I'm laughing now. Oh...life swings us up and down. Pat yourself on the back for your positive outlook.

I was GROANING as I read through making reservation changes. It's all so complicated and time consuming. Your change in plans was perfect! FLEXIBLE!

Since I was camping, this trip was relatively inexpensive. Campsites ran about $35/night, and the food I was carrying averaged probably $15/day or less. I ate lunches at coffee shops, spending $20 or less on each occasion. So, at about $70/day all in, I feel like I got good value for the money spent. No guilt at all.

I rode one short tour by myself - it was a great trip. The only downside was feeling somewhat guilty for spending all of that money on just myself, as Jacinto was working and couldn't go.

https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/ridesmarter/

I see that it's been five years since that trip! Where does time go?

I'm glad as always that you enjoyed it.

The more I do it, the more convinced I am that I'm basically a short tour kind of guy. A few days are enough to satisfy me, without having the experience pall and take on the characteristic of a test of will.

The thumbnail photo of Serenity (appears on the Journals page) was taken last fall on the two-day mini-mini-mini break-in tour, and is the only close-up shot so far. I think I also posted it in the short journal I produced, about that time.

[checks that journal]

Yep, third photo down on this page:

https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/maidenvoyage/outbound/

No camping gear aboard on that occasion, though. I note also that it's a pre-fenders shot, and that I didn't have the handlebar bag mounted.

It's also taken before I swapped the stock saddle for the new-to-me leather Brooks Professional, which I mounted earlier this year after spending the winter breaking it in an hour at a time on my spin bike. I can tell already that I'm going to really *really* like that saddle.

Sometimes I forget how enjoyable a short tour can be. Thank you for reminding me. Do you have an up close photo of Serenity, loaded? I'm glad she's working out well for you.

It seems that "white crab spider", "goldenrod crab spider", and "white flower spider" may all be names for the same critter. If not, then as you say the species seem to be very closely related.

Good tour! Thanks for posting!

I was pleasantly surprised that the camera's autofocus actually did the job here.

This was a really well-done web, and in a great condition. I wonder how long it's been up.

On further investigation... maybe a goldenrod crab... Even the "experts" seem slightly unsure!

https://bugguide.net/node/view/573228

Noticed I had MN in the search instead of PA, but still the same ultimate results... they all look about alike!

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/47866-Thomisidae/browse_photos?place_id=42

Crab spider is good enough!

Subtle differences in species differentiation are rather daunting, even for the experienced... That plus the fact that their coloration is incredibly variable.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/47866-Thomisidae/browse_photos?place_id=38

Nice! My orb weaver spiderweb shots are almost always out of focus.

"Flush" with possible intended meanings?