Lordy Lordy, Al Turns 40

Yup, Al is 40. We have been celebrating to beat the band, and it was a success. On Tuesday she got a 20 year old tattoo reworked. It looks good! Thursday was her actual day. She rode bikes with her husband in Waterville (there is some sweet-but-short single-track there) and then met Jim and I here at our house. We had appetizers and drinks here -- with friends Steph and Tom -- then headed to The Homestead for dinner. It was a fun night.

Then on Saturday she and I met Sarah (the boater from Carrabassett who was a regular on the women's rides, a trail builder, a helluvan athlete and a rippin' skier - so the folks say) up at the Outdoor Center. Al had a serious ride planned and ride we did. 23+ miles in the woods - phew. We lost the trail - or had to look for it sans bikes - several times and actually went out of our way at one point early on in the ride (hence the + mark - not really sure how far out of our way we went). We were out for about 5 hours - landing at Tufulio's (yum!) in the Valley, well after dark. Thankfully kind souls shuttled our car down to us -- gotta love husbands -- we did not make the last couple miles of the intended loop. I was pretty psyched to be out for that kind of ride with my best girl and another rad chick.

Stayed at Al's that night and then what did she want to do on Sunday? Ride bikes, of course. Right after a hike in the woods with the pups. We rode some trails in Farmington - there is getting to be a fair amount of riding around here - but I had to bail about 3/4 through the ride. My legs had nothing left and my butt had taken a beating. With almost three weeks off from real regular exercise that keeps me in base shape, I was not super strong after 23+ miles on Saturday. For those 3 weeks without exercise, I was fighting a cold then dealing with a cold for almost three weeks. (Back at it now though, ran after school today.)

I have been joking with people that know our history that I think all Al wanted for her birthday was to kick my ass. That she did : ) I loved every second though - even the seconds where it was what we were calling "darkish" and she had to call Barry to find out which way we should go at a trail intersection -- even those seconds. Lucky to have someone as crazy as me and super psyched to recreate with Sarah too.

Chinese Lanterns of Al's at the top of her driveway.

Dogs on the Sunday morning hike in the woods - a beautiful day.

Had to grab a shot of this birch - they are almost all that are left with leaves hanging on.

Al and Sarah coming out of the woods onto Caribou Valley Road near the AT.

A lovely spot to stop. That is Cranberry of the Bigelow Range (there to the left).

Ever climbed the Firewarden's Trail in the Bigelows? If you have, you have crossed this brook - Stratton Brook Pond area - feet got wet - but it was all good.

Happy Happy Birthday Girl!!