Q: Missing you could turn from pain to pleasure, if I knew you were missing me too.

I needed to get away from civilization and JamesK. was the answer to that frustration. Beruang (yes, that’s what we call him) is a super duper Malaysian senior here in Kzoo. This bubbly Indian got me heading into the woods for some mountain biking. I missed nature (all those camping days) and jumped at the opportunity. Timing was great too, a Sunday evening at Gulf. Why not take the time off to reconcile with nature? What can I say, it’s been a tad bit too long since I’ve worked these kitties and they whine every time I push them hard over the slopes. A word of advice and reminder for mua: Do stretching before embarking on rigorous activities involving your body. You do not build stamina over one hour.

Yet another super senior, SudeshW. was with us too. He was thoughtful enough to have brought a water bottle for me (claiming that if I use mine, it would be dirty by the end of the ride). Now, I didn’t have my very own bike and here, JamesK. came geared with every biking supplies you need. Quickly Beruang propped me into the snazziest looking combination of mountain biking accessories. A green helmet, cool shades, and the bike itself! After coating myself with a good layer of bug spray, we were off!

Truth to be told, the ride was awesome. No joke, it was taxing but fun, cos with every turn, you see different sceneries. Takes you out from the city and other related tasks at hand. Only disappointment was that we couldn’t see any wildlife. *sigh* Perhaps next time, when I hit around Eagles Lake. Beruang stayed with me while we sat by the lake watching the sunset for a break. He started talking about his late wife, how he would pick wild flowers for her or go kayaking with her to the big ass tree with an eagles nest in it. For the first time in a while, I teared up in front of another person; I couldn’t help it since he looked forlorn as he spoke so lovingly about her. Somehow you ended up wishing someday you will have the experience to love a significant other as deeply as he did. I made him promise not to talk about our lil secret. Haha! By the end of the six mile trail, I got out with several mosquito bites and some scratches on the mud covered leg.

Sudesh? He finished a good 40 minutes earlier than we did, so he extended his trail for another 2 miles. Let’s just say everyone pancited by the end of the day. And I, had a good night’s sleep and sore body the next morning.

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

Missing you,
Vonnie S.