Weekly Photo Challenge: Summer Lovin’

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Summer Lovin' 1

When I was a kid three activities ruled my summers:  Root Beer popsicles, great books, and riding my bike as fast as possible.  I’m a little afraid to try Root Beer popcicles today for fear they won’t live up to my memories but I always have a book to read and after a long hiatus I can proudly say I haven’t forgotten how to ride a bike.

Lopez is the most bike-friendly island in the San Juan’s and even though I don’t have a bike of my own my sister-in-law arranged for a loaner so I wouldn’t be left out of the fun of a big family ride along the beach.  We filled our backpacks with snacks and followed the twisty island roads for an early evening adventure.   The kids explored the beach skipping rocks and climbing logs while the adults relaxed in the sun until it was time to pedal our way back to the BBQ and dinner.

Summer Lovin' 2

With a view like this I didn’t want the ride to end. 🙂

Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge:  Summer Lovin’.

48 responses to “Weekly Photo Challenge: Summer Lovin’”

  1. Eric Tonningsen Avatar

    My grandfather, who lived in Las Vegas NV, used to make the most awesome root beer ice cream floats when we visited in the summertime. Thanks for prompting the good memory.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      You’re welcome, Eric. 🙂 A root beer float sounds great right about now…

      Like

  2. Mountainstroh (Tony) Avatar

    You KNOW I can relate to that! Just came back from. A 31 miler along the samamish river. Loved it! And for me it was cream cicles for the summer. Had one on thE first Seattle to Portland ride and it was heaven. Haven’t had one since fearin it won’t live up tone last one.

    Great post! And love the bike pictures

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      I thought you’d like this one, Tony. 🙂 Today was a perfect day for a riverside ride and yep, creamsicles were another favorite of ours.

      Like

  3. M-R Avatar

    Totally evocative of summer, those images, Lisa – totally ! I grew up living on a very big bay of a river, and we all had bikes … Lovely shots.

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, M-R. 🙂 A river bay sounds like the perfect place for kids to be free on their bikes.

      Like

  4. Heyjude Avatar

    Summer = BBQ
    Now that brings back summer memories.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Yes! We’re bbq-ing again tonight. 🙂

      Like

      1. Heyjude Avatar

        Oh, I wish I had outside space to do that.

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  5. Amy Avatar

    Fun and relaxing summertime in NW! 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      It sure is, Amy!

      Like

  6. lensandpensbysally Avatar

    Wonderful memories of your childhood that I’m sure inspires you to build similar ones with your children.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Yes they do, Sally. It’s so great to watch Ryan be perfectly content with nothing more than his bike, a stick and a beach. Popsicles are just icing on the cake. 🙂

      Like

  7. sustainabilitea Avatar

    Sounds like a great way to spend a day…and nice, flat riding! 🙂

    janet

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Yes it was, Janet. 😉

      Like

  8. seeker Avatar

    It’s so open and flat. I wouldn’t blame for not ending the ride. Did you cycle the whole island?

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      The kids weren’t up for that long of a ride but strong riders certainly can cover the whole island in one day.

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  9. andy1076 Avatar

    Beautiful view! Ah.. 🙂

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, Andy. 🙂 Lopez is a beautiful Island and full of great views.

      Like

  10. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar

    How lovely! I’m working on my own post for this challenge and never considered what was once my favorite activities; reading and bike riding. Thanks for the memories. Great post!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks so much, Dawn! I’m looking forward to reading about your Summer Lovin’ moments. 🙂

      Like

  11. Tina Schell Avatar

    I’m with Tony – it was creamssicles and bike rides for me! Great memories in this one!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      What fun, Tina! Believe it or not my husband just came home with a box of creamsicles for dessert tonight. 🙂

      Like

  12. D'Arcy H Avatar

    What a perfect image of NW summer! I need to get my bike out …

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      This should be a fantastic week for some bike riding, D’Arcy. 🙂

      Like

  13. sukiesoriginal Avatar

    In all the US TV and movies I’ve seen, I’ve never heard of creamsicles, but I am now consumed with curiosity! A friend just brought me back two bars of Theo’s chocolate. I haven’t even cracked them open yet…

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      You’ll love the Theo’s chocolate! Creamcicles are an orange flavored ice cream bar on a stick with a vanilla cream center. Fruity and delicious. :). If you make it back here to the US again they will be waiting in the grocery stores. 🙂

      Like

      1. sukiesoriginal Avatar

        Thanks! We had a few different Theo’s bars on our last visit, and I told Deb she had to try them too – so of course she brought some back as well – dark choc with Chili, and Fig, Fennel and Almond dark choc (which we had for ‘lunch’ at he Seattle sculpture park, along with a packet of Pop chips – nearly 3 whole years now, and a memorable meal!)

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  14. sunsetdragon Avatar
    sunsetdragon

    What an absolutely beautiful place for a bike ride or even just a walk.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, Ruth it was a great place for vacation.

      Like

  15. joshi daniel Avatar

    looks a nice and calm place 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      You’re right, Joshi. It was. 🙂

      Like

  16. Mabel Kwong Avatar

    Absolutely stunning view there, Lisa. I could sit for hours there just looking at it. Doesn’t look like it’s too windy too. Root Beer popsicles. I never had that but I loved drinking Root Beer when I was a kid. I think when summer rolls around in Melbourne I will make my own 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      I hope you try them when the weather heats up, Mabel. 🙂 I was surprised that evening by the calm air as we usually have a lot of wind off the water but every once in a while we can enjoy the view without hair in our faces. 🙂

      Like

  17. islandrain2013 Avatar

    I love this! It brought back so many summer memories when I was a kid. Thanks for that gift. Being in Austria, doesn’t leave much room for a good popsicle…not to mention a root beer float or anything of that nature…but italian ice cream from organic milk products is a wonderful substitute . 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Oh, Italian ice cream sounds fantastic! It’s great that we can share a moment of fun summer memories even though we live in different parts of the world. 🙂

      Like

  18. themofman Avatar

    I used to make root beer popsicle too but not from scratch. I’d simply freeze Hires Root Beer onto a posicle stick. Good stuff!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Frozen Hires Root Beer sounds great to me, Allan! I’ve had homemade root beer before and have to admit I prefer the commercial grade, store bought stuff… 🙂

      Like

  19. NancyTex Avatar

    Lisa, it sounds like your vacation was fantastic! Thanks for sharing these glimpses with us!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      It was a vacation to remember, Nancy. 🙂 I’m glad you like the views I’ve shown so far because there are plenty more photos to share!

      Like

  20. bebs1 Avatar

    What a view. I wouldn’t want to end the ride too, esp. if the weather cooperates. Have a wonderful weekend Lisa!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks so much, Bebs. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

      Like

  21. catbirdinamerica Avatar

    Great summer memories. I don’t know that I’ve had root beer popsicles, but I definitely used to ride my bike everywhere, barefooted at that. And I spent long hours absorbed in a good book. Oh those summer days as a kid! I’ve head the San Juan Islands are wonderful!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      I felt like we got a small taste of those fun summer days with this trip, just enough to bring back all sorts of memories. 🙂 If you ever make it up to Western Washington the San Juan’s are beautiful and I think you’d have a wonderful visit!

      Like

      1. catbirdinamerica Avatar

        I bet the whole trip was lovely, especially savoring those memories. We thought about coming up that way next week, but because I wasn’t sure I’d have my passport to get into Canada (I had to drop it at the Chinese embassy for a work visa), we changed our plans at the last minute to Puerto Rico. Maybe next year!

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      2. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

        Puerto Rico sounds great too! Enjoy your trip. 🙂

        Like

      3. catbirdinamerica Avatar

        Thanks so much!

        Like

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