Low humidity, temperature in the upper 60’s, no wind…how could I keep from cycling this morning? Conditions were perfect so before 7am I was riding the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. 

When I was 16 I began working summers in Gulf State Park and grew to love it. But my relationship with the park began when I was a child swimming in the dark, tannic waters of Lake Shelby and hearing stories about the Cat Man from my mother, who was born in Gulf Shores…before there were houses or condos cluttering the beach. Each time I visit the park I appreciate the special place it has held in my heart for over half a century (yes…I’m THAT old!).

This morning’s ride was especially nice. As my bike tires whirred over paved trails winding through live oak forests, alligator habitat and stately pine trees, my mind relaxed into the present moment. Birds flitted along the marshy areas and osprey called overhead. A little garter snake sunned dangerously on the trail, in harm’s way should a cyclist not see her.

The nice temperature and low humidity lured me and the hour and thirty-seven minutes I spent pedaling those 19 miles was an amazing start to the day. But I know this little blip in the summer weather is destined to evaporate like a rain puddle on asphalt. While I know this delicious weather won’t return for days or even months, it was a most excellent seasonal tease.