It's been a while, but my husband Allen and I finally went for a bike ride late Sunday afternoon on the Riverfront Trail.
After airing up the tires and attaching the bike rack to the car, we drove to the 29 Road trailhead. Thankfully, the temperature had cooled down and the wind slowed to a gentle breeze. At the trailhead, we donned our helmets and riding gloves with eager anticipation.
They say "it's just like riding a bike," but it took me a minute or two to remember how to shift gears. We aimed our bikes eastward toward Corn Lake, keeping one eye on the trail and the other on the serene landscape and the various critters along the way. There was a snake, a squirrel, bunny rabbits, an osprey, geese and ducks on the lakes, and a dazzling variety of birds -- ranging from a tiny hummingbird perched on a branch to a humongous blue heron soaring overhead. Those things are the pterodactyls of the 21st century -- utterly massive.
We arrived at Corn Lake, intending to circle the gravel path around the lake and then back to the trailhead, but our eyes caught sight of another large bird, silently circling the lake and gliding low. As we neared, we spoke in awestruck unison: "It's an eagle!"
We dismounted the bikes and walked the short distance to the edge of the lake, watching ... watching ... watching ... as it gracefully dove toward the water and, with its mighty talons, silently dipped into the surface, emerging gracefully with a fish. It flew toward a grove of trees to dine on its catch.
It's an understatement to say we are blessed to live where we can experience such wonders, but we often have to remind ourselves that we first have to step outside to truly experience them.
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Grand Valley Audubon Society will learn about the "The Biology of Greater Sandhill Cranes in Colorado" at its meeting on Monday, at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27½ Road.
The PowerPoint program will be presented by Van Graham, a retired Terrestrial Wildlife Biologist and 33-year employee of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. While with CPW, Graham spent many years working with the Colorado Sandhill Crane Population, primarily in the Steamboat and Hayden areas where the largest nesting population is currently found, a news release said.
The meeting opens with social time from 6:30-7 p.m., followed by a poetry presentation and the program from 7-8 p.m. Go to audubongv.org for information.
The May Vegan Potluck happens from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, at Meadowlark Gardens, 2259 Broadway.
All are welcome, including those who are new to plant-based or vegan eating. Take your favorite plant-based dish to serve at least eight -- no meat, eggs, dairy or honey. Bring a recipe card or list of ingredients and a serving utensil. Also bring your own utensils, reusable place setting and beverage.
There is no charge. Donations are appreciated to help cover facility fee. Email [email protected] for information.
The Western Colorado Shrine Club is will host a barbecue from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Grand Junction Masonic Center, 2400 Consistory Court.
"Bring your family and friends to enjoy delicious food, great company, and plenty of activities for all ages. Let's celebrate the start of summer together," says the calendar event at GJSentinel.com.
All are welcome to attend. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children. There will also be a raffle with prizes! Raffle tickets are $5 each.
Want to add your event to the Sentinel's online calendar? Go to GJSentinel.com/local-events to get started.
The VA Western Colorado Health Care System will host its 15th annual VA2K Walk and Roll event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, at the Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2121 North Ave.
"This event is designed to promote healthy activity among Veterans and staff while supporting our homeless Veterans through generous community donations," a news release said.
Attendees are encouraged to donate items such as water bottles, sunscreen, ball caps and brimmed hats. Donations can be coordinated with the VA's Community Development and Civic Engagement department by calling 970-244-1326.
"The VA2K Walk and Roll is open to the public, and participation does not require donations. The event will take place rain or shine, ensuring that our community can come together, regardless of the weather. In addition to the walk and roll, there will be outreach booths providing information about the various services the VA offers."
The 57th annual Kiwanis Pancake Day and Funfest will go from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2875 U.S. Highway 50.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast includes pancakes, coffee and juice plus live entertainment, games for kids and a silent auction. The GJ Jackalopes team mascot will be on hand and two GJ Jackalopes season tickets are included in the silent auction. Brown's Cycles will host a group bike ride from Main Street to the Fairgrounds.
Tickets cost $10 each or, a book of 10 tickets is $80. Ages younger than 12 are free. Purchase tickets at Mesa Benefits, 2232 N. Seventh St., Suite #14, online at Kiwanis-gj.org and at the door. Proceeds are donated to local nonprofit organizations that help children.
The application process for the Trutta Fund to Support Veterans is open through Oct. 31, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Funding decisions will be made in July and October. Eligible organizations must be a qualified 501©(3), public school, or tax-exempt public service agency based in and providing services within Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.
Managed by the Western Colorado Community Foundation, the Trutta Fund supports organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Preference will be given to building, equipment, and other capital needs, over general support requests. The Fund is named in honor of the USS Trutta SS 421, reflecting a commitment to giving back to those who have served.
Submit grant requests online at wc-cf.org/nonprofits/grantmaking.
Send community news and eagle/fish tales to [email protected] or 734 S. Seventh St., Grand Junction, CO, 81501. Online calendar items can be uploaded at GJSentinel.com/local-events.