From a meteorological point of view, both yesterday and today have been good days to go for a drive around the perimeter of Grand Island (where I live) smoking a cigar, and listening to loud music. Grand Island is about 26 miles around, and most of that shoreline is adjacent to roadway of the twisty and turny variety. Not radically twisty and turny, mind you, but something nice to do when you have the urge to hurt your eardrums while burning rolled-up tobacco in your mouth.
You drive through 2 very small sections of State Park (Buckhorn, Beaver), and depending on the time of year, it is necessary to watch for geese, ducks and deer hogging the road. It's not Nature's Wonderland, but it is pleasant. On the West side of the island, it's a straight shot down a long parkway with Canada close enough to throw a stick at. Well, you'd miss, but it certainly looks like you could throw a stick at it. There are a few overlooks to stop and have a gander at. Well, I suppose, have a goose and a gander at. Depending upon whom you're with. It is a very peaceful river at this point, although if boating, once past little Navy Island you are up the creek in more ways than one, Niagara Falls being just a few thousand yards away downstream. Often, on a clear, sunny day, there is a cloud of mist forming over the Falls. It looks as if some cumulus has decided to come down and wish you good day.
Usually, I light a cigar at one end of the island, drive all the way around; turn, and go the other direction. With the road, I mean, not the cigar. It's not a great drive, but it is a pleasant way to use 2 gallons of gasoline. I went 3/4 around yesterday, and if I can get out of the house without resentment on the part of my spouse, may do the twice-round thing today. Cigar smokers have to take advantage of all the nice weather they can.
Addendum: Just got back from a once-around, counter-clockwise, with a Torano Exodus 1959 Silver hanging out of my mouth, and Neil Young on the radio. Coming out of Beaver Island State Park, I saw a huge doe, trying to decide if she really wanted to get across the parkway. After seeing me, she decided against it. I said to her, "Hey, I was just telling people about you!" She ignored me, as do all the females in my life. Too cold for geese & ducks.
Took a slow ride on the East side, which would remind you of Cananadaigua Lake, with all the little houses and private piers. Wanted to see an $850,000 house my brother-in-law just listed. And I thought I knew how to live!
