I didn't see any other cyclists. But I wasn't the only one who went to Point Lookout today.
I mean, who wouldn't have wanted to be outside on a day like today? Skies were clear and the temperature reached 15C (60F).
Tosca, my Mercian fixed gear, was also happy to be out for the ride, even if she got spattered with mud and wet sand. Most of the snow from last week's storm was gone, but the sand and road salt weren't. At least, with only one gear, she's easy to clean--though I think I might ride one of my bikes with fenders tomorrow. Still, it was great to spin that gear again!
I was stretching my legs, and they were spreading their wings. A woman with two small boys watched them. "I've never seen so many ducks here," she marvelled.
"Nor have I."
Then the older kid--about four or five years old, with eyes as bright as the sky--chimed in. "They're here because it's the best place in the world for ducks. Isn't that right, Mommy?"
She said nothing. He turned to me.
"Lady, don't you think they're here because it's the best place in the world for ducks?"
"Why else would they be here?"
"So this really is the best place in the world for ducks."
I nodded. "Do you know what makes this the best place in the world for ducks?"
He shook his head. His mother gazed at me.
"Here there are a lot of things they like to eat."
He gazed at me, fascinated. She looked puzzled.
"Well...Don't you like to go where there are good things to eat?"
"Yes, ma'am. What do they like to eat?"
"Clams, oysters, you know, the creatures with shells on them. The ducks love those. And seaweed, too."
Now, for all I know, I may have given him nothing but misinformation. But I figure he's no worse-informed than anyone is after one of our current President's press conferences.
What did I just say? Hmm...It's probably a good thing I've never been a parent!
How do you wash your bikes living in a city appartment? Bathtub? Just curious, sorry for the slightly off topic question.
ReplyDeletePhillip: If they're really muddy or dirty, yes, I use the bathtub. Last night, I just wiped the bike down in the entry foyer and swept the floor.
ReplyDeleteOn a related topic to your question: I want to shellac the bars on the Trek I'm building. I don't want to do it in my apartment, though, because of the fumes. That means, of course, I have to do it outdoors. The problem is that a good day for that is also a good day for riding!
That's a distinctly first world problem Justine. Haha!
ReplyDeletePhillip--True!
ReplyDeleteActually ducks are bottom feeders, filter feeders. That's why you see them with their little feathered asses up in the air and heads under the water. They are filtering the water through their bills, straining out the semi-microscopic water animals they find in the mud.
ReplyDeleteGood thing you've never been a parent? If the child is fascinated with your tales, you might have the potential to be a good grandmother. Try on that role. Grandmothers are "of a certain age" after all, and they have permission to say almost anything. I speak from a grandfatherly point of view.
Leo
Leo--Perhaps I was right after all: There probably way stuff for them to eat in Point Lookout.
ReplyDeleteNow all I have to do is find someone to whom I can be a grandmother!