There's This and That!

Friday, April 10, 2020

A week ago Friday, I put on my cross-country skis, barely survived the hard crusty snow out the back door down to the Knik River for an excellent spring ski. A week later the switch has flipped. The right combination of wind and warm temperatures melted most of the snow. By Saturday, it became full on spring, complete with water and mud and it was the first road bike ride of the season.

By early afternoon the temperatures were near 60 degrees and it seemed like most of the valley had outdoor thoughts on their mind.  It was nice to pass so many families walking, fellow cyclists, and runners on the bike path that begins about 6 miles from our house and continues for miles past Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, Houston, and slightly beyond.  We are fortunate to have this recreational opportunity so close to home.  This was the thought that rolled through my mind as I peddled my way past snow covered peaks and glacier views.

Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak from the Palmer Golf Course

With this, comes that . . . . and by that I mean JUNK! Mostly I try to ignore it, but with no leaves on the trees, it's impossible.  On the 14 miles between our house and Palmer, most people live on 1-3 acre parcels and it seems almost everyone has "that neighbor."  Some are fortunate not to have them next door, but one doesn't need to drive very far down the road before encountering the visual pollution that neighbor shares with the entire world.  

Our neighbor's pile of junk!

The pile of junk usually entails a vintage car, or two, or three with the windows broken and a couple tires missing.  If you look closer, an old appliance, bed frames, mattresses, TV, couch, trampoline, scrap building materials, and household garbage are likely culprits to be found in there as well. Some of that mess might make sense if there wasn't a solid waste facility, junkyards willing to tow vehicles, curbside garbage pick-up, or friends with a truck to help out, but all are available here.

So, that leaves miles and minutes on the bike to wonder and ponder the juxtaposition of this and that!