Reminder from the Universe

Can you see this snake's head? It is right near the twig that is over his back -- he stared and stared at me, following me with this eyes. Smart little snake. I was walking up to "The Cliff" a couple of weekends ago -- me and Luna -- and I saw him, right in the middle of the trail, getting some sun. I love snakes, so I stopped and looked at him. Seeing him was the "reminder from the Universe" - at least that is how I think about it. Jim and I (and Luna) are heading to the mountains of NC for the week (WAHOOOOO!) -- we are going to do some major mountain biking. It is epic there -- for mountain biking. And we will spend every day riding. I spent some time there back when I lived in NC -- but I was not as into biking as I am now, nor was I as mentally tough as I am now. That being said, I still absolutely loved it and distinctly remember it. While living in NC, I saw 1 Cottonmouth (at the Eno River) 1 HUGE, harmless black snake (about 6 feet long -- up in the crotch of a tree -- then I watched him climb the tree -- that one was by "The Shack" on the Nantahala River), many harmless water snakes (that was a little disconcerting the first time THAT happened while swimming -- come up from under water, open your eyes and boom, you are looking at this little skinny snake head) and one Eastern Rattler (while mountain biking in the mountains of NC -- in Pisgah National Forest). So yeah, my little camouflaged Maine gardner snake? S/He was my reminder -- nothing to REALLY worry about, but heads up when you are peeing in the dark woods -- just be mindful of snakes. Will do.

Just put a good chunk of change into my bike! And OH MY GOD it is pimpin'! The wheelset is all dazzle -- the brakes (disc now -- finally) are sweet and quick. Rode is just as soon as I got it home from the shop and am so stoked. It now weighs 24.5...hee hee. It is not full suspension, but it weighs 24.5 and I love that. I love that bike. And I love being in bike shape -- to me, it is the best type of shape to be in. When I am in mtn biking shape, I am fit. God, I am getting psyched sitting here. We leave Friday after school -- should be in Western VA (first stop) by Saturday morning -- and in Asheville, NC (or outside it at a campsite) by Sat afternoon or Sunday afternoon. Lovin' it.

Biking with Al along the Carrabassett River in August.