Journeys in Saline County, part 1

Monday, May 26, 2008

Eric Crump/Democrat-News

I like to go on bike rides around the area whenever time permits and the weather cooperates. On May 17 and 24 I took my camera along to capture some bicycle-eye views of Saline County scenery on my way from Marshall to Blackwater. Highlights: 1) chased by two dogs, 2) saw smoke from a field fire, 3) startled a vulture who in turn startled me, but I managed to avoid falling off my bike and keep the shutter clicking to captured his take-off. Later this week I'll post photos (with all-new adventures) of part 2, the trip on May 24.

May 17 really wasn't a very hot day, but perhaps this cow is practicing for steamy days ahead. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
Dogs often liven up a bike ride in the country. Most of them aren't bent on violence but only want to earn their dog chow, showing their owners that they can repell dangerous invaders, including those on two wheels armed with a bottle of Gatorade. This fellow was content to give up the chase as soon as it became evident that I was passing by as quickly as may be. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
I didn't make notes as I went, but I think this little bridge is on County Road 215 south of 208. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
I know. They are just weeds. But sometimes weeds can look kind of cool, too. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
An idyllic little spot behind the Memorial Presbyterian Church cemetery includes this fallen tree and what looks like it might be an outhouse or a storage shed. I didn't poke my head in to see which. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
I think this is a bridge on County Road 214 over Salt Fork Creek. Something there is about weigh limit signs that invites target practice. I'm not sure I've ever seen one that wasn't decorated with bullet holes. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
Just about to Napton, I startled this vulture, who decided to get out of my way -- which was fine by me. My bike is designed to ride over grass, gravel and mud, but I'm pretty sure the designers didn't test it for treading on vultures. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
Mr. Vulture roosted on the old barn just after this photo was taken, waiting for the annoying cyclist to move along -- which I did. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)
The roadways along the route to Blackwater are generally well-tended, but occasionally you do find spots where somebody has used a ditch as their garbage dump. This stuff looked like it might have blown out of a truck, perhaps, but there are also places where the trash looks more like it was intentionally applied to the otherwise lovely landscape. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)