Arnold's Park ~

 After getting home late in the day on our anniversary, (a day earlier than we'd expected!) Butch still had to make a delivery in Omaha Thursday morning.  We had reservations at Okoboji for Friday.  I thought it would be better to drive up today & enjoy an extra full day tomorrow.  Past the end of the season, our room was available.  While Butch was gone, I packed us up & by the time he was home, we were ready to leave.  

Lights of the Promenade~

We dropped Finn off with Doris & were on the road.  It didn't seem like a long drive; we stopped to eat at the China 1 Buffet, just south of Spencer.  The outside of the building didn't put us off, we were hungry!  Inside was neat, clean & the buffet was excellent.  

We arrived at the Vintage Block Inn & Suites in Okoboji about 6:30 p.m.  The motel reminded us of something from the Motel Rescue on Discovery Plus.  Who knows when it was built, but the current owners have made many improvements.  Our room was cute, with plenty of room for the bikes & had the bonus of being within walking distance of local bike trails.

Arches lighting the path~

After checking in, we drove to Arnold's Park.  The new arches over the lit pathway were beautiful in the gathering darkness.  The restoration of this area was started the first year we visited, 2017.  The pathway was new since our visit last year.  The lights cycled through a change of color every minute or two.

Covered Pavillion~

The path directed us toward the waterfront.  All the improvements have made a huge difference in the area.  On our visit & late afternoon walk last year, we'd wondered what was being constructed in the area below.

State Pier~

The sails were a beautiful addition & I'm sure they can be seen from quite a distance out on the lake.  It was as nice a fall evening as we could have asked for.  Just a light breeze off the water & amazingly quiet for being so close to town.  

Our little motel~

Returning to our motel, the little Block Party retro pub was open.  A few people were sitting out enjoying the warm evening & view of the lake. I borrowed the photo below from the web site.  It looked inviting, we walked over to check it out.

Outside seating~

We ordered drinks, Butch tried a new to him brew.  We found a quite table toward the back. The owner came by to welcome us.  We discussed the weather; the entire state & I think the whole of the Midwest is as dry as it's ever been.  Sitting out in the fresh air, on such a beautiful fall evening, it was the perfect place to unwind.

Fall Beauty & Dust~

 Today was, or could have been a ten day, if we'd had any moisture.  Temperatures in the 60's & a light breeze.  With two nights in a row of 38 for a low, the leaves are turning.  Far from over my allergies, I still wanted to ride.

North from Silver City~

I put in a call to Mari Jo.  She said the dust was awful & the biting bugs were a little better.  Thinking of where I could avoid the most dust, I decided to ride north from Silver City to the Lookout.  The first mile of concrete is where we walk the dogs in the winter months.  

Grade B road~

This section has some of the most beautiful views.  Above is the road Farah & I used to reach the trails.  It always makes me sad when I think of the fun we had galloping along it.  The uphill grades are much easier when I can shift Shadow's motor on.

Private pond~

Just beyond the covered bench rest area, there was a narrow break in the shrubbery along the trail.  I walked in a few feet to get the above photo.  The pond was almost impossible to see before the corn was harvested.

Curtain of oranges~

Just a short way past the pond is the crest of the climb between Silver City & Mineola.  From there on, two miles of downhill to the Mineola trailhead.  Only one car there, I didn't stop until I reached the bridge over Keg Creek.

Keg Creek~

I took a long drink, put a cough drop in my mouth & continued.  My goal was what I call the "Lookout" about 3-miles south of Council Bluffs.  Many of the trees were turning & without as many field & road crossings, the air was almost fresh.

Applewood~

This road though, stopped me in my track, literally. There's a rise up to the road, I could see there was fresh gravel.  It wasn't until Shadows tires grabbed, I realized how much gravel & how thick it was.  It was sheer luck I didn't lose control.

Margaritaville~

Another climb to Margaritaville.  No one there, such a nice quite day on the trail, I was glad I'd decided on this section.  I passed Dumfries & got through the underpass where mud had stopped me my last visit.  There had been a section of the hill badly washed out on the far side of the underpass.  Large rock had been added to the hillside.  Hopefully enough to keep it from happening again.

The Lookout~

The Lookout covered bench comes up quickly.  I pulled off & took my break.  I'd covered 8:68-miles in an hour flat.  Just a little farther than it is from Silver City to the Arch in Malvern.  The two good climbs take longer though.  When I rode Smokey, it was much harder ride.

Heading back south~

I enjoyed the almost absolute quiet of the afternoon.  Just the sound of a jet somewhere far away to break the stillness.

View across at Mineola~

This is called the "Old Goat" area & has seen many improvements, as has most of this section of trail.  It's used for the Thursday night Taco Rides from Council Bluffs to Tobey Jacks in Mineola.  Definitely a party ride.

For me, enjoying the downhill glides are second only to the views of the countryside.  Less than two miles farther & I was back at Mineola with four miles to go to reach the Explorer parked by Happy Trails in Silver City.  

New picnic area at the Mineola Trailhead~

All the new tables, firepits etc. have been added improvements over the past year or so.  Riders coming south from Council Bluffs use this section of trail.  It can be a busy place weekends, or when special events are held. 

One more uphill, then one more downhill & I was back at the Explorer.  My total ride time was 1:46 for the 17.34 miles.  (I turn the Garmin off for my mid-way break, but otherwise have started leaving it on when I stop for photos etc.)  As I dismounted & looked at Shadow, I realized how covered with limestone dust I was!

A dusty bike~

Back in Glenwood, the car wash was my next stop.  The Explorer is covered with a layer of dust constantly from the sewer construction.  Our neighborhood has gone from the green of beautiful lawns to a dust bowl of dirt.  I had a bad coughing spell at the car wash & another when I got home.  The trail dust on top of the dust here was more than I should have taken on.  

I can only go out at home, once the work in the street stops for the day.  Thankfully, they have kept one street closed to through traffic, so the dust from cars is minimal.  I wear my mask when I go out to water.  No fun for me!  Even so, I sure enjoyed a beautiful ride! The weather forecaster is saying we're on track to break the record for the driest September & October on record.

First Ride of October~

 I have been so terribly sick for nine days now.  It started the morning after Butch spent a night at home on the 25th.  I woke without my voice & my throat raw.  I hadn't been sick in years & worried it was a cold.  I called Butch the following day.  He had no symptoms.  I called my friend Doris, who thankfully also had no symptoms.  She mentioned allergies.  I'd never had allergies either, at least not to this extent!  

Explorer & Shadow~

No sleep, constant cough, wheezing, etc., I was miserable enough to call the Dr. on Monday & went in for an appointment that afternoon.  Of course, they thought I had Covid.  Instead, I was diagnosed with allergies.  I didn't have a fever etc.  Doris had been right. 

Directly in front of our house~

The sewer project had moved onto Coolidge a week before & was working full blast in front of our house on the 20th.  Piles & piles of dirt & constant construction traffic right outside my front door.  When the wind blows, we have dustornado's!  Our new windows can't even keep the fine, fine layers of dust out.  Outside, the dust would poof up when I walked onto the porch.  

Hum...  I wonder what was causing all my distress.  The Dr. prescribed an allergy pill & cough medicine.  Even with that, I'm up & down all night every night.  I requested a water truck many times to no avail.  I wrote letters to each member of city council & not one responded.  I wear a mask when I go out to water.  As far as I've been able to ascertain, the end is nowhere in sight.

Spectacular afternoon~

As of today, I've been breathing in the constant dust for over two-weeks.  We haven't had any rain since early September.  The drugs are finally helping, so even though I had a coughing fit in the new local grocery, embarrassing myself yesterday, I decided I was going to try to ride.  I'm just plain sick of being hostage in my own home.

Coming to E. Manawa Drive~

The air up at the Lake was cleaner for sure!  I had one coughing fit on the drive up, one on the trail, where the park was doing road repairs (dust in the air) & one on the drive home.  I consider that an improvement, since I usually get one an hour.

In the old campground~

I stopped to recover in the old campground, it was so beautiful there & the leaves are starting to turn.  A lady walked by & asked if I was ok.  I managed to convince her I was.  I keep cough drops in every pocket.

Bridge over Indian Creek~

It was so good to be out again!  I didn't want to ride the Wabash, due to the farmers harvesting.  Without any rain for so long, the dust is even worse than it was last year this time.  The Pirate bugs too, are horrid.  (They had been the culprits taking hunks out of me my last ride there.)  I think they've been in the fields & now that the fields are coming down, they're taking refuge along the trail.

Virginia Creeper~

Even with most of the trees only showing the slightest signs of gold/yellow, the Virginia Creeper above had me hitting the brakes!  It was on my way to Picnic spot #7, which I had to myself.  It was warm enough I sat under the picnic cover in the shade to breath in the moist air coming off the lake.

Shadow, Lake Manawa~

My favorite part of the entire ride, I enjoyed it so much.  I put in a call to Butch, reminding him that a week from today we will be away from all of this for a few days!

Virginia Creeper on a huge Cottonwood~

I hope getting away for a couple days will allow me to breathe again, my throat to heal & voice to return.  If that happens, then I revert to the misery I've been suffering through when we get home...  Daughter Jentry has offered me a spot; I may have to accept...

Under Attack~

 It was another in a string of sunshine & a bit cooler days in the mid-70's.  We'd received .15 of rain earlier in the morning, just enough to raise the humidity.  This September is set to be the driest on record. With the dry weather, the humidity has dropped too.  

Mari Jo's run-a-way pansies~

I drove to Happy Trails & couldn't believe how Mari Jo's pansies have spread.  Twice the size of last years & flowers growing even along the edge of the curb!  I hadn't been on the trail for ten-days, still catching up with the work at home.

On the trail~

By the 13th, the private sewer project had turned the corner of Grove & started up our street.  The noise of the heavy equipment starts early each morning.  The dust has been horrific, so bad I don't even want to be out in it.  I was ready to get away for the afternoon!

A perfect September day~

It would have been a perfect day if not for the biting bugs!  I had sprayed down before I left home.  It didn't do any good at all.  Every time I stopped; I was under attack.  All the riding I've done on the trail the last few years & I've never seen the bugs so bad.

Shadow turns over 400-miles~

Shadow turned over 400-miles today.  I appreciate this bike so much, especially when riding into a strong wind.  I haven't ridden the hilly sections for a while, but if we ever get cooler weather I will be.

Thunderheads~

The clouds kept building, so beautiful to watch.  I continued on to Malvern.  Two men were digging on both sides of the trail.  Instead of going further, I took the streets & rode my loop through the edge of town in reverse, only in reverse.

Arch at the Depot in Malvern~

I rode back to the park, but even there the bugs were after me. 

Silver Creek from the Trestle~

I made good time, even into the wind going back north.  I was the only rider on the trail.  The level of the creek has dropped again, after the rains we'd received in August.  Now, with the farmers starting to harvest the fields, the dust will be thick on the trail. I was lucky we'd received the tiny bit of moisture this morning that settled the dust.

Greens, Golds & Blue~

A picture-perfect afternoon.  Back at Happy Trails I asked Mari Jo what type of lubricant to use on my chain.  She came out & looked at the derailer & chain on Shadow.  It was dirty!  The grime from the limestone was almost rock hard & had packed into any tiny space available.  She suggested washing the chain with Dawn, then rinsing it, drying it & using a dry lube.  I bought a bottle. I'll have to wait for the weekend to work on the chain.  Weekends are a sanity saving grace period from the construction. 

Heading home, I couldn't help but think of all the time & education Mari Jo has dedicated to the riders on the trail.  The permanent closure of the shop in October will be a sad time for so many of us~  

Pedaling on~

 Butch left Friday morning, heading back toward IN.  As I usually do after he leaves, I cleaned anything I could find to clean.  Tasks I don't enjoy taking my mind off his absence.

Maverick~

Today though, even though the heat & humidity have returned, I wanted to ride.  When I pulled into Happy Trails Mari Jo expressed surprise that I was there.  Even mid-80's with humidity in the low 60's was a better forecast than the rest of this week.  Rain is expected later, that will really make things steamy.

Soybeans turning gold~

My energy level wasn't the greatest, but seeing the seasons begin to change is always uplifting.

Walnut canopy thinning out~

The Walnut trees are dropping walnuts everywhere.  Not as many, but larger than last year's crop. They are tricky to navigate & hitting them is no fun.

Tree down~

Thirty minutes into the ride, I found a trail block.  This one was tricky to get over, the split limbs on the right were just close enough together, the bike didn't fit between them.  Lifting Shadow over them both at once wasn't an option.  A rider who came from the opposite direction offered to help, but I declined & managed to angle Shadow, a wheel at a time, to the other side.

Cattails & Sunflowers~

The wetland near Malvern that burned last year, has completely recovered, except for some of the trees that had lined the trail.

Shadow turns over 400-miles~

I realized too, when I don't have the PAS system on, the bike doesn't record the miles!  Really?!  :-)  I usually keep it on.  Riding in the lowest eco mode balances out the heavier weight of the bike.  When my knees start hurting, it's time to either shift the PAS up, or gear down. 

Fields of gold~

I looped through Malvern, then stopped at the pond as usual.  Only two RVs were at the campground.  A Dad came riding in, holding a dog on a leash & with three little kids on bikes!  I was impressed at his skill!

Silver Creek~

It had been cloudy all morning, but by the time I left to ride, the sky was clearing off & the heat was climbing.  The lush greens speak for themselves.

Shadow on the Trestle~

I started moving out after I left the trestle heading back north.  I was tired, hot & the bugs were awful any time I stopped.  Shadow outran them!  Today, I saw no less than three couples riding e-bikes.  Now that I'm riding one, I have to stop complaining about them.  That said, I still have concerns about bikes capable of what I consider an excessive speed of 28 mph.  Way too fast for a multi-user trail.

I picked up Finn.  He had flushed a cat from under one of the bushes in Doris's backyard his last visit & had a great time chasing it over the fence.  Today, the cat held its ground & Finn would not stop barking!  Doris had to go out & convince the cat to scram!  The story had me laughing out loud!  :-)

A Ride at Lake Manawa~

 Butch arrived at home late yesterday afternoon.  With the weather so nice, we decided on a ride at Lake Manawa.  It had been a couple months since we'd been there.  Doris was happy to have Finn visit her, so it would be Butch's first time on his bike without pulling Finnigan in his little trailer.

Butch adjusting his handlebars~

It was also his first time riding the bike with the new stem extender.  We're both much more comfortable riding in a more upright position.  We were surprised that on such a nice weekend, the park wasn't busier.  We only passed one other bike rider on our 11-mile loop.

View to the east~

The Wabash Trail head parking off Harry Langdon Blvd. was almost totally full of cars.  I suspect the north end of the trail was a busy place.  We continued on & parked inside the park boundary, the only car there.

Bridge over Indian Creek~

There was a pretty stiff wind blowing out of the south, but with the added boost of the e-bikes, we didn't have to work nearly as hard!  The repairs to remove all the transition bumps between the paved sections of trail along the west side of the park were a huge improvement.

South side of the park~

The trail along the south side, always my favorite, is so smooth with the new paving.  One of our favorite sections.  It doesn't look or feel like fall yet.  The trees are still green, just a few varieties are starting to show a hint of gold.  The Cottonwoods are always the first to start dropping a few leaves.  We have had a couple nights down in the 40's.

Lake Manawa~

After completing the loop, we passed where the Explorer was parked & continued south to the trail that ends at the lakeshore & Shelter #7.  A large group of people were enjoying a picnic at the covered tables.  We sat out on one of the benches to admire the lake, before heading back to the Explorer.  

Our weather is supposed to return to the heat this coming week.  We've been very dry too, but I never complain about lower humidity.  The weather forecasters tell us we need to be patient, that fall isn't far off.  It's getting closer on the calendar; so, they must be right!

First Ride of September ~

 It was a relief to have a couple cooler & less humid days!  Everyone I know is ready to be done with the end of August heat.  After my last ride, I started thinking ole age was starting to get to me!  I felt much better today, probably because I hadn't been mowing 6" of grass down for hours on end!

On my way~

I was about a mile from the Trestle when Mari Jo came riding up from the south.  We stopped to chat & did a lot of that for over half an hour!  It was such a pleasant day; we had a spot in the shade & each had news to share.  Both of us finally realized we had rides to finish, so went our opposite ways.

The big Cottonwood~

At the trestle, I stopped short of the creek, where the Cottonwood spreads it's shade all the way to the bridge.  I took one electrolyte & afterward realized I really didn't need it.  The day had stayed fairly cool & the humidity was down from what it had been.

Sweet Autum Clematis~

When I looked ahead at the arch by the Depot in Malvern, I could see the blooms of the beautiful fall blooming Clematis from half a mile away.  The sweet smell filled the air.

Shadow at the Arch~

I stopped underneath to enjoy both the smell & the flowers.  Instead of doing my loop through part of town, I turned back north toward the park. I rode around the pond, only one RV was in the campground.  It was beautifully quiet, all the geese were out on the water.

Boehner Pond, looking north~

Seeing so much water in the pond is so refreshing after months & months of drought.  I hope it manages to maintain the higher levels going into fall.  I put in my usual call to Butch, before heading back.  

Northbound, return to the Trestle~

There had been a pretty stiff wind blowing up from the south on my way to Malvern, now it was at my back!  My goal was to work harder than I had my last trip.  I'd managed to cut almost four minutes off my time to the arch.  Riding into the wind, I do really appreciate having the PAS on Shadow.  It's been a while since I've ridden to Imogene.  Maybe I can talk Butch into another ride there when he returns home!