A Change in Bronco's~

 My history with Ford vehicles & the Bronco in particular, is a long one, going back over 25-years.  We bought our first full size Bronco in December of 1999.  I'd driven Mustang's for years, before we moved to the Homestead.  When we brought horses' home, I needed something to pull a horse trailer.  It was a sad day when we traded my 1986 Mustang GT 5.0 for a Jeep Pioneer. It wasn't long before the transmission in the Jeep went out & we realized I needed a more powerful truck.  

Our choice was a black 1995 Ford Bronco.  It pulled the horse trailer easily.  I could park & maneuver it in almost any situation.  April 2000, I drove over the pass to attend Home on the Range, the first endurance ride of the 2000 season.

Home on the Range, Endurance Ride 4-1-2000~

The Bronco took me to rides when Butch had to work.  I camped in the back of the horse trailer.  Sometimes he'd arrive later with the RV.  (That year, Jas & I received our first 250-mile completion pin.)

April of 2006, I was t-boned in an intersection by a woman driving a huge old station wagon with a V shaped front bumper.  It hit right in the middle of the Bronco.  No one was hurt, I hardly felt the impact & thought the Bronco would be fixed.  Butch picked me up & the Bronco was towed away.  The following day, we received the news that it had been totaled.  The frame had been bent.  By that time, finding a full-size Bronco in decent condition was almost impossible.  

Butch searched everywhere.  April 30th, he found one south of Seattle that had come from the Portland, OR area.  It was in great condition.  I don't remember the mileage it had then, but it too, had the 5.8 L engine. We added a hitch & I was again on the road!

Our second Bronco, 5-23-2022

This is the Bronco we hauled on a trailer behind the U-Haul, when we made our move from WA to IA.  It continued to pull the horse trailer for the next two-years, until we moved Farah back to WA in September of 2018.  From 2016 until late 2018 we covered over 4,000 a year.

8-2-2024 - Goodby Bronco~

August of this year, after having been on market for over two-years, the Bronco was purchased by a mechanic from the Creston School Bus Barn. He had his dad & grandfather along with him.  The three of them were thrilled to find a Classic Bronco in such great condition.  I loved it that they appreciated the Bronco.

7-7-2019 - The 2012 Explorer & 1995 Bronco~

We'd purchased the Explorer in June of 2019. From that time on, the Bronco just sat.  We took it out for a ride now & then.  I counted on it in snowy weather, but it no longer had a job to do.  I never did really adjust to the Explorer.  It just didn't feel right for me.  It was perfect for long trips though, smooth, comfortable & with plenty of room.  It was also great if the kids came to visit, we could all fit with the third-row seating.  Twice a year though, when we took it in to switch out the summer tires to winter, I complained to Butch.  Listing the same complaints, I'd had since we'd bought it.

We'd taken it into Barrett for the seasonal tire change the day after Thanksgiving.  November 30th, we drove up to Council Bluffs for a late breakfast. It was a cold, gray, blustery day.  The next thing I knew, we were pulling into Edwards Nissan!  I asked Butch; "What are you doing?!"  His reply: "The salesman waved at me." That left me speechless.  I explained to him there was no way I was walking around in a Nissan sales lot in the cold.  

Just to be nice, I got out of the truck & followed him along the first isle.  We both stopped at the same instant & just looked at each other.  There it was - the exact vehicle we would have picked - out of who knows how many... 

2023 Bronco Sport, Big Bend~

Butch told me to get in & drive it.  Well, that was all it took.  I loved everything about it.  It felt familiar, if smaller than my full size.  Quick, nimble & so easy for me to see out of & park!  It had the heated seats I've been wanting since we moved to IA!  With under 8,000 original miles & additional convenience packages from the factory, the salesman didn't have to sell us.  Butch spent his last day of home time going over it from top to bottom.  We've installed several accessories & I've been driving it almost every day.  I'm very happy to be back in a Bronco!

Thanksgiving ~

Happy Thanksgiving!  We woke to a stunning morning on the Home Place~

Mid-morning~

Butch arrived home Monday afternoon.  Tuesday, he had appointments at the VA & in Tabor for an overdue haircut.    

Our traditional favorites, Southern Chess & Pumpkin~

Wednesday, we took the Explorer in for scheduled maintenance & to have the winter tires put on.  When we returned home, I baked pies & made some of our favorite side dishes ahead of time.

Our morning~

We decided to cheat this morning & have a piece of pie to go with our lattes!  Butch could not wait until I got the picture before taking his first bite!   It was so warm on the deck; we sat out in the sun.  Both of us grateful for time together.

Thanksgiving - 2010 on the Homestead~

We miss the girls & their families every day, but especially when the holidays roll around.  The photo above was taken the year before Skyla was born.  Ben, Mason & Cassidy were what we've always called the first generation of our grandchildren.  Skyla wasn't born until the youngest of the first three, Cassidy - was eight. Josie arrived the following year.

Thanksgiving 2015~

The picture above was taken our last Thanksgiving on the Homestead, the year before we decided to sell out & move to Iowa.  Cassidy, Connie, Butch, Ben & Mason, with Nika & Rascal.  Jentry, Joe & the girls had moved to Astoria, OR. 

Butch ready for our meal~

The table, set for the two of us, was full of food!  We're very thankful for our family, friends & many blessings~ We continue to mourn the untimely loss (in February) of our Grandson Mason~

In Blew the Cold!

 We'd enjoyed some really beautiful fall days!  Sunshine, not a lot of wind & even with warnings of cold weather to come, it was hard to believe it.  I'd spent Saturday pulling Zinnia's & Virginia Creeper from the hill between our backyard & the marsh.  It took me most of the day.  Then, I decided the front yard actually needed mowing one more time!

One of the few curves in the trail~

Since Sunday was the last forecast nice day, I had to get the bike out!  I hadn't ridden from Silver City to Malvern for a while, so left from Silver City.  Mari Jo was just leaving town on the trail too, going north!  We took a few minutes to chat before heading our separate ways.

Open views ~

It was a total joy to be out in nature on such a fine day.  I only saw two other riders going north on my way.  I stopped at the pond for my break.

2:21 p.m. Boehner Pond - looking north~

No one was at the campground, nor the little park.  The sun was warm & there was just a light breeze when I arrived.  I tried getting a call through to Butch, but didn't have service.

2:42 p.m. Boehner Pond - looking south~

Within just the 20 minutes I was there, the weather changed dramatically.  The clouds rolled in & the temperature must have dropped at least 5 degrees.  The wind picked up too, first from the north, then changing direction & back again.

Increasing cloud cover & wind~

The farther I rode north, the darker the day was.  I added my coat over my vest to keep warm.

Spark of brilliant reds~

I did stop to get the above photo of the bright reds against the wood of the big old tree snag.  Such a contrast of color.

Silver Creek from the trestle~

At the trestle, all was quiet, no sound except for the blowing wind.  I didn't stick around long.

Almost back to Silver City~

Rain never did happen, it didn't feel like rain, it was more of a pressure variant I could feel.  I pulled my fleece headband out of my pack to keep my ears from freezing!  The Explorer was the only car parked by Happy Trails.  I'm sure going to miss returning to visit with Mari Jo at Happy Trails to warm up before the trip home.  

Silver City to the Lookout~

It was one of those perfect hazy days of November.  I knew the trail would be dried out enough to ride & decided to ride the section north from Silver City.  There was only one other car with Nebraska plates, in the parking area by Happy Trails.

Northward Bound~

I was surprised to see the first mile of concrete still covered with leaves after all the winds we've had.  The air was so fresh & the smell of the leaves the strongest of the season.

Stuck Van on a Grade B Road~

The picture above is a perfect example of why not to try to drive on Grade B roads after a rainstorm, or two!  I could hear the groan of the engine before I reached a clear spot on the trail to see where the noise originated. (This was one of the roads Farah & galloped when it was dry.)

Farm pond~

I'd taken a photo of this pond early in early October.  It was beautiful then & even more beautiful now.  The surface of the pond looked like a mirror, reflecting the trees.  There was absolutely no wind today & that's very rare, especially this late in the season.

Shadow~

When I made the climb back up to the trail, from admiring the pond, Shadow was waiting for me.  If not for this bike, I doubt I'd be doing the miles I've been used to.

Leaving Mineola~

The four miles to the Mineola trail head went by in no time.  The trees are still sporting some color & I enjoy them all.

Unidentified tree~

This is the second tree I've seen on the trail with the beautiful orange leaves.  My best guess so far is a Black Cherry.  

Harvesting Corn~

Further along the trail & more noise.  I soon saw why. It's still amazing to see how cleanly modern machinery can harvest corn from a field.  Very few ears are left & they're soon picked off by the deer, squirrels, turkey's etc.

At Margaritaville, I stopped to take a short break before finishing the last couple miles to the Lookout.  I assumed I was alone.  Wrong!  The slam of the outhouse door startled me!  A man came out who evidentially was walking the trail.  He didn't speak, I got back on Shadow & continued on.  A lesson to remember - even with no bikes around, someone may be.

Shadow & the view~

The Lookout bench rest spot wasn't occupied. I put in a call to Butch & took a short break before starting back south. 

Territorial View~

Though limited, I love what there is of a view from this hill.  It'll be a shame when the trees grow enough to close it off.

The "Lookout"

This rest spot is one of the nicest on the trail.  Most of the improvements occur on the mile's closest to Council Bluffs. There are so many areas further south that could use some work, but at least the two trestles each side of Malvern were repaired.

Lewis & Clark Trail~

Just past the underpass is the signage for the Lewis & Clark trail.  It follows the Wabash Trace for several miles & even continues through Glenwood.  When I passed the Grade B Road again, the van was gone.  

View of Mineola in the distance~

The view from the Old Goat rest area is another I always stop to admire.  With so much downhill on this stretch of trail, I wasn't too worried about getting back before sunset.  From here I had just over four miles left to reach Silver City.  I arrived at the Explorer by 4 p.m. & returned to pick up Finn from Doris by 5.  Once home, by the time I'd put the bike away, it was dusk.  Shorter days, but I'm enjoying them while they're still here.  Before long, the cold will come~

Back on the Wabash~

 Another beautiful sunshine day in November.  Believe it or not, I'm still mowing the front yard!  At least with all the rain, I'm able to pull weeds & have spent a lot of time pulling & digging them up.  It's unreal how quickly they took over with my getting hurt & then our trip to WA in Aug. 

Soy crop is harvested!

Today, since the wind wasn't too bad & there had been a couple days for the trail surface to dry out, I decided to return to the Wabash at Silver City.  It seemed strange to have most of the leaves on the ground & golds of fall almost totally gone.

Still some color!

At least through the middle of the month, there are still spots of color & it's usually more of the oranges rather than gold.  The air was so fresh & the surface of the trail perfect!  Just a couple spots in the shade where it was soft.  I could also see the track of one rider, who'd ridden when it was too soft & gouged furrows.

The Beavers have been busy!

This year's beaver dam is the most symmetrical & beautiful they've built in the years I've been watching.  I'd still like to see Mr. or Mrs. beaver but no luck today.

Upstream, Silver Creek - Train cars on the eastern bank~

This week, I learned the true story of the train cars along the bank.  When I'd asked locally, originally, I'd been told it was to reduce erosion along the shore.  (This happened in 1941.)  This week, a Facebook post promoting a Glow Ride, to celebrate the renovation of the trestle this past summer drew my attention.  I was concerned that now the rustic beauty of the trestle would be marred by all the lights hanging from the structure.  It was a pleasant surprise to find they were almost unnoticeable.  The visit to the Wabash Trace Facebook page led me to another page: Train Wreck Bridge.  

Historic Photo~

There, I found the true story of a horrible train wreck from February 13, 1872.  The train had derailed on the trestle, carrying dozens of orphaned children on their way to a nearby orphanage.  Reading this - gave me pause.  From my first visit years ago now, I felt it was a special place.  On certain days, especially late in the afternoon, the quiet is palatable.   

This visit, I stopped to say a prayer for so many young lives lost so tragically...  I will never cross again without thinking of them.  The addition of a memorial informational marker & photo would be in keeping with the historic significance of the trestle & act as a reminder of a sad time in its history ~  

Brilliant Color!

Before the underpass at Hwy 34 I saw this absolutely gorgeous small tree or shrub.  I'm on a mission now to find out what it is & find one for the woods.  

Boehner Pond~

I hadn't ridden this section of trail since September 24th, a long while since it's usually my go to ride.  This season though, I did my best to avoid both the awful dust & bugs by riding elsewhere.  I stayed to enjoy the perfect day, before turning back toward Silver City.

Wide-open views~

Our views have opened up again, the fields have been harvested & it's amazing to see how green things still are.

Shadow, heading back~

The local weather forecasters tell us that we've gone from breaking all-time records for lack of rain & heat for both September & October, to the rainiest November in history!  Personally - I'll take the rain, fresh air & mowing!

(I'm going to research my idea for a commemorative/memorial marker.)

First Ride of November ~

 Wednesday the 30th, the day started with morning clouds so black, it was almost as dark as night.  As Finn & I left mat making it had started to rain.  It was raining so hard I had the wipers on the Explorer going full blast!  By early afternoon, the rain had eased up.  Early evening the sky was full of lightening & rolls of thunder followed.

Halloween morning we'd received 1.6" of rain!  It was like waking to a brand-new world!  The air was so fresh you could almost feel nature breathing a huge sigh of relief.  The streets had been washed clean of all the dirt & mess from the private sewer project!  No dust!  Fresh air!  I opened all the windows for the first time since early September.  After a trip for groceries, Finn & I walked to visit Doris.  We hadn't taken a walk (besides at home) for a long time.  Finn remembered the way!  The injections I'd had on the 25th in my knees & ankles have allowed me to walk with a normal stride for the first time in months.

Lake Manawa trails~

By Friday the first - I was ready for a ride!  I expected the Wabash would be at the least soft, so I decided on Lake Manawa.  It was a stunning, perfect day!  I couldn't believe my luck, no one was at the park!  No one on the trails & no other cars in the parking area.

Along E. Manawa Drive~

The area to the west of E. Manawa drive that had been planted fields, is now stripped & under construction.  A housing development of some type, I'm sure.  I was so sorry to see all the trees along the irrigation canal taken down & piled up.

Stripped vegetation~

I move right along on this section before I have a busy intersection to cross at the light.  I turn west & ride another not so favorite section along Veterans Memorial Hwy.  I turn left at Tractor Supply & go just about a half block before turning onto Wright Rd.  A nice quiet little road with a well-marked bike path along the edge of the golf course.  When I reach S.11th, I cut around the gate & ride through the campground.  Another blocked access puts me back on the sidewalk along the Hwy.  It's just a short way until I drop down to the Indian Creek trail.  This is a ride where I really appreciate Shadow's radar detection.

Cannondale SmartSense Garmin Varia Rear Facing Radar~

As a car comes up behind me, the top light on the display turns from green to orange.  At the same time a white light appears at the bottom as the radar picks up a car.  As the car approaches closer, the light moves up the display until it reaches the top.  At that point the vehicle has passed me.  If there's a string of cars coming, each one has a light moving up the display.

Cottonwood in the campground~

The campground is such a peaceful place.  It's the perfect respite from the noise & traffic I've just ridden past.  It's where I saw a coyote a couple years ago.

View from the north end of the Lake~

It's a beautiful view from the north end, which is near the west entrance to the park.  You can see S. Shore Drive in the photo.  Very narrow & no shoulder, not where I'd be comfortable riding.

Indian Creek Bridge & trail~

There was very little wind today, just fresh air & the welcome smell of moisture.  After over 500 miles on this bike, I've finally adjusted to it.  Today, I didn't even have to think about what gear I was using, it came naturally.

My favorite spot on the lake~

So many of the old cottonwoods were cut out of here last year.  It looks barren to me now, but I'm thankful they left a few.  The road (closed to auto's) I ride to reach this spot, circumnavigates a small area of housing.  It seems any open space is eroded away by development as the years go by.

Raptor~

I took my break on the bench & admired the amazing day.  Movement caught my attention.  I looked way up in the largest Cottonwood left along the shore, to see the big bird in the photo above.  He was enjoying the day & the quiet as much as I was.  When he flew off, I couldn't believe the size of his wingspan!  He was much larger than he'd appeared.

The way back~

I watched as he flew to the north, toward the Missouri, then started back.  The days are already getting shorter & once we suffer through another time change, afternoons will shorten even more!  Again, I remind myself I've said for several years, November is usually my favorite month in Iowa.  Cool temperatures, less wind, no bugs & the last of fall's golden colors.