It was a glorious day in central PA yesterday; there was no real summer heat (high of 79? WHAT?) and the humidity was present, but bearable thanks to the lower temperature. When I woke up yesterday morning my first thought was, I am SO riding my bike to work today.
Even before I longed for coffee, that’s what I thought, so you know it was important.
Before too long I packed up my lunch and my change of clothes (because who wants to work in sweaty bike clothes?) and pedaled myself off to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and onward to work. It looked a little something like this.
The rail trail is currently in high-summer foliage, so most of it is full-on lush greenness.
And the birds were keeping it kind of low-key. I heard the birds a-plenty, but didn’t see them. I did, however, get a visit from an inquisitive groundhog.

Which is my good side?–he seemed to say. Sadly, I thought…it’s neither. Because they’re really not cute creatures. But thanks for dropping by, Mr. Groundhog!
I saw some funky orange fungus doing its thing on a decomposing tree along the trail side. I believe this is Pycnoporous cinnabarinus.

Eventually down the road as rot happens, this fallen tree won’t stand a chance against a mighty tree fungus.
A few things: 1) Don’t eat it. 2) I’m happy to learn if I’m wrong. 3) Say “Pycnoporus cinnabarinus” three times, fast.
Bet you can’t.
Anyway.
There were delicate little wildflowers all over the place.
Some flowers in the process of pollination.
Some wild raspberries.
And a farm that’s been plucked straight out of a movie set.
Here’s a shot looking over one of the out-buildings of the farm. Notice the awesome sky.
And the side of part of the farmhouse. Complete with wagon wheel.
Location scouts, call me.
All in all, it was a surreally pretty day out on the BVRT.
And I’m glad to say I took advantage of it.
See you on the trail!
Idyllic commute–now there’s an oxymoron!
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I do what I can! LOL
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I always wanted to ride my bike to work but never have! Impressive and the scenery too 🙂
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So I got to work and realized we were having a going-away cake for a co-worker who’s leaving for grad school. I was handed an enormous plate of cake and ice cream. And I thought…I’m so glad I rode my bike in today! LOL
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Well, you rode those calories right off me thinks!
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One would hope. Though it was a really big pile of junk food! LOL
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Yes I try to stay away from massive piles of junk food too. laughing!
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You have a beautiful ride to work!
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Thanks! I love this rail trail. So. Much.
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HEART!
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Yeah.
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Loved the photos and, NO, I could not say the P,,,C… word fast – not even once.
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George claimed he could say the PC word slowly. I still don’t believe him.
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The clumpy pink flower is crownvetch, btw. Did you notice all the giant purple thistles? Cousins to the ones flourishing madly in my garden!
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You mean the flower I thought was kind of clover-y, right? Not the flower that the bugs are having their way with? And yes I did notice thistles. 🙂
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Yes. The flower being pollinated (ahem!) is milkweed.
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Cool. Thanks! (ahem)
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