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!

Last Ride of August~

 Another cooler day!  It had ready been ten-days since my last ride!  I've been working almost non-stop to try to get the marsh & woods back in shape after a month.  I wanted to get in one more ride in August. I stopped by Happy Trails & caught up with Mari Jo before leaving.  I'd forgotten my Garmin - my left wrist felt empty.  Shadow's computer at least keeps track of the miles too.

Mari Jo's Pansey's are running everywhere.

I decided - as I usually do - on my regular route to Malvern.  I like having a nice spot to take a short break halfway through the ride.  Green is still the predominate color, no leaves turning yet.

Wild grapes growing over everything~

The wild grapes are overrunning everything they can climb on.  This includes the property line in the woods between our place & the neighbors to the north.  I had to cut back vines running over seven feet onto our side.

Beaver dam~

The beavers have returned & been busy working on their dam.  It's increased in size from last year.  I didn't feel quite up to par today, so took my time getting to the park.

Boehner Pond~

The afternoon was just stellar for the end of summer coming up fast.  I won't be sorry to see it go!  It wasn't an easy one for me with the damage to my knee when I clumsily fell from the car.  The knee still isn't 100% & let me know it today.

Wabash Landing to be~

Returning north, I stopped to take a photo of all the land cleared at the edge of Malvern.  This area will soon be covered with houses.

Iowa Views~

Not a lot further though, I was back to quintessential Iowa views.  The yellows of the Hairy Sunflowers & Goldenrod so bright against the greens. 

By the time I returned to the Explorer, there were several cars in the small parking area.  More riders leaving on the trail.

Six weeks, four days~

 It seemed like it had been forever since I'd had my bike out on the trail!  My last ride had been with Butch at Lake Manawa on July 5th, the day before my accident.  I'd recovered & could walk just well enough to leave on our trip to WA August 7th.  

Just south of Silver City~

We returned on Sunday the 18th.  Butch left early Monday morning, but a couple hours later I heard the front door open!  He'd picked up a trailer & gone to his pickup in Omaha, only to be told the load wouldn't be ready until Tue. at 6 a.m.  We were sitting out with lattes when another text came in, the trailer was loaded!  So, for a second time, he was again on his way.  I spent the rest of the day on Monday doing laundry & cleaning house.  Neither of which are my favorites.  

Tuesday dawned with heavy cloud cover & a light rain before noon.  It wasn't enough to register on the rain gauge.  I'd planned to get my bike out & hoped that Silver City hadn't received any more rain than we had. I dropped Finn with Doris; they were both happy to see each other.

Tree broken~

A cool & cloudy day is rare for August, the rain had been just enough to settle the dust on the trail.  Leaving from Happy Trails, I told Mari Jo I might only make it to the trestle.  I was a little worried about how well my legs would hold up.  First the injury & secondly after the long drive & little exercise.  Once I was pedaling & warmed up, my legs were fine.  (I'd taken my first steps without limping on Thursday the 15th.)

The Walnut Cathedral~

The trail seemed so rich & green after days of traveling across the dry west.  Grandson Ben, looking at pictures, had mentioned how green everything was here & he was right!  After a bumper crop of walnuts last year, the trees have produced just a few this season.  I'm not complaining!

Shadow on the Trestle~

Only two riders passed me the entire way to Malvern.  No one going my direction.  Very quiet & beautiful, with just a little breeze.  A perfect day.

Silver Creek from the Trestle~

The river had gone down since my last visit several weeks ago, but still had more water than during the months prior.

New maintenance shop~

I was surprised to see a new building going up by the Depot in Malvern.  I asked Mari Jo about it when I returned to Happy Trails.  She said it's to be a maintenance shop with storage space for trail equipment. 

Boehner Pond~

The pond was the most beautiful it's been in forever.  With all the rain, the cattails have taken over what had been a strip of mud along the low water line.  The geese were gone, thankfully.  They leave such an awful mess on the sidewalk around the pond.  The heavy equipment doing dirt work on the new housing project ruined the quiet of the little park.  

I made my usual call to Butch when I took my rest break at the pond.  After being together on our trip, for the longest in a very long while, it's an adjustment to have him back on the road.

Little Blue flowers~

Where the grass was longer, these little blooms were everywhere.  I hadn't seen them before, but I love the color.

Hairy Sunflowers~

It's the time of year when the last of the flowers are blooming.  I enjoyed seeing the bright yellow of the hairy Sunflowers along the trail.  They too, have enjoyed our wetter than usual summer.

Shadow, almost back to Silver City~

The afternoon was looking more & more like rain as I returned north toward Silver City.  Only a few drops fell by the time I reached Happy Trails.  It was good to catch up with Mari Jo.  She gave me two of the largest most wonderful looking tomatoes I've seen this season!  The shop was busy this summer with Ragbrai & the Rooster Tail rides.  We're both hoping for a nice, long, cool fall so we can enjoy more riding.

Last Day on Camano Island ~

 It was another cloudy morning.  Butch went to the bakery & picked up cinnamon rolls, coffee & tea for our breakfast.  While he was gone, Finn & I took a walk around the little park.  It was another perfect western, WA morning.  I admired the huge western red cedars at the top of the hill.  The names of the native plants came to mind automatically.  I've missed them.   

View from the Lodge~

When Butch returned, we sat in the camper & admired the view out the window.  Ben texted that he & Jentry were on their way.  We packed up our things & loaded the Explorer, just finishing as Ben & Jentry pulled in.  The trailer was hitched in no time.  The girls were waiting at Jentry's.  Butch helped Jentry get the trailer parked.  

Skyla had picked up the string she needed for her violin.  She's playing violin again, along with trumpet!  Both girls are excellent on the keyboard too!  I love it that they both love music!  The kids had tried to glue the old string back in the peg.  Ben managed to get the peg cleaned out.  After heaven knows how many years it's been, I put the new string in place & we tuned the violin with an app Skyla had on her phone.  I managed to play the full scale!  Jentry had been in the kitchen making up a salad for our lunch.  I heard her laugh & she asked me how long it had been?  Just a rough guess - over 60 years!  I'd played from the third grade to high school.

Skyla & Josie~

Today, we went to the State Park.  It was much quieter than a couple days ago.  The day had stayed overcast & mild.

Butch, Skyla, Finn & Jentry~

Jentry was grilling hot dogs & Finn thought they smelled wonderful!  She'd made a pasta salad & soon we were all enjoying lunch.

Finn goes swimming!

Finn waded right into the water & went swimming again!  

Skyla & Finn!

Skyla & Finn had a grand time running on the beach!  She reminds me so much of myself at that age.  Our mood was somewhat subdued, knowing our good times were coming to an end.  We all walked the beach & out to the end of the dock.

Skyla, Finn, Papa, Josie & Jentry~

Finn wasn't worried about the dock at all, until he stuck his nose near a piling & the dock move up!  He jumped back a foot!  

Eagle top left & red barked Madrona Trees~

We packed up & said our Goodbye's...  We followed the kids out of the park & back to where they turned left & we turned right...  

I-405 Southbound~

It wasn't long until we were back in the traffic, but at least it was moving.

Finn in our room~

Our goal was Cle Elum.  We made a reservation on our way & ended up with a very nice large room.  We were sad to be leaving our family behind & heading home, even though we were getting used to our road routine by now! 

There was one year we took our little Apache camp trailer & camped all the way down the coast to northern, CA & the Redwoods.  Then all the way back in just over two weeks.  (Long before reservations were needed & the campgrounds were mostly empty.) We called ourselves the "Traveling Hoge Gypsy Family"!

The bright spot was knowing we'd be visiting family in Sheridan in a couple days!

Mason's Celebration of Life~

Today would have been Mason's 23rd birthday & was to be the day of his Celebration of Life~  

Butch & I got up early, anxious to get ready & on the road.  It was over 60 miles from our camp site to reach Novelty Hill Farm, just south of Duvall.  I was very familiar with the back roads, so rather than take the chance of a traffic snarl on the highways, we enjoyed a much quieter, familiar route.

Memory table~

We were the first to arrive, but it was just a short while before David & Cassidy pulled in, with Courtney right after.  It was so good to see them!  Cassidy got busy right away taking boxes filled with fresh flower centerpieces (from Courtney's gardens) out of the car.  I did what I could to help with tablecloths, flowers etc. while asking Cassidy how things were going with her recent move to her first apartment in Fairhaven. 

Finnigan watches~

Finnigan by now - had things figured out.  We drove somewhere & hugged people he'd never seen before but were soon his friends!  While we were busy, I gave him a chair out of the way where he sat & people watched.

Friends & Family begin to arrive~

It was a beautiful afternoon with high clouds & a light breeze. The parking area began to fill up!  The musician set up outside, while inside were more tables where the catered dinner was served.

A wonderful turnout of Mason's tribe~

Mason's best friend had traveled all the way from the east side of the state to attend.  I had a hard time recognizing some of Mason's friends.  They'd grown up in the last few years since I'd seen them.

From the hillside~

The meal was wonderful, Mason's favorite foods were on the menu.  I wish I'd taken photos of inside too.  Butch & I caught up with son-in-law David's family.  His father Don is 94, as is Peggy, his Godmother. 

4-4-2003 Our Camo Grandkids~ 
Cousin Ben, Sister Cassidy & Mason

David had set up a slide presentation in one corner of the barn.  Butch & I sat down & watched as so many memories glided by...  A life well lived by a strong, resilient boy who grew into a brave & well-loved man.  Mason touched the lives of all who knew him.  His indominable will, incredible spirit, smile & sense of humor will be sorely missed.