September on the Wabash~

We're now into the weather roller coaster time of year.  After a scorching hot weekend, today we enjoyed temps in the mid-80's & blissfully lower humidity!  Mari Jo had her shop open over the long holiday weekend, so the closed sign went up today!

Breezy at Happy Trails~

Neither of us had ridden for over a week & not together for a few more.  It was fun to be back out on the trail again & so beautiful.  We'd just entered the canopy of the trees when a Monarch butterfly flew right in front of us!  He stayed either ahead or to our side, for quite a way.  A little further - we had several in the air around us!  What a wonderful feeling to be accompanied by such ethereal friends.  

Dead tree down~

Not far south, this dead tree had come down.  Mari Jo looked to possibly move it father from the trail, but it was too heavy for us both.  It was easy enough to get around & the orange ribbon gave a heads up to anyone moving fast.  (By our return trip, it had been cut up & moved to the side.)

Mari Jo kept me so busy peddling, I didn't take many photos!  :-)

The bikes take a break in the shade~

Once in Malvern, we did take a short break before heading back.  The wind was out of the north, so the return trip took a little more effort.  Mari Jo, as usual, made it look way too easy.  My leg continues to improve, but still doesn't have the strength or flexibility it did a year ago...

Monarch, in the Marsh, last Sept.

The Monarch's are in the middle of their fall migration to Mexico.  One of natures wonders - such seemingly frail creatures can make such an arduous journey.  If you read the above link, their destination's habitat is dwindling year by year.  Several local groups are involved in supporting the migration as they travel through Iowa.  Milkweed balls are tossed by bike riders all over the state.  Most of our local trails & roads have milkweed growing along the sides.

Riding with so many in the air around us, is an experience I won't soon forget.  I hope they continue to survive in spite of the challenges.  I'm looking forward to my first fall rides on the trail!