Saturday, September 19, 2009

I got married and then I rode my bike

Well, I officially registered for Kona as Haley Cooper-Scott. I haven't yet gotten used to identifying myself as such, but there was that one gesture. Married life is . . . really not terribly different at this point. As for the wedding, it was brilliant. In terms of planning, all I had to do was tell Dudley, the events coordinator at Gozzer Ranch, how many tables I wanted and which fixings to include at the taco bar. This is what I ended up with.

The huckleberry lemonade vodka thingies served in the plastic cowboy boots were a hit.
Brianna took care of the flower arrangements, which basically involved finding Lily a bouquet that wasn't bigger than she.
The 5 minute ceremony looked something like this . . .
. . . . but the emphasis was on fun and games

The antics in the pool were legendary, including inflatable shark wrestling, but the only pictures I have from the day are from one of Aaron's cousins. The pool still looks so placid in this photo.
And that was that. I've been dreading my wedding since the first one I remember attending, and I actually had fun. We did it on our own terms and we were lucky enough to have perfect weather, a spectacular venue, and amazing friends and family to share the day with. When Rachael told me that she overheard a woman telling her friend that her kids had just had the best day of their lives, I knew that we had accomplished our mission. I only regret not being able to spend more time with everyone.

In the meantime, Coach Dan decided that my spare time in my post-Ironman/peri-wedding phase would be consumed with . . . virtually nothing. Nothingness makes me uncomfortable, and with another Ironman looming in 3 weeks (it's not an important one or anything), I just HAD to get on my bike and go exploring. We've been having amazing warm weather during the day and cool evenings - climatic perfection. I know that as of next Tuesday, my photos will be of black lava, palm trees, tropical flowers, and sandy beaches. Kona is indeed photogenic, but I'm from Spokane, and I needed a good dose of home before heading to the islands. It's the time of year when a hundred mile ride can be fueled entirely by feral apples and plums found along roadsides. The juicy sweetness of fresh fruit makes the prospect of an energy bar completely unappealing. The only consequences of fueling in this manner are mild gut aches and supreme gustatory satisfaction.


There are old barns everywhere in the Palouse. And probably all across America for that matter. I didn't want to stop riding to take pictures, but when photo opportunities conveniently coincided with fruit stops, I had to take advantage.



The town of Rosalia functions as a water stop.




Waverly is good-for-nothing in the amenities department, but descending into the town from the south is FUN.




The fields got prettier as the sun got lower (which happens entirely too early this time of year!), but just as things got really pretty, I had to put the camera away, forgo some of my favorite pear trees, and haul home. Darkness came all too soon, but it was a special day.


Thanks for visiting.

13 comments:

Spokane Al said...

A taco bar and huckleberry lemonade vodka thingies - now that sounds like the fixings to a great, memorable wedding.

Congratulations Haley!

Lisa said...

Congrats Haley!
Best of luck in Kona!!
Lisa

Phaedra Cote said...

I've got plenty of wedding photos and they happen to be pretty entertaining.

I really enjoyed your tour of Spokane. Great photos! I felt like I was there while reading and felt a tinge of disappointment when you talked about the sun setting and having to dash home.

You better take lots of pics in Kona because I'm already depressed enough that I'm not joining you for another adventure. But you've proven you do just fine without your two good luck charms.

Love,
P.

Sue said...

Am sure it was the perfect wedding on a beautiful day and place. So was your hair in a pony:)I luv the dress.. And so what will your race # say? See you in Kona..

Matt said...

Congrats on your marriage! I agree its weird after but the same.. I am a husband, sounds dirty..jk

Looks like you had a good ride in the Palouse! Keep up the hard work and good luck in Kona!!!!

Shelbyyy@gmail.com said...

...and a good time was had by all :)

Charisa said...

BEAUTIFUL - your wedding and where you live! I love it! Congrats!

Dee said...

Congrats Haley!!! Sounded like perfect wedding...love the pictures... :-) GOOD LUCK in Kona if I dont talk to you before then!!!!!! I'll be cheering for you!

Unknown said...

It was beautiful and fun. Was there a wedding too?

BreeWee said...

That wedding is perfect! In all ways. CONGRATS on your amazing day, and of course for being the Mango Man champion :)
SO happy to see you today, see you when you get back and I hope and pray all is okay back home.
Hugs, Bree

Anonymous said...
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TriMoot said...

Wow! Congrats on the wedding and wow, GREAT pictures!

LachlanMcLellan said...

Hey coops, wow congrats on the wedding looks like it was an amazing day ana ya look beautiful! :) great stuff!! just saw ya results for iron man well done on that as well :)

Lachie