As I came up over the top of Limbert Mountain I could hear the swans honking as they circled the waterlogged cornfields looking for a place to settle. They are so beautiful against the dark skies and move elegantly as they land and take off, over and over again. I learned this morning (thanks Google) that a group of swans is often known as a ballet. So perfect for what was going on in the fields today - a ballet! I rounded the corner by Peterson's farm and headed for the railway tracks. It doesn't matter how many times I ride this route I cannot get used to being chased by dogs. Just before the tracks there are 3-4 smallish black and white dogs that head towards me from a farmhouse set back off the road quite a ways. I am astounded by how fast they move, how much they bark and how quickly they get to me even when I pick up the speed. I know they are going to stop as soon as I get off my bike, but my body is never sure and my heart rate and anxiety levels are always up as I cross the tracks.
Today was a morning of sights and sounds. Right after I took this shot I got back on my bike and headed for the highway. About 50 feet in front of me a large coyote watched from the left side of the road. He must have gauged my slow pace as he crossed the road in front of me and headed into the field. I have seen many coyotes on my bike rides and frankly, dogs scare me more. This coyote however was different. He crossed the road and then turned to watch me. There have been reports of a hybrid critter in our neck of the woods. Locals call them coy wolves. There is mixed reaction to whether these actually exist or not but I have to say that this coyote was different. His legs were much longer, his gait was different and I wonder if this is in fact was a coy wolf. I got back on my bike and as soon as I headed off he took off into the hills.
Out to the highway, left past Oosterlaar's farm and right onto Sutherland Road. On this stretch there are fields and fields of blueberry bushes. They looked amazing up against the mountains with a halo of low clouds crowning them.
Down the road on the right side of the road are the cranberry fields. They are covered in water and look dingy and gray and muddy. The beauty of the red berries won't be seen until late summer. For now they sit and wait for their moment to shine.
I stopped cursing Bob a couple of kilometres ago and now am thankful he was there to inspire me this morning. It is cool and it is grey but there is beauty in the sights and sounds and feel of this cool January day that I would not have experienced if I hadn't lived with a morning person who loves this time of year.
I missed a picture of the little girl in the yellow coat and yellow rubber boots heading out to the chicken pen with her puppy trailing behind her but the image will stay with me. The black cat sitting on the fencepost in front of the red barn, licking his feet will also stay with me. Ducks and snow geese, barn pigeons and seagulls circled all around the empty fields full of mini lakes and yes, it was all a ballet.
The next time I feel so cozy in my warm bed I will try to recall all that is out there waiting for me to soak up on a rainy day. Don't get me wrong. I am looking forward to the warm sun of Sedona in March and I know there will be days where my bed wins out but for today I am thankful I was able to see the beauty that is out there if I can just get out the door.
