Skeptical Tolerance on a Cloudy Day

Been sleeping poorly lately, so I was pretty wiped when I awoke yesterday at 6:30, for what was supposed to be a fun road ride through some pretty good local hills. Decided to try my planned route of about 38 miles and 2200 feet anyway, because I'm contemplating a very hilly metric century with friends on Memorial Day, and I'm not sure I'm going to be up to it. (Insert rambling, neurotic, self-doubting paragraphs here.)

By taking it very slowly, I was able to enjoy myself and feel somewhat fresh for the first 25 or 30 miles. One of my secrets was to stop and photograph anything that caught my eye. Here are some shots from Hadley and Leverett:

Don't know why they cover these fields, but it makes a unique view.

Expand to see tractor tractoring through exact center of frame.

Parked in front of the Leverett Co-op for a pee break. Their bulletin board is a magnet for local crunchy-granolas.

For Rent: One gently-used robin's egg. Outside Shutesbury post office -- highest point of ride.

Sadly, one shot did not make it: A terrific banner tacked to quirky Leverett's tiny Historical Society building, reading, "Skeptical Tolerance Since at least 1810." I think this captures what I love about the Pioneer Valley: Nutty, but interesting.

I started melting down after the miles-long climb from the Connecticut River up to Shutesbury. Crankiness, tiredness -- you know the drill. It was the longest twelve miles I've done in a while. I must needs get me some rest.