Fifty-mile Week~

 I didn't intent to ride as often, but with the weather staying moderate & my mowing slowing down a bit, I enjoyed the opportunity to get in three rides.  I considered a different part of the trail, but I like this one so much.

South on the Wabash~

I was peddling along thinking about how each visit I see new things, or something different, when my eye caught sight of the feather below!

My Find!  Yet to be identified~

Laying right in the middle of the trail, it couldn't have been there long, as there were more riders out today.  It's nine inches long & similiar to the one I found in our woods just a week ago.

Found last week~

I've sent both photos to our local naturalist at Pony Creek, to see if she can identify them.  The one above is six-inches long.  Exciting stuff - if you're me :-)  I've always considered them very good luck.

( Years ago, I came home from my last day as a Household Manger for my friends in Lake Stevens after over eight-years.  I was so sad that my daily time with their son Lee was at end.  (His sister had gone off to college.) He'd managed to grow up when I wasn't looking!  I pulled up to the gate at the Homestead, stepped out of the Bronco & found a beautiful Hawk feather right at my feet.  I have it attached to the Indian Mandala Butch & I bought years ago from a member of the Stillaquamish tribe.)

Shade on the trestle~

It really was a another beautiful day, but I'd forgotten my electrolytes.  I decided to ride into town to the pharmacy & pick something up before turning back.  All they had was one large  box of EmergenC.  It was fun fitting it into my bike pack.  I'd brought an extra bottle of water, so it worked!

New art installation~

I'd seen new poles installed along the side of the trail, as I was riding past on Monday.  I thought maybe Heartland Coop was putting up a fence?  But no, now I understand this is the newest Malvern art installation.  It looks like left over steel scrap, but it does screen the view of the anhyrous tanks.

Entering the park, Malvern

I LOVE the view entering the park from off the trail!  The curving side walks add so much shape to the landscape.  You can see the covered picnic area where I take my break in the background.

Creeks running low~

I was surprised at how low the creeks are, but shouldn't be.  We're still very low on rainfall & were lucky to get the little bit we did last week.

Just a little way to go!

Heading back, I made good time & liked the lift the electrolyte gave me, my shirt was soaked.  I got home & downloaded my stats, realizing then I'd breached the 50-mile mark.  If getting to  the trail didn't involve a 24-mile round-trip - I'd be out there more often - on Cooler days!  

Lake Manawa ~

 I'm enjoying two-cooler, more seasonal days the end of July!  Starting Monday, we're supposed to get hot, hotter & hotter still throughout the upcoming week.  At least four days with temperatures reaching or exceding the triple digits.

 Wabash northern trailhead~

I decided to drive up to Lake Manawa.  I hadn't ridden there since May 22nd on a wonderful 60+ degree spring day.  Today, we were in the low 80's with low humidity.  There was just a light breeze at home, but once I got out on the trail acorss the valley, the wind was really blasting.  I'm starting to think this area gets more wind than we do.

"Views"  Mosquito Creek, I-29 & Mid-American Coal Plant in the background~

Even without much traffic on I-29, there was still noise.  The first part of the ride, going along side some major streets is noisy.  I forget how much so when I haven't been there in a while.

Tip-toe through the posion ivy!

I stopped in the shade of a huge Cottonwood, at the edge of the old campground to talk to Butch.  I looked down to see pretty new green shoots everywhere!  :-)    

The old campground~

Such a beautiful place, someday it will probably be covered with high rise condo's - most of which would have amazing views of the lake.  There were two barrels holding up a new "No Tresspassing" sign as I came out to the north.  I ride in from the west, around a gate.  The landowner must have had issues, to warrent the new sign.

Entering the Park~

After the long straight stretch along Indian Creek, I cross the bridge & turn into the park!  My favorite section.  

New Campground~

The new campground was probably 2/3rds full!  No wonder with summer in full swing & a park so close to the Omaha metro area.  It would be interesting to go through & see how many NE plates there are.  Maybe less than I think.

Omaha in the distance~

I took my break at the far picinc area.  It was just so plesant to sit out in the sun, listen to the water & watch the clouds crossing over the lake.  I could have spent the afternoon.  

Cottonwood & grasses~

The sunlight was so beautiful today & the air very clear.  Maybe the lower humidity helped.  On days with high humidity I think I can see a haze in the air.  

Wildflowers~

I haven't identified the flowers above yet, but I saw my first Monarch of the year!  Finishing my circut of the lake, I rode right into a strong north wind on the way back to the parking lot.

Once home, I was walking over to the cabin when a Swallowtail flew right in front of me, to land in the Echinacea!  Both in the same day!  The birds, bees & butterflies love it when I turn the sprinkler on.  I'm trying to do the minimum, but the ground is so dry it's cracking.  

With August coming in HOT, I can only hope it will go out on a cooler note!

Must be Raindrops ~

 A cloudy, cooler day!  I'd been hopeful for a while July would ease off just a bit & provide us with a day of rain.  The weatherman dissapointed me when at noon, our chance of rain had dwindled to none.  Dissapointed on one hand, but pleased on the other, a perfect day to get out for a bike ride.

Mari Jo was just coming off the trail when I arrived.  I'd planned to go to Council Bluffs, until I'd heard the rain wouldn't happen.  My change in plans nixed our ride together.

Smokey & tall corn!

Mid-70's felt almost cool after all the days of heat.  The humidity was high enough to keep me sweating - but there was also just a slight breeze.  The corn is getting so tall now, it's blocking our views!  :-)

The wild grape starting to climb up the bridge rails~

I stopped on this bridge, the Mulberry tree beside it has branches hanging right within reach, full of ripe berries.  It seems they've been ripe for most of the month, even after the big wind that took so many off the trees.

Mulberries!

I just love getting out on these rare cloudy days!  Such a nice break from our usual summertime blazing sunshine.

Smokey & the Walnuts

There are at least three areas of the trail where the Walnut trees dominate.  Two large ones were blown down this last time - the first time I've seen a Walnut go down.  I rode in to the Depot, then made a big square loop through part of the lower residential area of Malvern, before going back to the park.

Malvern Park pond~

It's seldom we have a still day.  As you can tell from the water, it was very quiet & what little breeze there had been when I started out, had died.  Just as I was leaving, I felt a few raindrops!  With 8-miles ahead of me, I decided I'd better make time or risk getting wet!  

Cottonwood Grove~

This grove of Cottonwoods is so pretty, they're big too, so tall the lens distorts them.  I'd only seen a lady pushing a baby stroller on my way south.  She'd parked off one of the gravel roads & I'd wondered what was making the marks on the limestone I'd seen.  On the way back, only two other people on bikes.  At one point a squirrel rain across in front of me, carring a baby in her mouth!  The first time I've seen that!

Ready to load~

With The Hood now closed for good, there's no longer a restaurant in town.  It was a draw to the many bicyclist who use the trail, but not enough to keep it open & so far no one is interested in purchasing the business...  

I'm peddling right along on this section of trail now with my speed staying over 10 mph.  Time to check out a more difficult section before the heat returns.

I stopped at the store on my way home.  The rain finally came just as I was leaving!  By the time I'd driven the few short blocks to home, it had quit...  We're several inches below normal for this time of year & another streak of possibly triple digit heat is due for next week...  

Seeking Shade ~

 We're now full on into the hot summer months.  I'm a weather watcher - especially this time of year when we'll be lucky to get maybe one or two days cool enough I want to ride.  The heat & humidity bring out the biting flies, sometimes attacking even through my spray of Deep Woods Off.

A Sea of Soy~

Mari Jo had ridden on Monday in the heat.  I didn't want to be a total whimp & today was to be the most decent before a  run of hot days going up into the triple digits.  With a temperature bordering 90, at least the humidity was tolerable.

Under the Walnuts~

The sun was so strong & it wasn't a mile, as the sweat started dripping down into my eyes, I realized I'd forgotten my visor.  The poor thing is so worn out after so many years, I'd taken it in the office to try to find a replacement on-line.  It's a Sunbelt & the most comfortable ever.   The problem is - no one has any...  I finally found one that looked very close, so I ordered it & we'll see when it comes. 

Cooking hot on the Trestle~

I could feel the sun burning right through the sunscreen on my arms.  I thought about wetting down my bandana & wearing it, but it was just too heavy.  The coolness wouldn't last long anyway.  Peddling past the park I stopped at the arch in Malvern, again happy to find shade!

Smokey under the arch~

I haven't ridden any further south for a long time.  With Butch gone, I can't do the point-to-point rides where he would pick me up at the far end.  It seems strange we're coming up on a year since he was laid-off at Agriland.  Little did we expect he'd be driving a semi OTR!  

Smokey & the Malvern Bike!

I decided to ride a little further & check out the trail going on south from Malvern to Imogene.  The first time I rode this section was in April of 2020.  I'd like to do it again, but it's a tough 14-mile section & the round-trip is one I'll save for a cooler day!  On the way, was the big bike art installation.  The original town sign is a recent addition.  I think Smokey looks so sporting!  

Cool Blues~

Again, in July the stinging nettles are so showy & I love seeing the last of the color for the season.  Once I'd reached the first bridge, I turned back & went to the park for my rest break.  There's usually a breeze.  The leaves of the cottonwoods were rustling as I rode under them.

My round-trip - 17.69 miles~

With all the trees that have gone down over the past few years, there's now more direct sun than ever on this stretch of trail.  It's the shade that draws riders in the summer months.  Returning to Happy Trails - I was more than happy to go inside & cool off!

Butch called when I returned home, he was just leaving St. Joseph, MO.  I told him he should come up & spend the night at home!  He agreed, since he'll be crossing over to the west again with plenty of time to make his destination.  He was passing the athletic field when a practice was letting out.  The kids made motions for him to blow his horn, he had to oblige!  An unexpected but incredibly wonderful evening home!  

July - Having Fun Yet?

 It's July & it's been hot!  From what the weatherman forecasts, it will continue to be hot & hotter still!  Today, we were told would be the last in the mid-80's with lower humidity.  A day I could actually enjoy a long ride.  In Silver City, I unloaded Smokey & said "Hi" to Mari Jo, before going out on the trail.

Shade!

The trail surface was rock hard, but with very little dust, since we did get a small rain storm a day ago.  I started out thinking I'd just ride to the Trestle.  With Butch coming home for a few days & the hot weather, it had been two-weeks since my last ride.  I'd managed four-rides in June, but I doubt July will be so accomodating...

Walnuts overhead~

The canopy of the trail is fully leafed out now & the Walnuts are my favorite!  It's a surreal feel to be engulfed in all the green.  Walnuts are falling to the trail surface too, but thankfully I don't think we'll see the bumper crop we had last season!

At the Trestle~

At the Trestle, I felt really good so decided to go ahead & ride to Malvern.  This decision commits me to the 17-mile ride, with four more miles to Malvern & then the eight-mile return.  The day was heating up, but a nice breeze helped.

Beautiful July blues~

The only blooming plant so far this month along the trail - the blue of the Nettles is vivid against all the greens!  Last year, this month I was riding the Trek Verve & struggling to enjoy the ride.  This year, Smokey has made riding so much more enjoyable!

Smokey under hwy 34

I stopped in the tunnel to enjoy the cool shade before continuing on the last couple miles.  I always look forward to reaching the concrete a mile out of town.  

Rest Break at the park~

From the park & can see across the way to Agriland.  Last year, this was the last month Butch worked there & the last time I was able to visit him.  I'm glad the covered picnic area is here at the park, but I miss those visist with my husband & the cold Coke too!

On the way back to Silver City~

Turning back north, I almost collided with a Squirrel!  He couldn't decide which way to go & by the time he did - I just missed him!  Too funny that they ususally wait until the last minute to avoid the bike!  I only saw one other rider on the trail either way.

Back at Silver City, I cooled off in Mari Jo's shop before heading home.  Our forecast into fall is for more hot, dry weather.  I do work outside mowing etc. until the humidity skyrockets, then the coolness of the house calls my name!  

Butch & Nika - OTR Update~

 It's been over six-months since Butch left home for driver training in MO.  A month of school, a month of driving with a finisher & three-months driving for CFI.  After a breakdown with Big Red, inconsistent dispatching & a lack of drive miles  - Butch accepted an offer with Blake Scott LLC out of Ogden, UT.

6-10-2022 Ranger comes home for the first time!

Normally without at least a year, usually two,  of OTR experience, companies don't hire drivers.  (Our friend Roxi, recommended Butch.)  Butch flew out to Salt Lake City on the 6th of June to meet the company owner & pick up another truck!  Delayed overnight in Omaha, Butch arrived on the 7th & was back on the road the same day!  He did a run to southern, MO before turning for home to outfit Ranger.

6-13-2022 - 7p.m. Butch & Nika leave~

Home time only lasted a couple days before he was leaving again - this time with Nika as his companion!  With this company, Butch is hauling refigerated trailers.  He will be doing mostly dedicated runs from Idaho to Missouri & return.  He will also get to come home every three-weeks!

Nika enjoying the ride :-)

In June, Butch & Nika came through Nebraska City.  I met them for lunch & combined a shopping trip.  The 29th, they came home for one night.  I was thrilled at the unexpected stop!  On the fourth-of-July, I drove down again to meet for a quick meal as they were going north. 

July fifth, the two of them returned for home time!  Butch picked me up at the house.  We drove to Blue Beacon truck wash in Council Bluffs. This time of year Ranger's front was covered with smashed bugs.  Butch said at the truck stops, the birds come from everywhere to snack on all the bugs on the grills. 

Nika  ~

Butch really enjoys driving the Freightliner!  There's more room in the sleeper, better seats, a bigger engine & smoother ride.  Ranger doesn't have the Blake Scott logo on the doors yet.  There's a temporary sticker Butch put back on after going through the truck wash.

Three days sped by!  He had his usual coffee with friends, we enjoyed some really nice weather & sat out to watch a big thunderstorm roll by.  Butch made a shelf for his microwave & installed the mount for his TV.  We went to see the new Top Gun movie!  

By Saturday morning, Butch & Nika were back on the road.  Butch said Nika kept an eye on him while he was putting the last of his things in the truck.  She enjoyed being home, but didn't want to be left behind!

7-9-2022 Flat on the trailer~

By 3 p.m. Butch called from Elk Point, SD to tell me he had a flat on the trailer.  He passed his first Level Two Inspection, but had to wait two-hours for service truck to arrive & replace the tire.  Better to have discovered it at the Weigh station rather than out on the road.

By late evening, Butch had driven 480-miles in 7.5 hours & was done for the day.  This trip is taking him back to WA, but not close enough to visit the Grandkids.  Maybe one of these days that will happen!

7-10-2022 Nika ready to roll ~

After driving the east coast & southern states, it's been a nice break to be dispatched west.  We keep in touch during the day.  A text when he's leaving, a morning call & another when he's finished his drive & found a place to stop for his rest break.  

7-10-2022 Sunrise, Montana

I keep daily google maps of his routes from one stop to the next.  It's fun for me to follow along in the virtual world :-)   It will be a month this time before they return home again.  

7-11-2022 In line at the weigh station, MT

Butch said Butte has grown & has spread out with new housing under construction.  The mine itself has grown too, since the last time we went through.  

7-11-2011 12:30 p.m. Near Butte, MT

After tomorrow, the heat is going up here in Iowa & the weatherman tells us it will be staying days into the long-range forecast.  Not my favorite month in the mid-west, but I've enough projects saved up to stay busy!

Fourth-of-July!

 Here I am, alone for the first time ever on the Fourth...  After all the years of kids, grandkids, horses etc. it seems a bit strange not to at least have Butch home!  But - the good news?  He will be here in a couple days!

In the meantime - I couldn't help but take a look back.  It was July 2007 & our oldest Grandson Ben was quite a horseman!  At least when it came to his very favorite mare - Jasrada!  They'd already had a couple years of riding in the Arlington, WA Santa Parade.  This year we decided they would make their debut in the Lake Stevens Fourth-of-July parade.  Jas would be the "Fireworks Pony"!

Heading to the trailer~

After grooming his mare, he led her down to the horse trailer.

In the trailer~

Jas absoutely adored Ben & would do anything for him!  She'd been taking him on rides since he was a baby.

Jas gets to graze at the parade staging area~

Ben was experienced by this time in parade riding.  He also always enjoyed going for a good trot!

Jas was known for her beauty & perfect tail carriage~

It didn't take long to get Jas ready.  What did take forever, was the wait to move into position & out onto the street.  This year, the parade committee had decided the horses would bring up the end of the parade.  It was a huge parade, so we had a very long wait.

Ben, Jas & Butch

Finally though, we were on the move & I was too busy to get any more photos.  Ben put on his best parade smile!  Jas was busy doing her airs-above-the-ground trot!  They looked so cute!  Ben was super happy when he & Jas were awarded the first place trophy in the Mounted Horses Division!  

Just a month earlier, Jas had another Cowboy, our Grandson Mason in her saddle for the Duvall Days Parade! 

Papa makes sure Mason's helmet is tight!  Granddaughter Cassidy in the pink hat!  

Mason had told his classmates he'd be riding a horse in the parade, but no one thought it could be true.  Even his teacher was doubtful.  It hurt Mason's feelings that no one believed him...

Mason & Cassidy with Jas~

 Jas for whatever reason, maybe the new venue, was as high as a kite!  Prancing & dancing & keeping me busy - while Courtney did her best to keep Mason balanced in the saddle!  He wasn't in the least concerned!    The parade staff decided Mason & Jas would lead the parade, right behind the car with the local dignitaries.  

Mason waving to the crowd!

Behind us though - was the marching band!  The sound of the drums did nothing to calm Jas!  Courtney kept saying;  "Mom!  Can you slow her down?!"  I couldn't!  Mason kept up his parade wave all the way through town!  His arm dropped a little lower though by the end of the ride.  He was one tired boy, but not too tired for ice cream!

The following Monday, Mason was the star of his school!  All the non-believers had seen him in the parade!  The school principal even made an announcement over the PA system to congratulate Mason on his ride!  :-)

We miss those days!  Gone by way too fast!