Well . . .it wasn't the best getaway we've ever attempted, but it was nice to hit the road for a quick trip down to Newport, R.I. We packed the bikes and planned to hit a couple of paths during our stay, but the weather didn't cooperate. So instead, we hoofed it around town.

We arrived at Pam's condo around 3pm. Pablo was having his hair brushed, and was indeed happy to see his buddy, Bennie. Pam had made plans for a sunset surf, so after a while, we all headed down to the beach. Once there, Pam braved the chilly waters with her board and wet suit, while Lisa and I traded duties walking and watching the dogs. The setting sun provided some warm light tones, so I happily snapped away on my camera.

On Tuesday, Bennie accompanied us as we headed for Thames Street and the area around the Newport Yacht Club. Lunch was a nice surprise as a local eatery was celebrating Octoberfest with genuine German Dunkel beer and authentic Jagerschnitzel. It was nice enough for a ride that day, but we were so tired from cleaning, packing and driving on Monday, that we decided against the bikes, instead opting for a long afternoon nap.

Wednesday dawned cloudy, raw, and windy. The sun never made an appearance, and the threat of a day long rain again forced us to leave the bikes in the back yard. In the afternoon, we headed downtown for chowder and Bloody Marys at the famous Black Pearl. According to Lisa and Pam, the place hasn't changed one iota in 25 years. To walk off the booze we took a stroll - to the other side of town. The area near the Tennis Hall of Fame had a cool little housewares shop that Lisa wanted to check out, but alas, it was closed.

A stream of sunshine through the window woke us on Thursday morning, but the 30 degree temperature put the kabosh on any plans for a quick ride before heading north. We instead cleaned up the condo, bid farewell to Pam and Pablo, and headed north.