One of the high points of our vacation did not actually involve baby Pearl at all. With the grandparents at the babysitting helm, we borrowed their car and had a little adventure. We rented mountain bikes and "did" the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, Virginia. The rental fee includes a ride to the top of the mountain.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours on the trail and saw maybe a dozen other humans the entire time. Often the trails are filled with cyclists, but our timing of midweek, after school had started, but before fall foliage had ripened insured us a regular-old Walden experience. The ride was easy and the scenery, splendid. 
Because the "rails to trails" bikeways are built on abandoned railroad tracks, the path is wide and the incline is never too steep. The Creeper trail has 30 bridges and very few places where you're required to come to a stop. In designing the trail, they have kept the tiny train depots and actually restored them. Park rangers are stationed in them. This kind of thoughtful planning really adds to the experience.
Living in Houston, Texas, I find that sometimes I actually forget about natural beauty. 
And despite our temperate climate, we have very limited infrastructure to make cycling a viable transportation option. Despite the obstacles (read: the traffic) some people make biking work for them. My friend Doug and Pearl's pediatrician, Dr. Alex, both ride to work every day. When we got home, I looked up the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and plan to follow the movement and support it locally. If I eventually start riding my bike to and from my office, you will be the first to know.
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