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cycling, hiking and beer

We had a repeat of last week’s cycle again this past Saturday except that Brendan came along this time. He is still getting over his sickness, but I think the cycle was much needed fresh air and exercise. Despite the forecast, we had a mostly beautiful morning for the ride. We did end up getting a little wet towards the end, but not nearly the deluge that was predicted. Beautiful ride again. I spent a little less time thinking about how much pain my legs were in and a little more time thinking about which of the amazing houses with the amazing windows and porches overlooking the valley we should buy. Part of the ride is along Ridge Rd, which very much reminds me of Skyline Blvd in the Bay area, except that it is easier to get to (only a 20-minute climb on a bike at a much shallower grade). One of the houses up there has a big, gaudy sign out front that says “dotcom mansion,” which always makes me giggle.

After the cycle, there was some lounging and some eating and then there was beer brewing! We finally did it – we procured the equipment and the materials and actually had a go at brewing beer. The result is currently sitting in our apartment fermenting away. I am not super excited about this first batch of beer other than the fact that I am anxious to see if we did it right. We made the beer that came with our starter kit, which was a Lion Draught. We figured what better batch to mess up than the free one. As the beer is fermenting though, I am starting to realize just how much beer 23 Litres of beer is. 23 Litres! Of Draught! That’s a lot of draught. Anyone who wants to visit in, oh say 6 weeks, better bring their drinking shoes.

Sunday was another hike, this time in the Hanua Ranges, or close to. Beautiful weather, a few nice vistas - I can’t complain. You can also mountain bike on the trails we were hiking on. All I can say about that is: no way! There were only a few sections that looked even the least bit fun. The rest of the time would be spent sliding on the ridiculously slick clay. Going up, don’t even think about stopping because you will not get re-started. Going down, don’t even think about stopping because you won’t be able to!

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