Here Comes the Sun!

We drove away from yesterday's pouring rain.  Greenfield was overcast, but dry!  Shops were open & I'd had my eye on beautiful butterfly!  He came home with us :-)

Our bunny is to the left in the photo~

Today started gray & drizzly - but soon the sun appeared & the day turned dazzling!  Things were wet enough outside - we used it as an excuse to leave yard-work behind. 

Butch, ready to ride~

Lake Manawa was our destination.  Smooth trails & some beautiful scenery.  Butch is cruising right along on Silver now.  We decided to forgo helmets in favor of comfort.

Under the Eastern Cottonwoods~

Riding along the edge of the golf course, you can't help but be impressed with the size of these great old Cottonwoods.  Now we know the trail, we didn't miss any turns & still took our route through what was an old campground of sorts.  It's been sold & I can imagine it would be the perfect place for a nice condo development.

The Lake~

The water of the lake was choppy with all the wind.  Lots of people were out, both on the water & sitting on the shore.  We passed several families out on the trail.  The old Beatles song came to mind as I was peddling behind Butch.

Canadian Geese families too!

We stopped on the levy, all the little goslings had been on shore with their respective parents.  Suddenly, one family decided to enter the water & soon all the others followed.  Such a darling procession!  With good gusts blowing, they took the easy direction, heading downwind.

We finished our nine-mile loop in good time.  I mentioned to Butch we might go visit the new Sugar Makery location in Council Bluffs!  The peach was yummy!  A sweet end to a sunshine day~

The Green Cathedral~

Today was The Day!  I could hardly wait to head to Malvern & get Speedy on the trail.  My goal has been to ride more than 25-miles.  The Wabash from Malvern to Imogene is 13.6 - I planned on doing it round-trip.

Speedy under the Malvern Arch~

The little arch in Malvern was green now, with blooms!  The weather was perfect.  Sunny, low humidity & not a lot of wind.  Starting out - the limbs of the huge trees arching overhead - green leaves so lush & the trail itself - blending into the shadows below - gave me pause.  It was the feeling of entering a great Cathedral.

Over the l o n g - bridge!

I'd done this stretch before.  My plan was to make as good a time as I could on the way out, then take it easy coming back.  I wanted to be back to Agriland by 5 & had left just a few minutes after 1.

Virginia Waterleaf!

It wasn't long though before I was stopping for a photo.  The Virginia Waterleaf was in full bloom!  Banks of blossoms up the sides of the hills, all along the trail~  I couldn't help but think of how each of the wildflowers has it's season, one after the other.  Almost as though planned for our maximum enjoyment.

Tree down!

I almost laughed when 5.5 miles out from Malvern, a tree had blown down over the trail!  This was so common in Western, WA - but the first I've seen here.  Luckily there was just enough room to squeeze under the high end & not get in the mud at the side of the trail.

Blackberry?!

One portion of the trail & only one, had quite a few vines, all in bloom.  It sure looks like blackberry to me.  I'm going to have to do this ride again, just so I can see the fruit to confirm the id.

Arrival - Imogene~

We'd made it to Imogene in 1:35 hours.  Speedy had been moving right along.  In retrospect, I was moving too fast.  I'd made the cardinal Endurance Newby mistake of increasing both speed & distance.  I took a ten-min. break, before turning back.

Rivers, running higher & muddy~

The first gradual climb out from Imogene was a killer.  After the stop, it took a while for my knees to decide they needed to continue.  I got off once & walked up one long grade.  The wind had picked up & was blowing right at me - of course.

Back to the trestle~

I just dug deep & kept on moving.  Forward motion always seems to do the trick!  Once I reached the Trestle, I knew we only had 4.5 miles to go!  Yippee!

Muddy~

I'd taken one electrolyte on my way out, then another before I left Imogene.  Now, I was down to one small drink of water left in my bottle.  I've learned the hard way - to save that last swallow.  I could have taken another electrolyte, but not without water.  Once I get my rack & pack I'll be able to carry an extra bottle.

Coming into Malvern~

There were three men on bikes up ahead.  As I got closer, I could see they were totally blocking the trail on the far side of the road.  They'd seen me approach.  I had to literally ride around them on the grass!  Rude!

Back at Agriland, I didn't see Butch, so rode right into the big shop, around all the equipment & out the far side where the Bronco was parked.  It was like riding on glass - so smooth - after all the miles of limestone.

I'd ridden 27.24 miles in 3:17 hrs. with a moving speed of 8.7 & 833 ft. of elevation gain.  I was born with a yearn for wide-open spaces.  Riding horses all the years I have - filled that need.  The bike is a working substitute.  A way to be out far enough - to hear the music of nature~

Valley View Trail ~

I really wanted to get out!  With all the rain we'd received, I expected the Wabash Trace Limestone trail would be too soft to ride.  Laura was looking forward to riding on a paved trail, so I'd planned an urban ride, to Lake Manawa.

My route on Google Earth~

Once we left the parking area & got over to the trails, the one going north was closed.  The only other option was the Valley View Trail.

Speedy & the Bronco~

The wind was really blowing, right at us.  It was humid & the temperature was up to 80.  Riding through the grounds of the Iowa School for the Deaf - was beautiful.

Beginning of the ride~

In just short of a mile, we had Hwy 92 to cross.  Even with a light - it was interesting to say the least.  Cars turning right in front of us - even when they saw we were crossing.

Train over the road~

Laura had forgotten her water, so we made a convenient stop at Sugar Makery!   No bike rack yet - but it's coming!  While we were inside a big gust of wind blew both bikes down...  Speedy sustained three scratches to the rear fender :-(    (Yes, I'd turned the front tire.)

Speedy at Sugar Makery!

Laura decided to turn back, she'd forgotten a late afternoon appointment.  I wanted to continue on & see what the trail was like.  Going along the edge of the road was no fun at all, but soon the trail veered further off to the side, separate from the roadway.

Speedy decides on an education!

I did learn - the hard way - Townie's do Not Do Hills!  I gave it my best shot, but ended up walking Speedy up the top half of the hill.

Heading back down~

I always enjoy the downhills so much, but here I learned disk brakes would certainly be a strong advantage if one were riding many big hills!

Signage - 3.5 back to where we started~

I stopped at the bridge, as usual to admire the view.  Having the wind at my back - on the downhill portion of the ride was fun.  I cruised right back to the trailhead, a ten-mile round-trip.  Coming in, I watched as other bikes were leaving the limestone section of the Wabash, heading south.  Evidentially the winds had dried it out.

Speedy is a show-off!

Hot, sweaty & tired, I'm looking forward to the quieter realms of the Wabash tomorrow.  The Weatherman is promising us a ten day!  I'm going to stick to my plan to keep Speedy at least into fall & see how much riding I do.  (Today, I crossed over the 200-mile mark since my first ride April first.)  I really don't think I'll need a different bike, since the hills on the Wabash aren't like the one today.  I love the bike for the gradual grades of the Wabash & that's where I'll be spending most of my time anyway~

Our Annual Memorial Day Trip~

This year, we'd made reservations at Hotel Greenfield for Sunday night.  Last week, the Hotel called, they'd had one staff member come down with Covid-19.  That person was self isolating at home.  We didn't see any reason to cancel the reservation.  We were looking forward to having an extra day to spend in my home town.

Butch took Hwy 34 into Creston.  Our first trip in the red truck.  It was a gorgeous afternoon!  The cemetery stands out by the height of it's large grove of ancient Eastern Cedars.  Impossible to find, unless you know it's there.

On the horizon~

 This years weather has been totally different from last.   Much cooler temperatures & more rain.  Everything was green & lush.   The peonies' had buds, but weren't open yet.  The huge lilac - on the other hand - was magnificent.  It smelled like heaven.

Where my maternal Grandparents & Great-Grandparents are buried~

The emerald greens do such a stately job of marking the four corners of our family plot.

The Big Sky~

They continue to survive the mowers, weedwhackers, bitter cold & heat.  Grandma planted the peonies.  The white one Butch & I planted last year survived!  The plastic ring we put around it took a beating, cut clear through in places, but it saved the plant!  We may drive over next week, just so I can see those blooms.

Grove of Eastern Red Cedars~

The circle of cedar trees have been gradually engulfing the oldest of the grave stones.  We had a naturally occurring circle of trees in the Homestead woods, too.  I've always thought of them as special places.

Next, we drove on to Greenfield.  By now, the clouds were rolling in & it was obvious the weather was ready to change.  Here, Butch always places new flags for my Dad & brother.  I was really happy with the grasses I'd found for the vases.  Blowing in the wind, I loved the motion they added.  I think Mom would have liked them.

Where my parents & brother are buried.

It's some what sobering to think most of the family I knew as a child & young adult are now gone.  Great-Grandma used to tell me the story of how her team of horses were spooked on a trip to town, by an automobile!  The impressions they made on my life are everlasting...

My paternal Grandparents & Great-Grandmother~ 

 This is now the second year that the flags were not flying.  There are so many - with no facility large enough to dry them all - if they were to get wet in the rain.  I'm thankful our first year here - Butch & I were able to see the entire display.

I was tired by the time we arrived at the Hotel to check-in.  We were welcomed by our first names &  told we were the only guests.  Small town hospitality - to keep the hotel open for us.  We were filled in with the recent happenings in town & sent to two places I miss not having in Glenwood.

"Red" in front of the Hotel~

The clouds were almost black & the rain had just started.  At the Grand Theater, we picked up two bags of the freshest, best tasting kettle corn ever!  Right out of the pot!  Even with the theater closed for movies, the owner came up with the idea of supplying fresh popcorn!

Me at the Grand, with a Big Bag of Popcorn!

Our next stop, a few blocks away - a VIDEO store!  WoW!  We could hardly believe our luck!  Hundreds of movies, all in alphabetical order.  With the lousy internet service most of Iowa suffers, it's almost impossible to watch a movie.

Butch with our DVD's!

The owner is retired, but loves movies & provides a great service to her community!   Back at the hotel, goodies in hand, we settled in for a rare movie night!

The Adair County Courthouse~

We woke to a spectacular morning!  Such a shame the weatherman had forecast rain.  The American Legion as so much work to do, putting all the flags up & has to rely on the weather service to make the call.

I may be bias, but I think this is one of the most beautiful Courthouses in the state, maybe even in the entire Midwest.  Impeccably maintained, as is the entire town square.

The Farm~

We left town & drove out to the "farm".  The Century Farm owned for so many years by my Grandparents.  The roads in the area are now under heavy use...  Wind turbines are being installed almost everywhere we looked :-(  Personally - it makes me heartsick.  To see the wide-open views I've admired since childhood destroyed by the big white monsters.  Of course, as with so many things - money talks.  Landowners are getting handsomely rewarded by Mid-American Energy.

My spirits were lifted when we arrived in Creston, by the beautiful scene below!  What a magnificent way to commemorate Memorial Day~

Creston Fire~

We drove through a couple big rain storms, on our return west.  We were both looking forward to picking Nika up.  She'd spent the night with our friend Doris.  Doris & Nika took a liking to each other last year, when I'd walk Nika over for an afternoon visit.  (Doris had lost her long-time companion.)  With a big beautiful, well fenced back yard - Doris is a "dog person".  When we dropped Nika off, she wasn't in the least disturbed we were leaving.  It was almost like dropping a kid a grandma's - when you know they'll be spoiled rotten!

Nika at the door~

Happy to see us, but really in no hurry to leave.  Plenty of cookies - I'm sure - too.  As a trial-run for when we go to WA this summer - it couldn't have gone better.  I just hope our companion still wants to be our companion by the time we return!

Misty Gray~

Since last weekend & actually most of last week, we've had a string of gray days.  So reminiscent of Western, WA.  With rain again in the forecast, I wanted to get in another longer ride.  I was going to ride with Laura first, but she was delayed.  I decided to ride from Mineola to Silver City & back while I waited.

Toward Silver City~

Speedy has a new shifter & this would be our first time on the trail with it installed.  The original was a twist shifter & my wrist didn't like it.  The new one is a shift type lever & I was excited to try it.  Butch tried to do the install, but the cable that came with it was 5" too short.  Tue. morning we made a trip back to Xtreme Wheels for cable.

Anise Root~

Once I was a mile or so out from the Mineola Trail-head, the Anise was in full bloom & just stunning.

Mounds of flowering Anise~

It was chilly, dark clouds came & went.  I had my rain jacket tied to my waist.  Speedy was shifting smoothly & we flew along on the concrete downhill grade into town.

Speedy in Silver City~

I only stayed long enough to stretch my legs, before we turned back.  I'm still trying to find a rear rack for Speedy.  The one I ordered was too small & the one I need is on back order until Sept.  I'm reminded of getting tack squared away for a horse, except Speedy's size is somewhat standard!  No need to have special measurements for a custom saddle!  :-)  (I do think it's too funny that bike riders call the seat a saddle!)  I kept Sunny's saddle & am glad I did.  It's about broken in for me now.  I've ordered grips matching it - I let them go with Sunny & wish I hadn't.  They too are backordered.

Speedy's front plate~

Electra was purchased by Trek Bike & anything Electra - is on backorder.  I'm Sure Speedy will be one of the last;  Made in the USA, which was one of reasons Butch & I decided on the Electras...

The road Farah & I came in on~

I recognized the road Farah & I took, over to the trail from the farm.  I kind of had an eye open for Laura.  I'd told her I'd be doing the round-trip to Silver City & though she might head out my direction for a meet-up on the trail.

Returning to Mineola~

The uphill grades are almost worth the downhill flying time :-)  The other thing I like about the new shifter, I can easily see what gear I'm in.  After all the riding - I can pretty much tell now.

We find Laura!  Enjoying one of the day's rare sunbreaks!

Here she was!  Back at the trail-head!  Her new bike sporting new fenders & a new seat!  She chose the way to Margaritaville - away we went!  With the handlebars raised etc., Laura was riding like a pro.  She had already ridden a mile before I'd arrived, we added a few more to that before turning back.  There were a few tiny raindrops that fell, but I love & appreciate the unaccustomed coolness.

Countryside~

Once back, we struggled to get Laura's bike loaded into her car.  With the handlebars set higher, it was a tight squeeze.

With Laura on her way home, Speedy & I still had a little time & decided to go on up to Margaritaville.  I know the hot, humid days are coming & feel like I have to take advantage of these wonderful cool ones.

Speedy at Margaritaville~

There were a couple men drinking beers when I arrived, I made the stop a short one.  One was riding an electric bike.  I really enjoyed the four-miles of downhill back to Mineola.

3-miles to Tobey Jacks!

Just over a mile out, I noticed the sign for Tobey Jacks!  Certainly on my list of destinations.  I'd called Butch & he planned to meet me for dinner.

Keg Creek~

We'd really made good time, arriving back early enough, I had time to play with our new bike rack & get Speedy loaded.  It was so much easier than our old one, where I had to lift the bike high in the air to get it hung.

Coming back to the Mineola Trailhead~

When Butch pulled in, he checked my work & I'd done it all right!  Speedy wasn't falling off anytime soon :-)  All together in the three rides, we'd covered 20-miles.  Here I am, again counting miles!  My idea is to get fit enough to ride 25 or so with relative ease.  I do say relative - since at the age I am now - most everything is relative!