Paddle or Peddle

Adventure Location: Lake Somerville, TX

It really feels good to step out of the Castle in the morning to a dry environment. It is warm but dry and that makes it nicer to walk down to the dumpster with last night’s trash. It fact it was so nice my feet refused to turn around and head back to the Castle immediately. We meandered onward along the road.  Then the rest of my body decided that we would walk on along the main road to the boat ramp.  The shade from the trees was helping a lot.  The temperature was about 80 at the start but the shade and gentle breeze made the walking pleasant.  Sometimes there was even a nice view for our pleasure.

Eventually the road turned toward the ramp and the shade quit being available.  It only took a few yards of walking in the bright sun to turn the team around and head back for the shade of the trees. It was noticed that the shade that had covered the road was now only covering one side of the road. It is a good thing to turn back now. By the time we made it back to the Castle the temperature was up to 88.  It was a good walk of a mile and a half in very pleasant conditions.

After some water and respite the silly idea of riding SightSeer (SS) came to mind. In my past life this park and the subdivision next to it were ridden often on bicycles. Ok maybe we can get in a nice ride before it gets too hot. SS was readied and away we went.

The loop down by the day use area snagged this picture before all the Saturday folks showed up for hot times at the lake and HOT it is.

The Gulf Coast is famous for wade fishing in the salt water.  This picture shows you that it is not necessary to go to the coast to participate in wade fishing. Many of the lakes in Texas are excellent for wade fishing.

I bet they are cooler than the folks still on the shore under one of the live oak trees.

Onward we rolled throw campground loops and up and down the hills. Did you know that hills change shape when you are riding a bicycle? It is true. Going downhill they are short and gentle. Coming back up them they get longer and steeper. Guaranteed fact.

Over near the boat ramp SS had to stop and sniff the canoes.  Hmm it looks like one of these canoes could hold both the OFM and SS. Choices are nice especially if the choice is to paddle or peddle.

There are several miles of trails through the trees and underbrush in the park. At one time or another, my feet have left footprints on all of them and some places without trails also.  The silly SS decided to go look at riding on one of the trails. It was not my choice of fun since there are lots of spider webs, bugs, mosquitos and poison ivy in there.  SS insisted on taking a look. Here is that silly bicycle checking out the trail.  But the OFM was not about to ride that trail on a hot sticky day.  Maybe in winter it will be better.

When we returned to the Castle it was about 1130 and 92 degrees and 5.4 miles later.  The OFM was finished for the day.  The heat is just too much for his worn out head. Having a good walk and then a wonderful bike ride made for a good start at trying to have tooooo much fun. TheOFM.