Skip to main content

The Sights of Summer

In this episode, The Sights of Summer: Chasing Miles & Unexpected Smiles . . .

For Lori and me, the perfect summer morning isn't something you find marked on a calendar; it's a feeling. It's the refreshing crispness of the air on our faces, the gentle warmth of the sun on our skin, and the exciting anticipation of discovering new miles and uncovering the hidden "sights of summer" along our journey.

A glorious California day returns with our weekly ride. We begin with a warm-up cruise around our neighborhood under a wide, cloudless, azure sky. With a smile, I’m thinking, "You know it’s going to be a great ride when even furry co-pilots are excited!" We chuckled as a neighbor drove past, two white, fluffy dogs with their tongues flapping in the breeze and ears flopping wildly out the truck window. Pure canine bliss—an ideal sign for a fun day on two wheels.

“Did you see those pups? They looked like they were smiling.”

Traffic was blissfully light, a rare treat that beckoned us to throw caution (and our usual route) to the wind.

"How about Solana Beach?" I tossed out to Lori an impulsive suggestion that was met with an immediate, "Sounds good!”

That spontaneous detour to Solana Beach wasn't just a change of scenery; It’s a vivid reminder of how the best adventures often unfold when you ditch the familiar path. Hidden gems and new scenic views – a fresh perspective on the local area awaits those willing to embrace the unexpected.

For us, from our home in Vista, the Solana Beach loop is a delightful 32-mile journey, typically taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes. It’s a distance that might make some balk, but every mile is worth it when you pay attention to the unexpected joys along the way.

As we pedaled onward, summer's visual tapestry unfolded: deep green sycamores provided shade, a sunflower peeked over a wall, couples walked the trails, and a seagull's caw confirmed our coastal route. We rolled past charming beach bungalows with their unique architecture, each one telling a story, and caught glimpses of the sparkling Pacific as we neared the coast. Each element is a little snapshot of the season, creating moments of quiet awe and sudden delight.

With that summer energy humming around us – a mix of blooming plants, the distant scent of the ocean, and just that general feeling of warmth and freedom – staying fueled and hydrated becomes paramount. Hydration is key, especially in the summer! Even if the air feels mild, sustained effort in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. Always carry enough water and sip regularly, not just when you feel thirsty. For longer rides, we add electrolytes to the water to replenish our body's fluids.

And throughout it all, the human (and canine!) connections we made added immeasurably to the joy. That's why we always say, 'Smile and wave!' Seriously. Connecting with other cyclists, walkers, and even those fluffy dogs in trucks makes the ride even more enjoyable. A simple smile and a nod can brighten your day and theirs, reinforcing the positive vibe of being out and about.

There was even that one climb, where the ocean scent grew stronger with every pedal stroke, pushing us to dig a little deeper. But topping it, with the Pacific stretching out before us, made every effort worth it.

So, as you plan your next ride, remember those two joyful, tongue-flapping bundles of fur. Their pure bliss is a mirror to the simple magic waiting on every route – if you take the time to seek out and notice the sights of summer.

I’m Patrick Ball. Stay curious, ask questions, enjoy summer. See you next episode.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

The Compass of Cuba: Mom

🎄  Preview of this week's  On the Fly  blog: A Holiday Tribute to Mom. As the holidays hustle with pixels and beeps, the world scrolls along in a smartphone-y sleep. I log off for a moment—just one little minute— To breathe in the past and to sit myself in it. My mind doesn’t wander to faraway places, Or trips full of tickets and new airport faces. Instead, it drifts backward, as memories do, to Cuba, Illinois, where the best moments grew. To a home full of warmth, in the wintry Midwest, Where my mother—dear “Marcie”—put love to the test. With a smile that could melt the most frigid of dawns, and hugs that hung on you like shivering fawns. She came from La Rochelle in France, brave and bright, Across oceans and war shadows, into new light. A town full of strangers soon felt like her own, And her courage built up the foundation of home. “Oh yes, we know Marcie!” the locals would say— “It's Doc Ball’s French lady! She brightens the day!” She cleaned, and she cooked, and sh...
2 comments
Read more

Feeling Human Again

In this episode, The Unexpected Thankfulness of Feeling Human Again I’ll be honest with you: My triumphant return from France was not the glamorous homecoming I had imagined. No graceful glide back into routine. No cinematic jet-setter moment where I lift my suitcase off the carousel and wink at life like we’re old pals. Instead? I came home and immediately launched into a two-week performance piece titled The Great American Couch Collapse. My days blurred together in a haze of soup, hot tea, tissues, and desperate negotiations with the universe for just one nostril—one!—to function properly. The living room sofa became my emotional support furniture. And any creative idea that dared tiptoe into my congested brain was gently shown the exit with a firm but courteous, “Not today, friend. Try again later.” When life hits the pause button like that—when you’re exhausted, sick, and mentally unplugged—how do you find your spark again? Somehow, today, I felt it. A tiny shift. A clearing of th...
1 comment
Read more

A Holiday Reflection–Mother's Love

In this episode,  How a Mother’s Love Built My Memories– A Holiday Reflection As this holiday season approaches and the world buzzes with shopping, planning, and busy schedules, I find myself embracing something wonderfully simple: taking a moment to pause. Not to check off a list or recharge devices, but to breathe deeply, remember fondly, and honor the person and place that have shaped my sense of home long before I had the words for it. This year, after regaining my strength from a lingering post-travel fog, my mind didn’t wander to exotic destinations or future adventures. It drifted backward—across oceans and time—to Cuba, Illinois, in the early 1960s, and to the woman whose love built the foundation of my world: Mauricette Elaine (Bontemps) Ball. My Mom . We came to Cuba after leaving La Rochelle, France, in 1959—a transition so dramatic I only appreciate its enormity now. My mother, barely in her mid-twenties, stepped off that plane and into the Midwest with a courage that s...
1 comment
Read more

Believing Is Seeing

🎄 In this episode, Believing Is Seeing . . . It's December, we bustle, we wrap, and we dash. We sort life into boxes— myths  here,  to-dos  in a stash. We whisper of Santa (adult code: “Not Real”), but hold on one minute—let’s rethink this whole deal. For the stories we cherish, the movies we stream, hold more truth in their sparkle than we grown-ups may deem. So hop in this sleigh and hold on real tight— We’re chasing down Santa by the glow of his light! Scott Calvin once landed in the North Pole’s cold air, with elves, cocoa, and snow everywhere. He squinted and frowned—“This just  cannot  be so!” (Like thinking tangled lights will detangle if we  blow .) Then Judy the Elf gave a cocoa so steaming,  and said something simple . . . yet surprisingly gleaming: Seeing’s not believing—no, that’s not the key. "Believing is seeing!"   Just trust, and  you’ll  see!” Kids don’t need a map or a satellite screen to know Santa’s workshop is her...
1 comment
Read more