On the return trip the moon was huge over the horizon and somewhat copper in color. Tons of people out and about doing whatever. . .convertible tops down. . .ice cream places with full parking lots. A general sense of elation. People eating outside at local restaurants and cafes. I had to remind myself I wasn't riding in Europe.
The no-see-ums are out now in generous quantity as well. Going past waterways and marshlands I could here the tinkle tinkle on my helmet as they bounced off. Every once in a while one would sneak in through my vents and start climbing on the inside of my face shield. . .or try working it's way into the hinterland of my liner. Nothing like trying to scratch a granule sized bug out of your ear or nose with a glove on when you're riding.
Riding along I went through a gauntlet of smells from rural pastures, to burger joints, to fresh seasonal flowers, to Italian fine dining, to ugly urban spent fossil fuel emissions, to baked seafood, then fried seafood, then low tide, burning brakes, cigarettes (a real bring down), and more. . ..
Ah. . .t'is the season. . .ahhh yup. . .ah oh hey waitaminit. Watch the perimeter. . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg-yaCC6HIo
