen across the southern California and Nevada desert

CNN — 

President Joe Biden on Tuesday will officially designate a new national monument in Southern Nevada at a conservation event, according to a White House official. 

At more than 506,000 acres, the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument will be one of the largest tracts of land to come under federal protection so far during Biden’s presidency, and will act to preserve Nevada’s Spirit Mountain and the desert around it.

Biden’s proclamation will mark a major victory for the surrounding Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, which has been advocating for the monument’s creation for around three decades. 

There is some very positive and uplifting things happening, we need to be careful not to get too mired in the continuing dramas. 

What happened yesterday? A lot of things that have nothing to do with a former president.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL