Hi Everyone,

  Randal gave himself some time off today and we went for a bike ride out of Subic and over the hill to Barrio Baretto for lunch and a visit to the deli for “take home.”  I was a bit worried since the hills in the heat here have been really difficult for me.  I just told myself to go slow, more slowly than even I needed.  That seemed to work and in no time we were out of Subic Bay/Freeport, over the hill past the Olongapo Cemetery, and into Barrio Baretto.  We were actually too early for our lunch at Dryden so we kept riding along the main rode; the only road really.  We had ridden it months ago on a Sunday morning.   Way more traffic today so we decided to turn off down a side road that was paved and looked as if it would go for several miles.  It turned out to be more hills than flat road, but it was such a change from the busy main road that we kept riding for a bit until it seemed as logical to turn around and ride back to the main road and Dryden.  After all, our goal was to get to Dryden, and though we had no clue where this side road would take us, we knew it wouldn’t take us to Dryden.  I did take a few photos; I was working too hard to stop and take more.  Plus it was hot! 

  We passed several small farms and many rough shanty type houses.  There were several cultivated fields in the flat land between the mountain areas.  Many people called out cheery hellos!  I wish we could have kept going, but I know I was too hot and starting to run out of pedaling fuel. 

  This is the main road.  You can see all of the traffic.  We had ridden past these wonderful small vendors (yes there is some kind of vehicle under all of those wonderful locally made treasures.) On the way back they were stopped on the side of the road so I could take this photo.  

So that was our day today.  Randal and I are still getting over the sad ending to the wonderful New England Patriot’s story.  I have introduced Randal to the agonies of Boston sports fandom.  Randal had to watch me follow the Red Sox during baseball season.  Then, like most of America, he followed the Pats’ wins, week after week.  I followed them because my friend Bruce loves the Pats the way I love the Red Sox.  I wanted the Pats to win for Bruce and his friends more than for me.  Sorry Boo.