BIKE rides are the BEST

For me, there's something about riding bikes that is just too much fun.  Maybe its the wind in my hair, er, helmet, the fresh air in my face and seeing just how fast I can get cruising down a hill.  Its also a great way to get around and appreciate the scenery at a slower pace.

Lucky for me, there are some really great bike routes near my new home.  

Thurston County Bike Map

I picked these on last week's excursion.  The wildflowers here are to die for.  

Tonight I'm considering riding my bike in to work.  Its a gorgeous night, I live 5 miles from the hospital, and there's a bike path on 90% of the route....there's really no excuse.  PLUS, since I live in "green" country now, I figure its a good time to start cutting down my carbon footprint.  Couldn't hurt. 

Point Defiance Park

It can get pretty lonely out here and sometimes I start to wonder why I came.  But then I discover places like Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, spend an afternoon drooling over views of Mt Rainier and exploring tide pools on the beach like I was born yesterday, and quickly start to feel better.

ps. the day after visiting PD Park, the Today show ironically featured the park Zoo's singing walrus (my favorites are "sputter" and "whistle").  obviously i'll be returning.  

the birth of an online journal

Since recently making a solo move cross-country, I've found myself wanting to share just about every experience in this new place with someone back home.  I keep thinking things like "so and so would just LOVE this" or, "man, this is great, but it would be so much better if he/she were here".  I could send a thousand emails, postcards and pictures and make dozens of phone calls (which I do), or I could post things online, where family, friends, and anyone else who cares or happens across, can keep updated on the life, times and adventures of miss Emma.  

Hence, this blog.  So here goes.