Today I did two tiring rides (well, tiring for me) -- one with Cia in the very early morning before breakfast, quickly down along the river to downtown Mystic and back, and then another one, back down River Road to Mystic and the Depot Cafe for coffee with Alan, for a total of about 14 miles. I loved it all, and was especially surprised by how relaxing and enjoyable the ride back from the cafe was, considering that it was almost noon and the heat was in the 80's. I just took my time and stopped now and then in the shade for water and a rest, and the ride turned out to be almost comfortable, even in the heat. 

* a scene along the river this morning *

"The Mystic River", oil by Roxanne Steed