impromptu adventure

Today with the kids at camp I thought about something fun to do. I need to do some work related things but I ended up designating Monday for those errands and instead I thought I would drop by the Newton Farmer's Market at its Friday location. I haven't been to it since I first moved here mainly because it's in a parking lot and the space isn't very kid friendly. The Tuesday location is in a big park where the kids can run around, climb trees and ride bikes on the black top.

This would be a mainly shopping trip.

I putzed around the house in the morning, cleaning here, folding and putting away laundry there. Real fun stuff. I read my book a little and then I felt the need to hit the road and without looking at my watch I just hopped on my bike and took off toward the Market.

On my way I was surprised by seeing Velouria and Mr Velouria riding in the opposite direction. We both said "hey" and kept going. I thought of stopping but didn't want to cause an accident or slow them down as they had been riding for a while I bet.

I kept on trucking and as I came upon the Market, I see it's not open yet. I'm 45 minutes early. Sigh. So I decide to keep on going and try out the bike path a little ways. I traveled down Nonantum road and onto the path along the Charles.

It was really lovely and while it was still very hot out, I felt happy zooming along with the breeze in my face. I was only going to go a little ways and then turn back but the further I went the more I wanted to see what was going to come up next.

As I reached a cross walk I see two women biking toward me. I first notice bright colors and a wire basket and my bike juices are flowing. I then see a kid seat on the back on one and two saddle bags on the other. These women are totally working my bike style. And as we pass each other I smile. And one woman asks me if I am Mamavee and I say yes. Well it's just my lucky day because I ran into Dorea and Angela from Car Free with Kids! It was a Boston Bike Blog fest on the path I tell you. We chatted a bit but Angela was correct when she noted that biking was much cooler that standing still and we each headed off.

I was getting hungry as I hadn't planned to be out for long. I was only going to pick up some veggies and perhaps some lunch and go back home for more cleaning. I kept riding in hopes of finding something to eat which was kind of stupid because there are no stores on the bike path along the river.

I came onto an inlet with a community garden, people kayaking, fishing and having picnics

And then I looked around me and saw that I was coming up upon Harvard Square and I began to crave a falafel so I went into Harvard Square, locked my bike and bought a falafel. There was a farmer's market going on so I browsed that one and then sat down to eat. I even bought some sale aveda products.

Perhaps not a typical picnic, but it was dining alfresco and with a basket so I think this counts!

I even struck up a conversation with a guy who liked my basket. We chatted about riding about town and life in Boston. He was pleasant and nice and not even trying to flirt with me. I bid my adieu and rode back home.

Cycler wrote about her experience on this path up in Boston and Community Boating. Down by my end we have Community Rowing. This picture doesn't do it justice but the building is really cool and the facade looks like water ripples. I wish I were remotely interested in rowing as I would love to bike here to row. Who knows maybe someday.

I had hoped to try out the path and see how it felt. I had no idea how easy it would be to get to Harvard square. To think I have taken the bus! Never again. I can't wait to go again. Next time without the basket which doesn't like long bumpy rides.

So, while I went off trying to get some produce I ended up doing two events for this part of the Summer Games.