I wish I could do everything I need/ want to do between the hours of 4:30 and 10 AM. After that, it’s all so much more difficult. Wanted to get in some other activities this morning so limited my velo to another direct Meadowbrook trip. Put some good pedaling effort on Blue, the mountain bike. Funny how going faster didn’t make the trip to Meadowbrook seem shorter; I think it may be one of those Einsteinian time-space things. Or not.
Still it smells like linden! So many fragrant days. When it’s done, I’ll miss it. There will still be fragrant flowers, but none so profligate (generous!) with their gift of scent.
At any rate, sped directly to the Windsor bridge to check for beavers. Didn’t see anything right away but heard movement in the vegetation and then splashing: first it was the larger one swimming toward the dam, then the smaller one going in the opposite direction, toward Windsor Road. Watching them swim was like being at the seal exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo. Also made me feel a little jealous, and glad the pool where I normally swim will be open again next week. Could tell the light was not good for photos so didn’t even try. 
From the south edge of the park, the sunrise–not one with a viewable orange disc but the aggressive, immediately blazing type–was as clear as it seemed it could be. The irises were done blooming. I miss them but must say that thinking of what’s coming next makes it easier to take. Felt kind of proud to have witnessed and marked the entire period of its bloom for the year. Without the showy iris, was reminded that this is where the cardinal flowers will be later in the summer. Well, I have to not overdo the anticipation–just a little farther down there is plenty to get excited about right now!
Penstemon flowers are getting less numerous, spiderwort keep coming, like they’ll never stop. They are endlessly photogenic, though some days, like today, I just can’t seem to get them in focus–maybe it’s that the light is not quite right.
Rattlesnake master (Eryingium yuccifolium), with spherical flower heads on their spine-edged, sword-shaped, light green foliage is becoming prominent. What a strange, cool name for a plant. Makes me want to pronounce it, with some force, “Rattlesnake master!”
Weirdly cool, as well, and talk about photogenic, is the lead plant. Can’t resist yet another shot, even though I got a bunch yesterday. Here are two.
Also hard to resist any decent shot of those handsome red-winged blackbirds. Heard one (same as yesterday’s?) saying “Mom” again this morning.
Tomorrow, a longer trip.
Velo du Jour 