Birthday meetup #2 / Council Crest

March 26, 2025 to March 27, 2025

Another blitz post for a pair of days that might merits a few more words than they’re getting. Good for me, perhaps good for you also.

Wednesday

The day starts with the rescheduled visit with Elizabeth to review her financial situation, the one that was scrapped previously due to our card theft issue.

Elizabeth looks especially radiant this morning because she’s just heard that she’s good to go on that Road Schooar tour if Tuscany and Umbria this fall. The news is welcome enough that she overlooks the fact that I’ve not worn my Jerry Garcia tie to the session.

It’’s not a biking day, as yesterday’s weather has moved on and been replaced by forceful winds and intermittent threats of rain. Rachael gets out for a long, energetic, fast-paced loop through Washington park, but my day goes into an attack on the list of tasks to be completed before we depart. Suddenly the time seems very near at hand and I’m feeling a sense of urgency.

In the evening Rachael, Elizabeth and I drive over to Gallo Nero for a second birthday celebration, and a rare one. This one’s a three way: Rachael’s has just passed, Elizabeth’s is up next week, and I was in no mood to celebrate mine last December. It’s an excellent meal and visit, and we’re served by Brahim, the same bright, personable man who greeted Rachael and me the last time we were here. From Marrakesh, he’s a new and welcome addition to the staff of one of our favorite restaurants in town.

Brahim comes through with the goods. I took this shot to remind us of him, but I’d forgotten about the pistachio and hazelnut gelati.

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Thursday

Another compete rainout was expected today but instead we’ve been dealt what looks like a four hour window in the morning. Rachael’s feet hurt from pounding the path on Leif Erickson yesterday so she opts for a morning at the gym, but I take a chance and climb up through the Zoo to Council Crest. It’s a chance to admire the views, get some modest climbing in, and also test out what footwear I’ll take to Europe this year by riding in my sandals.

The views are as fine as expected, but come with a cost as I ratchet up a series of short but steep climbs until finally cresting at the Highway 26 overpass: 9%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 13%, 8%, 15%. I take my time and do reasonably well with the climbing, and riding with the sandals is OK and nudges me more toward a decision to leave the bike shoes behind this year, but what pleases me the most is just the joy of experiencing the loop around Council Crest on Fairview Drive again.

And the timing is perfect - the first drops fall from the sky as I’m coasting down 12th Avenue on my way back toward the apartment.