Covid kept me away. A few years went by without a visit to Frances’ cottege. Finally the time came. Time was split between necessary repairs (thank you very much Patrick Mcginnis for all your hard work) on the cottage, fun, music and visits with great friends as well as a 250 mile bicycle trip , along the Royal and Grand canals. When you step away from your home for such a long time there are, for sure, lots of clean up projects. The 200 year old slate roof looks like it is in its final days and desperately in need of a rebuild.... hopefully next year. There is great appreciation of the neighbors and friends that look after the home when I am not present . Thank you. Very much … [Read more...] about Back to Frances Cottage, Ireland
About Me
21/22 Ski Snowboard Season
For some years have been wanting to improve my Telemark ski skills. After a few runs I hop back on the board. Its easier for me, the boots are more comfortable and the equipment much lighter to carry to the slopes. I never seem to move forward with my freeheel turns. This was, luckily, my year for Tele. I pushed pass those initial days of frustration and burning legs. I stayed on gentle terrain. Moved on to a good level of confidence. Thrilled with those improved turns and greater confidence level Yeah at 68 and well beyond we can break through some fears. It happened with persaverance Who knows maybe I will be confident on black diamond trails next year, Sure do love Tele … [Read more...] about 21/22 Ski Snowboard Season
46 Years ago today
I was cleaning a pile of tents and stoves that were just returned from a previous bicycle journey. I loved my low paying hard working job at American Youth Hostels 132 Spring Street NYC. My first encounter with American Youth hostels was when I bought a pass which would allow me entry into Youth Hostel accommodations around the world. I had already done a few clueless cycle trips to Europe. There were no bike touring books or videos back then. On my first European tour in 1971 my equipment included a backpack and plastic tube tent. I knew nothing about panniers. A few solo bike tours later I met two guys along the Coast of Yugoslavia that suggested we meet somewhere to write a bike … [Read more...] about 46 Years ago today
About That Photo
About That Photo Kevin Parsons’s photo entitled Rough Rider appeared in the May 2021 issue of Adventure Cycling. Subject matter was me, Rosie Kelly cycling snail’s pace in frigid weather. I remember that day and those days leading up to it quite well. Prior to the trip we were already deep into Covid times and it had affected many of our lives including travel. I became somewhat sedintery yet longing to visit my sons. Kevin contacted me with the plan of us cycling the Western Express Adventure Cycling route from Colorado to California and did I wanna do it with him? Our previous ride together was two years earlier cycling the Trans America route of 4,200 miles from Virgina to … [Read more...] about About That Photo
Day In The Life Of This Ski/Snowboard Nomad
20 /21 Ski Season
Nearing the end of the 20/21 Ski season I loaded up the Suburu for a month long ski and snowboard adventure. I followed the Covid requirements for Vermont and dashed out the door May 1 just in time to add the Spring Indie pass to my Epic and Belleayre season pass collection. Visited 16 ski resorts of all different variety of terrain and trail conditions, the highlights being snowboarding Jay Peak and Burke Mountain with my son Mike. Doing it on the cheap can be a challenge but rewarding. Sleeping in the car even during frigid temps, and cooking most of my own meals makes the journey not much more costly than life at home. It’s great to be able to turn the snowboard at 67. Somehow I … [Read more...] about 20 /21 Ski Season
Retired From Bike Touring???
I had decided that I was done with bike touring... Carrying everything on the bike, not knowing where I would sleep, what I would eat, what if I had a breakdown, would people be kind and helpful,,,, especially during Covid. I thought I was done with it. And then I heard from Kevin.... the man I rode across America with some two years ago. With his encouragement and thought of seeing my son David in California I had decided on another bike touring journey. And so we cycled across Colorado and Utah with fuller than full packs. I carried a winter sleeping bag in addition to my normal camping gear . I was loaded down with extra food due to some long distances without services. My … [Read more...] about Retired From Bike Touring???
Livin Life
Long time gone by I promise a post soon … [Read more...] about Livin Life
My Camino
I stood in line at the pilgrim office in Santiago to receive my credential. I was not alone. My dear mother Frances was with me. She died some 20 years ago, way too soon. I recall her speaking about this pilgrimage in the seventies, I wish I had then said “mom lets do it together” Waiting in line I felt her next to me. I saw her beautiful smile. I cried. After I received my credential I attended pilgrim mass, while tears flowed the duration. Frances was the first to tell me about this 800 km pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago. I dedicate my efforts to her. Last day of September I passed through the city gate of St Jean de Port. I imagined leaving all my negative baggage behind … [Read more...] about My Camino
Camino Stroll Begins
Day 1 September 30, 2019 Saint Jean de la Porte to Orrison 8 km The stroll begins. I have to think of it as a stroll. It’s too overwhelming to think about walking 800:km. (500 miles) along the Camino de Santiago. It is dark outside and everyone is rearranging things in their packs. No one dares turn the lights on despite everyone being awake. With a great hesitancy I get up, wash up and head downstairs to a nice breakfast and real coffee. I am still in the doubting stage of this adventure. The hostel owner Andrew shares his take on this journey. “How can it really be considered a pilgrimage with hostels and hotels along the way. Beer, wine and sandwiches every few kilometers. It is … [Read more...] about Camino Stroll Begins