HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN...
10.3 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Once again my plans have been upended, and instead of heading out to Rochester this afternoon to spend some time with my sweetheart (not that she has a lot to spend over the next couple of days) I'm staying around here to finish up work that I didn't manage to complete this morning. As I get older I'm finding that lack of sleep is making me more and more inefficient...
Unfortunately, by the time I got over to the bike path late this afternoon, the rain had started to move in, and there were pretty steady showers the whole time I was out. Nothing like the monsoon I was briefly caught in last week, but enough to make things chilly and a little bit unpleasant. I rode out to the base of the old landfill and back... had been thinking I'd stop then (I have trouble summoning up enthusiasm for riding in the rain) but decided to head east instead for a solid ten miles.
Also unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to pack a dry shirt, so I pulled a jacket on over my damp jersey, ran the errands that needed running, and was very happy to change into clothes that were warm and especially dry once I got home.
The turtle nest from last night looked intact as I rode past it... somehow I doubt that will last.
JMH
Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts
Friday, December 07, 2012
LIGHTLY RAINING...
1.4 Mile Walk at Buckingham Lake
Friday, December 7, 2012
By the time I got home from work my walking options were very limited, at least if I wanted to be done before it got too dark. Plus the original plan was to head down to southeastern CT tonight, before heading to RI early tomorrow morning for a potential sighting of the Rome Point seals. And I haven't been to Buckingham Lake in a while...
I circled the pond in each direction, enjoying the emptiness of the path, the lights shining in the dim evening, and the sound of the very light rain. I was almost tempted to do a third loop - it felt good to be outdoors after being in the classroom all day - but decided to head home instead, so I wouldn't get on the road too awfully late.
1.4 Mile Walk at Buckingham Lake
Friday, December 7, 2012
By the time I got home from work my walking options were very limited, at least if I wanted to be done before it got too dark. Plus the original plan was to head down to southeastern CT tonight, before heading to RI early tomorrow morning for a potential sighting of the Rome Point seals. And I haven't been to Buckingham Lake in a while...
After all the people who hang out there in the summer, it always amuses me to show up on an afternoon like today (chilly, dim, and rainy) and see almost nobody. Sometimes it definitely makes for a more pleasant walk!
There was a very light layer of ice on the water - you could hear it chiming as the rain hit it - and a decent-sized group of ducks either standing precariously on the ice or paddling in places where they'd broken through. They were a lot jumpier than usual, possibly because the ice makes it hard for them to get away without flying.
I circled the pond in each direction, enjoying the emptiness of the path, the lights shining in the dim evening, and the sound of the very light rain. I was almost tempted to do a third loop - it felt good to be outdoors after being in the classroom all day - but decided to head home instead, so I wouldn't get on the road too awfully late.
Except that over the course of dinner and wrapping things up so I could go, I found myself dozing off in a variety of locations... checked the weather forecast for Rome Point (rain all morning)... and ultimately decided to eat the loss of my Choice Rewards points (it was too late to cancel tonight's room) in favor of getting a bit more sleep. Don't know yet if I'll leave super-early and try to see the seals, or at a slightly more reasonable time and try to get to southern RI after the rain has let up... morning will tell...
JMH
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Counting Blessings
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I said it last night, and I'll say it again - we're awfully darn lucky around here. Woke up this morning to no rain, a little wind, and later in the morning - sunshine. Meanwhile it's been raining out in Rochester for the last four days, and with very good reason the NYC/NJ area has been declared a major disaster zone.
Locally I've heard reports of isolated power outages but nothing like what everyone was concerned could happen. In fact I'm looking forward to taking advantage of our day off from school and going for what should be a very pleasant run this afternoon. Yes indeed, ample blessings to be counted in this neck of the woods.
JMH
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I said it last night, and I'll say it again - we're awfully darn lucky around here. Woke up this morning to no rain, a little wind, and later in the morning - sunshine. Meanwhile it's been raining out in Rochester for the last four days, and with very good reason the NYC/NJ area has been declared a major disaster zone.
Locally I've heard reports of isolated power outages but nothing like what everyone was concerned could happen. In fact I'm looking forward to taking advantage of our day off from school and going for what should be a very pleasant run this afternoon. Yes indeed, ample blessings to be counted in this neck of the woods.
JMH
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Rain Has Arrived...
Monday, October 29, 2012
... though so far not in the apocalyptic amounts people have feared, just a good soaking rain. I've cracked my bedroom window open so I can enjoy listening to it before I fall asleep.
And I'm grateful I can enjoy it... we've certainly got it much easier around here than the folks down in the NYC/NJ area, from what the news reports are saying.
JMH
Monday, October 29, 2012
... though so far not in the apocalyptic amounts people have feared, just a good soaking rain. I've cracked my bedroom window open so I can enjoy listening to it before I fall asleep.
And I'm grateful I can enjoy it... we've certainly got it much easier around here than the folks down in the NYC/NJ area, from what the news reports are saying.
JMH
Monday, October 15, 2012
RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS...
Monday, October 15, 2012
... and sometimes the rainy day is Monday. I was hoping to get out for a ride today, but every time I planned to do so it was raining so... a rest day. Walked up to the store and back during one of the breaks in the rain, and was pleased to find that it was pretty pleasant outside - not nearly as chilly as I expected.
Five and a half days and it's time for the Empire State Marathon. Gah!
JMH
Monday, October 15, 2012
... and sometimes the rainy day is Monday. I was hoping to get out for a ride today, but every time I planned to do so it was raining so... a rest day. Walked up to the store and back during one of the breaks in the rain, and was pleased to find that it was pretty pleasant outside - not nearly as chilly as I expected.
Five and a half days and it's time for the Empire State Marathon. Gah!
JMH
Sunday, August 05, 2012
ALMOST BEAT THE RAIN...
13 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Rain this afternoon - at last! Too bad it wasn't about four hours earlier, it would have been a welcome relief during the races, at least for me. Once it had let up for a while and I'd rehydrated and was feeling human again, I decided to take the bike out for an easy ride. Not too many people on the bike path (no surprise, given the rain earlier and the threat of storms later.) I did spot a couple of herons, as well as a group of deer that included several youngsters... but the real treat was a turkey hen and her three "chicks" (they were almost as big as her) that darted across the path ahead of me just west of the Colonie wasterwater facility.
I stopped on the way back to the car to take some pictures of the river from the vantage point near the old railroad bridge... and while I was there heard a rumble of thunder and felt some rain drops... so I ended the ride with a 15-16 mph sprint back to the car, in hopes of beating the worst of the rain. I was mostly successful... only got a little bit wet instead of totally soaked.
JMH
13 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Rain this afternoon - at last! Too bad it wasn't about four hours earlier, it would have been a welcome relief during the races, at least for me. Once it had let up for a while and I'd rehydrated and was feeling human again, I decided to take the bike out for an easy ride. Not too many people on the bike path (no surprise, given the rain earlier and the threat of storms later.) I did spot a couple of herons, as well as a group of deer that included several youngsters... but the real treat was a turkey hen and her three "chicks" (they were almost as big as her) that darted across the path ahead of me just west of the Colonie wasterwater facility.
I stopped on the way back to the car to take some pictures of the river from the vantage point near the old railroad bridge... and while I was there heard a rumble of thunder and felt some rain drops... so I ended the ride with a 15-16 mph sprint back to the car, in hopes of beating the worst of the rain. I was mostly successful... only got a little bit wet instead of totally soaked.
JMH
Saturday, July 28, 2012
WHY I HATE DRIVING THE NJ HIGHWAYS... AND ONE HECK OF A DOWNPOUR!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
My TomTom XL340 (sadly updated and then discontinued by TomTom... hopefully map updates will continue to be available for a good long time!) is usually spot-on in its travel time predictions, even adjusting them on the fly when I drive a bit faster than it expects for a particular area. So when I left Camp Ockanickon after the races today, I was looking forward to 3 hr 45 min of driving (plus probably an extra 15-20 minutes of stops along the way.) Ordinarily I'd stop at some parks to see the sights, but not today, since (1) I was pretty fried from 3-4 hours of sleep followed by a tough course under hot, humid conditions, (2) driving down directly from Rochester meant my trail guides were all still in Albany, and (3) it was raining on and off. I have to admit, after being away for 9 days, I was also looking forward to being home again, even if it means having to put up with my noisy neighbors (who have two volume settings - LOUD and LOUD!)
Of course, I foolishly forgot to account for the NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway effect... I don't know why, but for some reason it is a fairly common occurence for traffic to go from full speed ahead to a dead stop on those two highways, followed by periods of crawling along at 5-10 mph. Last year I remember recalling this as I sat on the road, not moving... and today reminded me again. Fortunately most of the other drivers had their windows up, so it's unlikely many folks heard my occcasional outbursts of "I hate this %*&@#*!! road!" By the time I'd reached northern NJ, the GPS had extended the travel time by 30-40 minutes. Gah.
And then the real storm kicked in... first with some lightning and light rain, and then with a downpour that turned the highway into a river and dropped visibility down to a hundred feet or so. Fortunately everyone saw the writing on the wall and traffic slowed to about half speed. When I stopped for gas at the last service area on the GSP, I bailed on stopping to use the bathroom and grab a drink or snack - even with my rain jacket my shorts would have been drenched in moments. Happily I drove out of the worst of it as I exited onto the NYS Thruway, and the rest of the drive was by-the-numbers... but altogether it was 90 minutes later than the GPS originally predicted before I pulled up in front of the house and yes, was greeted by the sound of my neighbors blasting music on their van stereo while they sat on the porch enjoying the evening.
Regardless of the complaining, it's good to be home again.
JMH
Saturday, July 28, 2012
My TomTom XL340 (sadly updated and then discontinued by TomTom... hopefully map updates will continue to be available for a good long time!) is usually spot-on in its travel time predictions, even adjusting them on the fly when I drive a bit faster than it expects for a particular area. So when I left Camp Ockanickon after the races today, I was looking forward to 3 hr 45 min of driving (plus probably an extra 15-20 minutes of stops along the way.) Ordinarily I'd stop at some parks to see the sights, but not today, since (1) I was pretty fried from 3-4 hours of sleep followed by a tough course under hot, humid conditions, (2) driving down directly from Rochester meant my trail guides were all still in Albany, and (3) it was raining on and off. I have to admit, after being away for 9 days, I was also looking forward to being home again, even if it means having to put up with my noisy neighbors (who have two volume settings - LOUD and LOUD!)
Of course, I foolishly forgot to account for the NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway effect... I don't know why, but for some reason it is a fairly common occurence for traffic to go from full speed ahead to a dead stop on those two highways, followed by periods of crawling along at 5-10 mph. Last year I remember recalling this as I sat on the road, not moving... and today reminded me again. Fortunately most of the other drivers had their windows up, so it's unlikely many folks heard my occcasional outbursts of "I hate this %*&@#*!! road!" By the time I'd reached northern NJ, the GPS had extended the travel time by 30-40 minutes. Gah.
And then the real storm kicked in... first with some lightning and light rain, and then with a downpour that turned the highway into a river and dropped visibility down to a hundred feet or so. Fortunately everyone saw the writing on the wall and traffic slowed to about half speed. When I stopped for gas at the last service area on the GSP, I bailed on stopping to use the bathroom and grab a drink or snack - even with my rain jacket my shorts would have been drenched in moments. Happily I drove out of the worst of it as I exited onto the NYS Thruway, and the rest of the drive was by-the-numbers... but altogether it was 90 minutes later than the GPS originally predicted before I pulled up in front of the house and yes, was greeted by the sound of my neighbors blasting music on their van stereo while they sat on the porch enjoying the evening.
Regardless of the complaining, it's good to be home again.
JMH
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
LIGHTNING BELOW... WONDERFUL RAIN!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A relatively uneventful set of flights back - both left on time, which was a blessing considering we were scheduled to arrive in Rochester after midnight. Kudos to AirTran... even if our pilot on the first leg introduced himself as Luke Skywalker, accompanied by Han Solo and Chewbacca the wookiee and flying the Millenium Falcon. Fortunately we didn't end up on the Death Star.
The 2nd leg got a bit bumpy as we approached Rochester - storms again! Watching lightning flashes from above has not lost its appeal!
We exited the terminal to light rain and wonderfully cool temperatures. I stood out in the driveway and enjoyed it while Ann opened up the house... not only was it exceptionally pleasant after the last 5 days of 100+ temperatures, but we desperately need the water too.
It's good to be back in our neck of the woods.
JMH
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A relatively uneventful set of flights back - both left on time, which was a blessing considering we were scheduled to arrive in Rochester after midnight. Kudos to AirTran... even if our pilot on the first leg introduced himself as Luke Skywalker, accompanied by Han Solo and Chewbacca the wookiee and flying the Millenium Falcon. Fortunately we didn't end up on the Death Star.
The 2nd leg got a bit bumpy as we approached Rochester - storms again! Watching lightning flashes from above has not lost its appeal!
We exited the terminal to light rain and wonderfully cool temperatures. I stood out in the driveway and enjoyed it while Ann opened up the house... not only was it exceptionally pleasant after the last 5 days of 100+ temperatures, but we desperately need the water too.
It's good to be back in our neck of the woods.
JMH
Friday, June 01, 2012
SIGH... NO RYE-BY-THE-SEA DUATHLON FOR THE TURTLE...
Friday, June 1, 2012
A tough decision, but I think the right one... the forecast for tomorrow morning calls for temperatures in the low 50's and rain, which would make for a miserable, unsafe morning. Factor in the cost of a motel room and the additional driving to get there and the decision became something of a no-brainer.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do races for a couple of reasons - (1) to motivate myself to get out and run, ride, etc, (2) to push myself harder than I would on a "training" run or ride, (3) to give myself an excuse to visit cool places, and (4) to have some fun. If the forecast is correct, tomorrow will not be fun... and afterwards I'd end up just driving home, instead of visiting parks and nature preserves in the general vicinity of the race. So after the Twilight Trail Run wraps up tonight, I'll be heading home instead of up into New Hampshire.
I'll just have to get in some running and riding closer to home this weekend...
JMH
Friday, June 1, 2012
A tough decision, but I think the right one... the forecast for tomorrow morning calls for temperatures in the low 50's and rain, which would make for a miserable, unsafe morning. Factor in the cost of a motel room and the additional driving to get there and the decision became something of a no-brainer.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do races for a couple of reasons - (1) to motivate myself to get out and run, ride, etc, (2) to push myself harder than I would on a "training" run or ride, (3) to give myself an excuse to visit cool places, and (4) to have some fun. If the forecast is correct, tomorrow will not be fun... and afterwards I'd end up just driving home, instead of visiting parks and nature preserves in the general vicinity of the race. So after the Twilight Trail Run wraps up tonight, I'll be heading home instead of up into New Hampshire.
I'll just have to get in some running and riding closer to home this weekend...
JMH
Thursday, March 15, 2012
COLD & WET
12.5 Mile Ride in the Corning Preserve
Thursday, March 15, 2012
After a frustrating morning involving a variety of screw-ups while trying to get my all-season tires put back on the car and an early afternoon spent napping after finding myself dozing off during lunch - I headed out for a ride. I'd been planning to ride the path west of Schenectady, but given the dark clouds off to the west I decided to go down to the Corning Preserve instead. Unfortunately, the rain arrived before I got there... but I couldn't see wasting the trip, so I pulled on a jacket and set off into the rain for my ride.
I'm not crazy about riding in the rain in the summer, but at least then it can be a nice break from the heat. Today was just cold and uncomfortable, and since I wasn't wearing a rain jacket I was soaked pretty quickly. I stuck it out for about an hour - toward the end the rain even died down. But it was still a real pleasure to finish up and head home to wash the mud off and warm up with a hot shower.
JMH
12.5 Mile Ride in the Corning Preserve
Thursday, March 15, 2012
After a frustrating morning involving a variety of screw-ups while trying to get my all-season tires put back on the car and an early afternoon spent napping after finding myself dozing off during lunch - I headed out for a ride. I'd been planning to ride the path west of Schenectady, but given the dark clouds off to the west I decided to go down to the Corning Preserve instead. Unfortunately, the rain arrived before I got there... but I couldn't see wasting the trip, so I pulled on a jacket and set off into the rain for my ride.
I'm not crazy about riding in the rain in the summer, but at least then it can be a nice break from the heat. Today was just cold and uncomfortable, and since I wasn't wearing a rain jacket I was soaked pretty quickly. I stuck it out for about an hour - toward the end the rain even died down. But it was still a real pleasure to finish up and head home to wash the mud off and warm up with a hot shower.
JMH
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Rainy Day, Windy Day... Lazy Day...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Woke up several times during the night feeling cold - a change that is both welcome (cooler weather! yeah!) and not-so-welcome (back to work in a little over a week... oh, well) - and also listening to the rain that was our version of Tropical Storm Irene battering the NYC/Long Island/New England coast. So I ended up staying in bed later than planned - I'm trying to get myself back on my normal work sleep schedule so next week won't be quite as much of a shock to my system.
I had thought to go for a run today (because riding in the rain sucks) but between the rain, the wind, and the chilly air blowing in through the windows just couldn't muster up any enthusiasm for heading outdoors. Instead I messed around on the computers, spent a lot of time reading (The Magician King, by Lev Grossman, for those who are curious about such things... best to read The Magicians first, I was glad I'd re-read it before starting the new book) and watched a movie (Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker, which I was annoyed to find was the censored version shown on television rather than the uncensored version I'd ordered.) What Ann referred to as a day spent relaxing and what I tend to refer to as my being lazy - since I probably should have dragged my backside out the door for a run, rain and all.
JMH
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Woke up several times during the night feeling cold - a change that is both welcome (cooler weather! yeah!) and not-so-welcome (back to work in a little over a week... oh, well) - and also listening to the rain that was our version of Tropical Storm Irene battering the NYC/Long Island/New England coast. So I ended up staying in bed later than planned - I'm trying to get myself back on my normal work sleep schedule so next week won't be quite as much of a shock to my system.
I had thought to go for a run today (because riding in the rain sucks) but between the rain, the wind, and the chilly air blowing in through the windows just couldn't muster up any enthusiasm for heading outdoors. Instead I messed around on the computers, spent a lot of time reading (The Magician King, by Lev Grossman, for those who are curious about such things... best to read The Magicians first, I was glad I'd re-read it before starting the new book) and watched a movie (Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker, which I was annoyed to find was the censored version shown on television rather than the uncensored version I'd ordered.) What Ann referred to as a day spent relaxing and what I tend to refer to as my being lazy - since I probably should have dragged my backside out the door for a run, rain and all.
JMH
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
2.4 Mile Walk Through the Pine Hills Neighborhood of Albany
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I'd hoped to go down to Mt Washington State Forest for a long run in the woods today, but ended up sleeping late due to what currently seems a depressingly typical disrupted night's sleep and woke up to blah weather with a threat of thunderstorms later this afternoon. So, tomorrow, hopefully.
Ended up being lazy most of the day but finally kicked my backside out the door for a walk to the store and back during a break in the rain (well, it started out that way, then rained lightly for about half the time I was walking.) Took along the Kodak in case any pictures presented themselves, and ended up with a nice view of the setting sun and the rising moon over a nearby athletic park. Unfortunately, the Kodak just isn't up to the task... it's fine for basic shots and of course will be invaluable the next time I'm in either a downpour or under a waterfall, but it's woefully inadequate for the types of photos I'm used to taking. Then again, what do I expect from a $60 fixed-focus camera, compared to my $200 superzoom (which to its credit has survived adventures that would have reduced lesser cameras to scrap. Go Canon!)
JMH
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I'd hoped to go down to Mt Washington State Forest for a long run in the woods today, but ended up sleeping late due to what currently seems a depressingly typical disrupted night's sleep and woke up to blah weather with a threat of thunderstorms later this afternoon. So, tomorrow, hopefully.
Ended up being lazy most of the day but finally kicked my backside out the door for a walk to the store and back during a break in the rain (well, it started out that way, then rained lightly for about half the time I was walking.) Took along the Kodak in case any pictures presented themselves, and ended up with a nice view of the setting sun and the rising moon over a nearby athletic park. Unfortunately, the Kodak just isn't up to the task... it's fine for basic shots and of course will be invaluable the next time I'm in either a downpour or under a waterfall, but it's woefully inadequate for the types of photos I'm used to taking. Then again, what do I expect from a $60 fixed-focus camera, compared to my $200 superzoom (which to its credit has survived adventures that would have reduced lesser cameras to scrap. Go Canon!)
JMH
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The rain may have delayed my plans to ride (and prompted a visit to the Clifton Park Borders while I was waiting for the rain to stop) but it also provided a nice opportunity to see a rainbow when I left the store...
JMH
Monday, April 18, 2011
1.9 Mile Walk in the Pine Bush
Monday, April 18, 2011
I had hoped to get out on the bike tonight but really couldn't get into the thought of riding in the cold rain... so I headed over to a section of the Pine Bush I rarely visit (both because it's out-of-the-way and because the trail there is fairly short), the Kings Highway Barrens. The trail is a wide fire road that loops through the area over a variety of terrain, mostly flat but with some short hills, through meadows, evergreen forests, and hardwood stands. There's also a few sections that show clear signs of disturbance sometime in the past, which makes me think the area may have undergone some minor development at one point. I also found a discarded sign for the Pine Bush Farm from 1986, which makes me wonder if this was one of the first sections set aside for conservation - I'll have to dig out the books I have on the Pine Bush and see if any of them talk about the history of the Preserve.
The rain was pretty consistent the whole time I was there, but I have to say I'd rather be walking in the rain than riding in it.
JMH
Monday, April 18, 2011
I had hoped to get out on the bike tonight but really couldn't get into the thought of riding in the cold rain... so I headed over to a section of the Pine Bush I rarely visit (both because it's out-of-the-way and because the trail there is fairly short), the Kings Highway Barrens. The trail is a wide fire road that loops through the area over a variety of terrain, mostly flat but with some short hills, through meadows, evergreen forests, and hardwood stands. There's also a few sections that show clear signs of disturbance sometime in the past, which makes me think the area may have undergone some minor development at one point. I also found a discarded sign for the Pine Bush Farm from 1986, which makes me wonder if this was one of the first sections set aside for conservation - I'll have to dig out the books I have on the Pine Bush and see if any of them talk about the history of the Preserve.
The rain was pretty consistent the whole time I was there, but I have to say I'd rather be walking in the rain than riding in it.
JMH
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Hey, Noah!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Looked out the window this afternoon and I could swear I saw an old guy building an ark... at times the rain was almost coming down sideways, and much of the time I could barely open the window for fear of getting soaked.
If I'd had the day off I would have doubtless headed out into the deluge for a run... as it was I chose to stay at work late grading papers until the worst had passed and I could head to my car without ending up drenched.Some Most days I'm such a wimp...
And of course I can't help wondering... what if we'd had snow instead? Imagine the snowshoeing and XC skiing...!
Welcome to December... just 30 days and another year is in the books...
JMH
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Looked out the window this afternoon and I could swear I saw an old guy building an ark... at times the rain was almost coming down sideways, and much of the time I could barely open the window for fear of getting soaked.
If I'd had the day off I would have doubtless headed out into the deluge for a run... as it was I chose to stay at work late grading papers until the worst had passed and I could head to my car without ending up drenched.
And of course I can't help wondering... what if we'd had snow instead? Imagine the snowshoeing and XC skiing...!
Welcome to December... just 30 days and another year is in the books...
JMH
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