An Impromptu Biking Holiday

This week started out as a quiet but productive week at home. The lawn was mowed, beds were weeded and some more planting and dividing in the garden. My clothes are pretty much sorted out for the big trip and some spring cleaning inside the house has happened. 

Then Susan proposed we actually follow through on our plan to take a biking holiday in Rhode Island to ride the East Bay Path from Providence RI to Bristol RI. The 3 of us decided on the Hilton Garden Inn on Sunday night after our big ride Sunday afternoon. Ann Marie drove to my house in the morning and we left by 9 am, arriving in Providence by noon. By 2 pm we geared up, had a snack I brought - strawberries, pineapple, cheese and crackers, corn chips, etc and got onto the trail by 1 pm. 

The Pomham Rocks Light House

The trail winds through neighborhoods, industrial sites, with glimpses of the shore here and there. After 2 hours and several stops for water and chatting, we reached Bristol at about 3 pm. There was a concert going on and a festival in the park atmosphere, so we poked around the town and took a few pictures.

My  companions were not cooperating with my efforts at a group selfie

Boats in Bristol Harbor

We headed back up north and towards the Colt State Park we bypassed on the way down. It was large and I could feel the limits of my energy being reached, so I started lagging behind. The ladies were not having it, so I caught up and persisted onward.  We finally left the park and kept heading north only to be stopped by and ice cream shop. OK, I asked if we could stop because I needed food and ice cream is my favorite food. That mocha cappuccino dip got me a few more miles along until we nearly reached the end. AnnMarie was startled by a dog that lunged at her and she knocked into me before she fell off her bike. Thank goodness she was not seriously hurt, but for some scrapes and bruises. The owner of the dog got some choice words though. 

Helmet hair and 30 miles of riding later and we managed to get a selfie. Susan would be mortified if this picture were made public, but she'll never see it on this private little blog of mine!

We got back to the hotel, showered and then set out for dinner. Our plan was foiled as the restaurant we chose was closed and our 2nd choice was a take out stand. We cast about a bit and found Chomp which turned out to be a fairly good choice for burgers (me) and chicken sandwiches, and liquid refreshments as well.

Back to the hotel where I had a nice view of the bay and a fireworks display in honor of fathers day. We each had our own rooms just because we can and it was a lovely stay. 

 

                                                                             Fireworks!

Monday morning we headed south towards Narragansett and our first stop at Cool Beans coffee shop.

I had an avocado toast which was tasty and spicy. The coffee was also excellent. 

We then headed to walk on the beach, but found they were charging $12 per person to walk on the beach which I consider appalling. I suggested we drive south to the more interesting Scarborough beach which we did. They charge a more reasonable $6 to park. The beach was lovely and has Black Point ruins and a rocky section. We walked for a few miles and enjoyed what felt like a summer day. 

      In front of the Anchor Inn where I stayed with my sister several years ago.

      Ann Marie and Susan on the rocks.

We then said goodbye to Susan who headed to Connecticut to visit with her family. Ann Marie and I had decided to add a day onto the trip and stay at The Shore House in Narragansett. It was a cute retro designed place with a view of the ocean.

I absolutely loved this garden gate to a house called Moonraker. 

We ate at the Coast Guard House Restaurant where I had a lobster roll. We finished this day with a walk on Narragansett Beach where they were no longer charging to walk on it. We finished the day with 6.5 miles of walking.

Our last day turned out to be another gorgeous summer day, so after breakfast at Cool Beans, we parked the car at Black Point fishing area, we got on the bikes and headed to Point Judith Light House and then on to Galilee. We did a short and easy 8 miles, then had lunch at Champlins and headed back to NYS. By the time we reached home, the weather turned cloudy then began the light showers and rain. We definitely picked the best 3 days for this little trip.

We chatted with these lobstermen at Galilee docks.