Family time (warning: photo-heavy)

Yesterday after church and potluck (the zucchini lasagne turned out YUMMY) we went for our first family bike ride. Living in the country on a gravel lane, in a county that doesn't believe in budgeting for paved shoulders much less bike lanes, isn't conducive to cycling for fun or transportation. Brian rides his little dirt bike around the house, but Rick and I have old Schwinn Varsity 10-speed bicycles; those skinny tires don't work well on gravel! But Brian has been BEGGING us to ride bikes with him, and there IS a nearby option -- a rather unique and scenic option, in fact. (Have you noticed that many "unique and scenic" options are under-utilized by the locals? I don't know if it's the availability that makes us put them off for "later," or if we think they are only for tourists or what, but it's a shame.) So we loaded our bicycles into the back of the pick-up and drove a few miles to the closest Willamette River crossing. Here, as at one or two other locations on the river, a ferry transports vehicles across. ("They" have determined this is a more viable option than building a bridge.) Vehicles pay a toll, but pedestrians and those with bikes can ride for free.This is the first time we've taken advantage of the toll-free option;it was a beautiful day on the river!
Along the other side of the river is Willamette Mission State Park. I've picnicked there, ridden (and driven!) horses there, watched Civil War reenactments there, but never before have we taken advantage of the few miles of paved bike trails there. Now that has been remedied, and I'm sure we'll be back.
There were LOTS of wildflowers blooming (more than this; more flowers than I presently have at Boulderneigh!).
We stopped occasionally for free refreshments, too.
All in all, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon together as a family!

That's it for now at . . .