A Nice Ride

So I finally got back on the bike this morning after over a week of no riding thanks to a bout of recurring tendinitis in my left knee.  Had to see the orthopedic surgeon for x-rays and a shot.  As he put it, if we only get together every couple of years [last visit Jan. 2017],  the tendinitis is pretty well under control.
I took it easy anyway.  Short loop on the ditches, 7.5 miles, just cruising at average speed of 9 MPH and only 203 feet of ascent (and descent---like I've said before, the ditches are pretty flat).

The cockpit of the Stache

It sure was a nice morning for a ride, too.  The temps are expected to hit 102F this afternoon but the sun slept in behind some nice monsoon cloud cover.  No way I'd be out there after, oh, say, 1:00PM

 I love the way the shadows play on the mountains.  This shot is looking across Valley Ave at the Robledos Mtns., home to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument----And so far, that's not on the administration's hit list.

One of my favorite spots on this loop--a palm tree next to the weeping willow which forms a tunnel over the ditch path.  Just beyond the willow is a house with two great dogs who never fail to greet me as I ride by---I'd love to get a picture of them but they won't stand still!!!

Chile harvest is upon us.  These babies are still standing or should I say "outstanding in their field."

After the green ones have been picked, the field looks neglected but there's red gold out there.

This field has been fully harvested.  Wonder what will be there next?  It's late for planting cotton so maybe some lettuce, cabbage, or winter squash??

And the end of the ride---coming out of the fields to the east to view the homestead through the pecan orchard.