We have reached the Midlands...and more or less of the halfway point of this virtual adventure. This mileage was brought to you by some bike commuting and walks around Ohiopyle, PA during a brief road trip last week. Leicester Murder, mystery, mayhem. The War of the Roses. The death and disappearance of a King...until 2012 … Continue reading Mile Marker 478.6: Leicester and Nottingham (or where Richard III was lost then found and Robin Hood is a thorn in the side of the rich).
Author: wanderlust69
Some local birds, plants, and other critters
Pics from Montrose and McCormick Bird Sanctuaries. Bird wise, just the local year rounders. A Mourning Dove, European Starlings, American Goldfinches and a House Finch.
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 438.7. Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry
Before I start the virtual English tour part of this post, I want to spend a moment to say their names. Jacob Blake. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery...the list goes on and on. Don't be complicit. Don't be silent. Do VOTE! Stratford-upon-Avon Most of my mileage as been due to bike commuting and if … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 438.7. Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 328.7. Oxford and the Cotswalds
Fall like weather here in Chicago finally made for some comfortable bike riding and I was able to put in 45 miles over the past few days. Took some time to dip my toes into the lake. Don't tell the mayor! Lake Michigan is a wee bit high these days. So I'm really excited about … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 328.7. Oxford and the Cotswalds
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 328.7, near Donnington
The hot, sticky weather continued so not much Chicago venturing was had, but I counted my steps and added in a bike ride home from work to move myself 18 more miles closer to my virtual goal. In my virtual English world this had me venture past Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame. I admit … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 328.7, near Donnington
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 310.7 in a hamlet somewhere
It has been a very sticky, uncomfortably hot week or more in Chicago so not much bike riding or walking long distances was done. But it's cooled off enough that I was able to log 25 miles over a couple of bike commutes to work. This get's me my next postcard! Every year on the … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 310.7 in a hamlet somewhere
Adventures in Birding: Montrose Harbor
Now that the lakefront is somewhat opened up, Banita and I headed north to Montrose Harbor where she found a lovely bench to read and I headed out to see what feathery friends I could find that day. Banita enjoying her bench time. Cedar Wax Wing I think this is a juvenile robin A very … Continue reading Adventures in Birding: Montrose Harbor
DIY MS Ride on the I&M Canal near Morris, Illinois.
I signed up to do the MS Tour de Farms ride with my friend, Jen. Covid nixed the big event but we rode our miles anyway along with Jen's friend, Kathryn, whom it turns out I have mutual connections with via the ever small lesbian world. Anyway, here are some pictures along the route. I … Continue reading DIY MS Ride on the I&M Canal near Morris, Illinois.
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 285.7. Salisbury, Near Stonehenge
Received a postcard this time around that shows an idyllic beach scene in Bournemouth. From the reports coming out of England last weekend, the reality looked a liitle more like this! I'm sorry but that is my worst nightmare even in pre-pandemic days. I know you pasty white English are dying for sun when you … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 285.7. Salisbury, Near Stonehenge
I begin birding in earnest: Morraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Orland Grasslands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Chicago Parks
We were called back to work on May 20th but I had previously scheduled vacation time so decided to keep it so I could visit more parks and practice with the Nikon P900 camera I had rented. It was recommended to me by my birding mentor, Scott Judd, because it has a wicked zoom. Nothing … Continue reading I begin birding in earnest: Morraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Orland Grasslands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Chicago Parks
