Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?

Are you humming the tune? I heard that song the other day while driving about. I don't know what year the song was written but I would guess the 1970's. If he only knew what 'time' would really become in the future.

I just spent a week on vacation hiking through the enormous trees of the Olympic Peninsula, strolling the beaches and enjoying the hum of Seattle and Portland. Time on vacation is a different beast. It's an animal you could love. Oooo look honey, it's 9:30 a.m. and we are still in bed. heeheee

But all vacations must end. When it comes to 'time' I have to put on my STICK super hero costume and make a pact. We here by agree to be friends to the best of our ability. I will not see you as my enemy and you will....let's be honest, time doesn't care about me. It mocks me as the red light holds me. It giggles when I leave late for an appointment and it rolls on the floor when a flight gets delayed. Here I am being so nice and yet it's hands just keep right on moving!

I digress. I will shake hands with time and convince myself it isn't out to get me. Projects will get done, maybe late. The bathrooms will get cleaned, maybe a few days later than I hoped. But I do know this, whoever invented our servitude to time should be beaten with a large clock.

Bike Culture

I left on my bike Monday for an appointment. The day was stunning and I left at the last minute wanting as much time in the warm sun that I could get. I would be able to make my appointment on time if I stayed on track.

My mind was filled with ideas for our fall trip. One of my business goals is to place my books Outside. Alaska has been good to me and Signore Greve but there is a big world out there. My hopes are to visit places with a true biking culture, Portland, Seattle, Denver.

Does Anchorage have bike culture? There are groups here trying to make it so. Teaching people that being a cyclist doesn't mean spandex. Teaching cyclist and drivers how to respect each other. The city is putting in true bike lanes here and there. It's a start.

My thoughts were interrupted with a small group gathered on the trail. A mother moose with twins was dining on the side of the trail. One baby on the left of the trail, one baby on the right. Great, so much for being on time for my appointment. As I stood there trying to judge the danger of pedaling past I became aware of something quite amazing.

With traffic on both ends of the trail suspended it didn't take long before quite a group of cyclist had grown. What started with three on my side quickly became 7. The other end had a crowd of about 14! Some were in spandex like me, some were with kids. Some were on cruiser bikes enjoying the sunny day. All had the enjoyment of bicycling in common.

As I was planning and plotting my journey to other bike cultures I had a tasted of the growing culture here in little ole Anchorage. I was quite proud of be a part of it.