Malvern to Imogene~

After tearing winds most of the week, today was wind free.  The weatherman promised it to be one of the top ten days of the year.  He wasn't wrong!  I hope we have 100 more just like it.

Speedy is not intimidated by size!  :-)

 In Malvern, I parked the Bronco at Agriland.  Butch has given me a parking spot, out of the way of the Big Equipment!  Since I planned a one-way ride, he'd be picking me up at Imogene, my destination.   Leaving Malvern, it's hard to miss the art!  The bike theme alludes to the City considering itself a destination for bike riders on the Wabash Trace Trail.

Wild Plum blooms~

I could smell the plum blooms before I saw them.  A beautiful addition to the rapidly expanding green views.  I didn't leave until 3 p.m.  Butch couldn't get to Imogene until 5 to pick me up.  The map calls it 13.6-miles.  I couldn't imagine it would take me more than two-hours.

Between the bars - The first bridge~

Riding during the week days, I enjoy having the trail to myself.  Heading south from Malvern, farther away from the larger towns, the quiet is wonderful.  Just the singing of the birds & water flowing under the bridges.

Big Sky Country~

Iowa has it's share of magnificent views.  The sky looked huge, leaving the trees of the trail for the road crossing.  I'm still without my Garmin & I miss it.  Since this was a new section of trail to me, I would have preferred to know how far I'd gone & my speed.

Ah...  Green!

Butch told me to slow down, take photos & enjoy the ride.  All of which I did!

Garlic mustard gone amok~ 

Not too many miles out of Malvern, both sides of the trail had been taken over by the horribly invasive Garlic Mustard.  When doing a Google search, the first page to come up - was King County, WA!  This is a weed taking over, in more than one state.  I've pulled the few I've found so far in our timber & marsh.  The second invasive I've learned that is allelopathic - the other being bush honeysuckle.

Speedy on the Trestle Bridge over the west branch of the Nishnabotna River~

This is a big, slow moving river, with a lot of history, as most of our bigger rivers are.  There was a Mill in this area & also a ferry.  Just a short distance further I caught a glimpse of this cute tiny cottage!  What a idyllic place, so close to the river.  The trail today, was a blend of uphill & downhill grades.  The longest of the uphill had me worrying I'd not make Imogene by 5!  With no way to know how much further I had to go - I just kept peddling!

Tiny Country Cottage~

Next, a huge old barn, in the process of crumbling to the ground.  I'm always sad to see these big barns fall, more so than even the farm houses.

Old Barn~

Eventually, I met two mom's pushing baby strollers!  A sure sign town was near!  With a population of only 70+ people, I didn't imagine there would be too much going on.

My destination!

Speedy brought me into town at 5:02 p.m.!  There were picnic tables, fire pits & the grain bin to the left housed restrooms & even showers for the bike riders.  Butch pulled in with the Bronco just a few minutes later.  We'd hoped to order take-out pork tenderloin sandwiches from the Emerald Isle, (Butch had heard they're the best in IA.) but they were closed.

Instead, we drove to Mineola & had the same at Tobey Jacks - eating outside on the picnic tables in the car parking area.  Since it was Thursday & the traditional Taco Thursday night - almost every table was occupied.  All table's were spaced apart & most people honored social distancing.

Butch & I discussed some of the differences we were noticing between bike riders & equestrians...  More than once we had to laugh at some of the outfits.  But considering how fashion in the endurance community has changed - we shouldn't have!  :-)   It was a beautiful ride & perfect end to the day.

Night Lights~

It's a time-of-year I never forget.  I'm reminded every morning, when I open my eyes.  Two-years this week, since I lost 90% of the vision in my right eye.  Vision is such a gift - too often overlooked - pardon the pun.

I still slam my right shoulder into door jams on occasion.  I can walk right past something I'm looking for, turn around & find it on my way back :-)  But - I love walking our property at night.

Cabin from the porch~

I especially enjoy gray days too, as my gray blotches blend in nicely with gray days, or velvety blackness.  Making my brain almost think I can see.  I miss some things - they appear out-of-nowhere from my right.  Butch has become adept at pointing out what he knows I don't see.  I'm very thankful the eye still looks normal.

Flower Garden~

The three tiny lights in the back, are the property corners.  The solar lights work great.  In the winter months, the leaves are gone, so what daylight they get is optimized.

There are tasks that are now more difficult. Threading a needle is impossible!  I was so frustrated the first time I tried to sew on a button!  Decorating the tree at Christmas is challenging too.  My depth perception is somewhat limited.

Back Deck~

We've used lights on our decks for years.  They're on timers & with LED's, the energy usage is minimal.  It used to be difficult to take night photos, but the new smartphones do such a nice job now!

From the side street~

 Evenings are so quiet - I walked around the corner of the block - curious as to how much could be seen through the trees along the creek.  Not as much as I expected.  Soon, when the leaves open, the curtain will close.

I count my blessings every day - I still have vision & the eye is staying relatively stable, no injections so far!  I do get disoriented, but my vertigo is actually a little better!  I can stand to fly now - usually without drugs!  With so many health issues now in the the public's eye - you have to wonder - are they new - or is it just that modern testing has put a name to so many?

Spring Xplosion!

Last week, when I thought I was done transplanting, my friend Clara called again!  All Thursday afternoon I spent digging & planting!   I sat up the sprinkler to water & the birds had an amazing time!  They flew through the water, stood in the sprinkling water & chirped about it!  If I hadn't been covered with dirt, I would have gone for the camera.

New Weigela showing pink blooms~

As the day ended, I was wishing for rain.  It's been so very dry.  By Friday, I'd planned to get my germaniums out of the house & into the ground, but Clara visited again, this time with ferns!

Newly transplanted wood fern!

I've missed ferns so much!  From being so thick, they were a groundcover in WA, they seem to be hard to find here.  As I was planting, dark clouds rolled over.  Rain!   It seems as though I've waited forever!

Chickadee in the timber~

Saturday, we drove to Malvern.  The Blooming Barn was open for business & they carry such a variety of bedding plants.  Over the past couple years, I've learned what works in the planters out front & found what I needed.   Next, a stop at Sherbondy's in Council Bluffs for bushes.  After moving two piles of wood debris Fri., I wanted shrubs to mark the path. Butch helped & by the time we were done, it was raining again!  Perfect timing.

Pink Sparkler Birchleaf Spirea

Sunday, we spent working at home.  Butch can get more done in a day, than I can in a week!  I took the germaniums out & made several starts for the gardens by the cabin.

Red Germanium 

They look a little weak, but last nights rain really helped.  I'll have leaves to cut off, but if they do as well as they did last year, I'll be happy.

This morning dawned sunny & bright!  It's hard to ignore nature this time of year.  Another big thunderstorm rolled through late last night - Nika wore her thunder shirt, but was still very distressed.

Ms. Quail has joined Mr. Quail

My challenge now, is differentiating between actual weeds & plants that may be considered a weed in a flower garden, but are a native of value in a woodland setting.

Daffodils!

Out of the 100 daffodil bulbs I planted last fall, probably half have bloomed.  Even half have given me a good start on naturalizing the marsh.

Tulips~

The new tulips, have their buds & I'm looking forward to blooms!  At least with these, I planted twelve & have twelve flowers!

Honeysuckle down...

But - we do have neighbors...  This one can't do anything without a backhoe.  Yesterday, he decided to do some bulldozing along his side of the creek & left the above honeysuckle pushed down & into the creek...  If we get a heavy rain it will cause the water to back up & create more erosion on our side.  He has put large chunks of concrete along his side.

New glass signpost caps!

I had to do some searching to find a company that sells glass post caps.  When I called, Island Post Cap,  I was told that the blue I wanted was sitting on a ship sailing over from China.  (The factory had been closed due to the virus.)  They did have one green & red I wanted, ready to ship.  Today, the box arrived by UPS.  Even with great packaging, the red one, still in it's tight, reinforced box, was shattered.  I called John & he'll ship the replacement when the blue arrives.

Next, I have to find time to letter & paint the signs!  This time of year, actually any time of year, I can hardly be inside, it's so beautiful outside.  Plenty of projects & I love doing them.

Mineola to Council Bluffs - RT ~

I'm back to watching the weather, as I did all the years I was riding a horse!  Today dawned another stunner.  Low humidity & mild winds - perfect for getting out on the Wabash trail.

I drove the Bronco to Mineola, where I was surprised to find the trail-head parking almost full - mid-day on a week day.  I shouldn't have been, with so few people working.  Lifting Speedy off the bike rack is a chore, she weighs more than my saddle!

Annoying riders~ 

There was an older couple ready to leave just after I did.  It wasn't long until I couldn't help but hear very loud, obnoxious music coming from behind me!  I pulled off & the couple thanked me as they went by.  If someone wanted to enjoy the quiet of the trail, it wouldn't be anywhere in this couple's vicinity!  Even when I took the above photo - I could still hear the music!  I caught back up to them a couple times & stopped again to gain quiet distance.

At Farah & my favorite spot~

This was the first time I'd been on this section of the trail, without being with Farah.  It was certainly bittersweet.  I'm out on the trail, but completely on my own now...  Without the companionship of my mare.  She & I used to enjoy this section so much.

12-18-17 With Farah~

My goal, was Tastee Treat!  About the time I saw the mileage marker for the last half-mile, I could smell the food!  Still open for business, but take-out only of course.  I just had to have a small root beer freeze!  I sat in the shade & sipped it slowly.

Speedy didn't want anything~

I'd been a little late getting on the trail, leaving Mineola at 1:54 & arrived here at 2:56.  The most accurate map I've found calls it 9.6 miles.  Past Margaritaville, the trail one section was almost flat - nice.

To report "trespassing" call the Sherriff!

As I started back, it wasn't long until I wished I hadn't had that frostie...  I was distracted by all the new signs! As if horses are an issue?!  Not!  Even when I was out here a lot with Farah.  The neighboring landowners would often mention - I was the first horseperson they'd seen on the trail in forever!

More signs!

There was a sign at literally every intersection!  As for dogs?!  Here too, invisible leashes are the rage!   My brother & I first noticed them as we hiked Mt. Sanitas, outside Boulder in 2010.  At one point, two riders were ahead of me & a young boy with a huge dog, holding him by only the collar.  The dog got visibly agitated as the two riders went by.  Great, I'm next...  In my friendliest voice I said;  "Hi" to the boy.  Hearing me speak seemed to defuse the dog somewhat & I peddled on by.  Some people would even apologize - as I waited while they tried to catch their dog or dogs.

Beautiful creek~

I was thankful - I knew those last four-miles were a downhill grade!  No more frostie's for me, when I've got ten more miles to ride!  It was so beautiful out & I only ran into a few riders heading the other direction.

View of Mineola~

I stopped one last time, at a new commemorative, bench to get this photo of Mineola.  I was just a mile out from the trailhead when suddenly I saw a long piece of corn husk flying through the air in front of me.  Since I can't see on the right, I'd missed the formation of a dust devil on the recently plowed field, to the right of the trail.  No turning your rear to the wind on a bike...  I squinted my eyes almost shut & kept on peddling, just managing to keep Speedy upright.

Back by 4:20, I'm going to call it 20-miles.  I'm told it's considered one of the more difficult sections to ride.  I still need to put a call in to Garmin!  I missed hearing those miles buzzing away so quickly!  :-)

The Pony & the Seahorse ~

We found the pony & the seahorse many years ago.  They were on the ground, next to a dumpster at an old school outside Parker, CO.  We left a message, giving our phone #, but no one ever called, so they came home with us.  They sat in the garage for a long while.  When we made the move to WA, Dad agreed to store them for us.

It wasn't until we bought the Homestead, in 1990, they found a spot, sitting at each side of our entrance gate.  Butch had them bolted to blocks, they were just for looks.  At least until our first Grandson Benjamin was old enough to realize they could be ridden!

Summer of  2003, Papa lifting the heavy pony as Abby & Ben watch :-)

Since they're on big springs, to be ridden, they have to be bolted to a concrete base.  It was a process, digging the holes, pouring the concrete, waiting for it to cure etc.  Ben was pretty impatient with the process - at least until the day Papa told him he'd be riding!

Ben riding!

Ben had the first, of what would be many rides on the ponies!  Each of the Grandchildren took a ride or two, or three over the years!  The trees were so large, you couldn't see the ponies, until you were in the gate.

4-11-04 Papa with our second Grandson - Mason!

Of course, the ponies had to come with us.  Then, they sat for the over three-years - we've been here.  I was on the deck one evening & decided the marsh would be the perfect place for them.  Butch took on the task.  As usual, I'd forgotten all the work involved!

4/20/20 Ponies going upright!

Butch dug holes, poured concrete & drilled holes in block for the bolts last weekend.  Tonight - he pulled the forms & sat the seahorse & the red pony upright on their springs!

Guess who got the first ride?!

I really enjoy seeing them from the deck.  The memory of Dad driving out to WA from CO, opening the trunk of his Park Avenue & laughing at the surprise on my face, is one I love being reminded of!

Can you find them?

They look a little small, way out there, but they love having their own pasture!  Now, when Ben, Mason & the rest of the Grand-kids visit, maybe I can get new riding photos!  :-)  Right!  :-)

Bikin' the Wabash ~

After last Thursday's snow storm, the weather quickly tuned back to spring!  The weekend was just incredible - a solid ten - in my book anyway!

Butch agreed to tackle a couple special projects for me.  The first, was to plant several 4x4 posts, for trail signs in the timber.  I first had this idea back when we were laying out trails in our Washington woods.  They help delineate the trails & add to the look of a woodland garden.  I have a couple new ideas for the one's we'll have here.  Butch will make the signs out of cedar, I'll be designing the lettering & painting them.

3-2-2010  Homestead Trails~

I'll post a photo of the second project when it's complete.  It took a trip to Home Depot on Sat. & a wait in the line required now, before you can enter the store.  It was also more work than I'd remembered!  Of course Grandson Ben was just a little tike last time Butch did this job.

It was late afternoon on Sun. before Butch loaded our bikes & we left for the Mineola trailhead of the Wabash Trace.

Bridge over Keg Creek~

The first & only time I'd been on this section of the trail, toward Council Bluff's from Mineola, was when Farah & I did it in February of 2017.  We had to squeeze the Bronco in between two cars, the trail parking lot was full to overflowing!  Everyone with the same idea.

The bridge~

This bridge had given both Farah & I a pause - the decking looked almost like metal & it made a much different sound than I'd expected.  I was glad Farah didn't have shoes!  On the bikes though - no problem.

Butch at Cowboy Pass!

We soon figured out it doesn't make any difference which way you leave from Mineola, both are uphill!  This direction, I think it's probably mostly an uphill grade all the way to Council Bluffs.  Since Farah & I were on the horse trail up on the hillsides, I didn't pay any attention.  I'm going to try it as my next solo excursion.

As we come to Margaritaville~ 

After four-miles, we arrived at Margaritaville.  There were a few changes here since the last time Farah & I had stopped for our lunch before returning back to Council Bluffs.  From this point on the six-miles to CB is open to horses.

The hitching post~

The hitching post is now used to chain up garbage cans...  It would not be available for horsemen to use & I plan to ask why?!

Speedy poses~

There was also a new statue - a tribute to someone who does a lot of barbequing for the bike riders I guess...  A nice swing had been added, up on the hillside, facing the sun.  Butch & I sat for a while, enjoying the late afternoon, before turning back.

 I knew Butch would enjoy the return trip more than he had  the way out!  It was all a downhill grade!  I tried doing a one-handed video & it looks like we're speeding right along!  (I don't know what's up with the quality from YouTube.)  You can just hear an annoying squeak I'm going to figure out!  Now, I understand the need for even more gears.  I was in seventh & going too fast to peddle.  But, it's not like I'd use those gears very often.

Coming back to the Mineola Trailhead~

This was the first time we'd run into so many riders, but even then, it wasn't anywhere near crowded.  Most were polite.  Butch completed the eight miles in good form, even after not riding for months!

Winter in April!

Wednesday, when I was out riding Speedy, I honestly did not believe the weather report!  Snow?!  Inches of Snow?!  With the sun in my face & birds singing, I couldn't imagine white stuff on the way!

By yesterday morning though - it was obvious a big change was in the wind!  It was cold!  We'd been cold, but this was pretty brutal after all our warm summer like days!

Late afternoon - it hit.  This is the video I posted to Facebook~

I think it was prettier in still shots~

Bird feeder under snow~

I did get the bird feeder filled before the snow hit, but my fingers were frozen!  I didn't want our cardinals to go hungry!

The Cabin~

 It was absolutely stunningly beautiful!  Only our second real storm of winter!  But, yes, the calendar does say it's spring!  The flakes were huge, swirling through the air & landing soft as cotton.

Backyard~

The wheelbarrow was still sitting behind the swing, where I'd left it.  My daffodils were buried in the snow.  After night time lows in the mid-20's most of last week - the damage has been done.  The poor hosta's that had opened leaves, are now wilted.  The bleeding hearts are burned & have fallen over...  Buds on some of the flowering bushes were burned too...  It will be interesting to see how the plants recover from this.

This morning though - it was - if possible even more stunning!  The sunshine blazing on all the white snow & temperatures moving right up from the mid-30's.  Before leaving for bible study, I put on my boots & decided to take a short walk in the timber.

A blogger friend has done a few video's of her new lot acquisition, so I thought I'd do a winter video of ours!  We really didn't have this much snow all winter & I'm not complaining.

I have been wanting moisture though - to settle all the seeds I planted last weekend.  This snow should do the trick!  Soon, maybe...  I'll be able to do a spring video for real!  :-)

Speedy's First LD~

(LD is short for Limited Distance - an equestrian endurance term for any ride of 25-35 miles.)
After days of what felt like frigid cold, today was supposed to be the warmest of the week, without much wind.  Perfect for my first trail ride on Speedy!

Ready to leave the Mineola Trail-head~

The high temperature of the day was to be maybe 50, mid to late afternoon.  Now I know about how long it takes me to cover distance, I decided to get on the trail by 2 p.m.  I had four-miles to travel to Silver City.  About 1/2 of it up & the second half a down grade.  Butch & I had done this section last year.

To the concrete, almost to Silver City~

I was so impressed with Speedy!  A learning experience, figuring out what gears to use & not stopping when I was in 7th!  Whatever was easier on my knees is what worked.  The downhill grade was fun & we made it up to 16.5!  :-)

Entering Silver City

Speedy had a couple annoying small rattles.  I got off a couple times to see if I could stop them.  We picked up one stick in the front spokes, making enough racket to start a far off dog barking.

No more large gathering of bike riders!

I made a short stop here, just to see what the sign said.  After the group Butch & I saw here a couple weekends ago, I wasn't surprised.

Speedy wanted a photo here too!  :-)

Next, the eight-mile stretch to Malvern.  We were making great time - there wasn't much wind!  I heard a familiar sound just in time to see a pheasant take to the air!  At the bridge over the pretty creek, a Great Blue Heron took flight!  He was too quick for me to catch his photo.

Better view of all the rail cars~

I want to ask our DNR representative what the rail car thing is all about.  Erosion control I'm sure will be the answer, but what a ugly way to do it.  Cheap for the rail companies though.

Concrete, close to Malvern~

The next concrete we came to, I knew we were getting close to Malvern!  Butch was expecting us.  My original plan was to stay there until he got off work & hitch a ride back to Minneola.  But, after a sort rest stop, I decided to ride Speedy at least as far back as Silver City.

Leaving Butch's shop at 3:50 p.m.- Agriland!

We made a plan!  I told Butch it would take me about an hour or so - to get back to Silver City.  If I wasn't there when he arrived, he should go on to Mineola & meet me for take out from Tobey Jacks!

The return, back at the Trestle over Silver Creek~

I stopped for a short break just before the trestle.  My right knee wasn't too happy, I tried to stretch it out a little.  Shortly after we'd crossed this bridge, we came to a small gravel road crossing, where a car was parked off to the side.  Two ladies were standing about 500 ft. from the vehicle, looking down the trail.  One was ever so pregnant!  The older of the two women waved me down as I rode up & said; "Will you please find the kids, on down the trail & tell them to come back!  Their mother is in labor!"  Wow! Far ahead, I could just see two kids!  As I closed the gap - they saw me - but continued running down the trail - away from their mother!  I caught up to them & told them to head back!  They yelled;  "Can you tell Bella?"  I replied I sure could, when I found her!  I kept up my speed & in another mile, saw a girl on a bike!  I asked;  "Are you Bella?"  She replied in the affirmative & I sent her on her way back!  My excitement for the day :-)

Interesting bridge support?

I have to wonder at the history of this particular bridge?  Where horsemen ever allowed on this section of the trail?  Or were they just being hopeful they would be?  I kept moving, not wanting to be late getting into Silver City, I was looking forward to being picked up!

5:03 - Waiting for our ride?

I noticed my Garmin had stopped buzzing off the miles?  When I checked, it was only showing 17.4 miles & by that time I'd gone just over twenty!  It displayed my time on the trail, but nothing else :-(  I've had it for so very many years & had sent it in for repairs probably at least 7-years ago.  They no longer make the Forerunner 310 XT.  It ties in with Farah's heart monitor, so I sure hope it can be fixed!

I'd taken just over an hour to go the eight miles from Butch's shop.  I expected him somewhere between 5 & 5:30 at the latest.  It was getting cold by now!  I only had a thermal top & polar fleece vest.  By 5:35, still no husband :-(  What to do?  Well, buck up & ride - that's what!  Four-miles more & I'd be back at the Bronco in Mineola.  I knew the first two would be uphill & didn't look forward to that!  Speedy though - with all those gears really helped!  Once I hit the crest & started the downhill, we we flying!

Back at Mineola!  25-miles!

We crossed the last bridge, boards rattling with our speed.  On the far side of the paved road - there Butch was!  Well!!!  He'd made a stop/go at Silver City, just before 5!  Why didn't you wait a few minutes - I asked him?!  "Didn't you know it would take me an hour?!"  He explained he thought I'd be traveling faster with Speedy!  :-)  Right!  Not that much faster after going that far!

We walked back to the trucks.  It was a beautiful evening - I forgave him :-)  Once at Tobey Jacks, we picked up pork loin sandwiches, on toasted buns, with a few famous onion rings thrown in!  We sat at a picnic tables near the overflow parking, still in the sun.  I inhaled dinner while we watched the sun drop to the horizon.  Beautiful end to a great ride!