A Perfect Spring Ride ~

 Butch arrived in town mid-day yesterday.  He picked me up on his way by & we spent the afternoon getting the trailer washed out at Blue Beacon in Council Bluffs.  The line was long as usual.  The groves in the floor were full of small potatoes from CO.  Cleaning those out cost an extra $20.  We thought the price was pretty reasonable considering! Traveler had a bath too!  

Slighty bruised potatoes anyone?  

Butch didn't know he'd be coming home until yesterday morning - when he was ready to leave Topeka.  After seven-weeks on-the-road, he had laundry & supplies to restock.  This morning he visited Brianna at the Hair Station in Tabor for a overdue haircut & beard trim!  After lunch, he installed the rear rack on his bike, loaded both bikes onto the Explorer & we were on our way to the park!  It was truly the most perfect day we've had this year-to-date!  Such a gift to be able to enjoy it together!

Butch & the bikes~

The park was busier than I'd seen it in quite a while.  Everyone wanted to take advantage of the sunshine, before the forecast drop in temperatures & rain/snow due for tomorrow.  One cyclist who passed us commented on how wonderful the warm sunshine felt!  Here, a lack of sun seems to be noticed so much more than it was in WA.  We're spoiled in so many ways!

Lake Manawa looking north toward Council Bluffs~

There was some haze in the air.  The only wind was intermittent & not as cold as it has been.  We took the trail out to the picnic area & sat on the bench for quite a while.  I'd stashed a couple fresh oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies in my bag.

Bandit & Smokey at the picnic area~

Every time we ride these bikes, we're so happy we found them.  The level of comfort & ease of riding is great.  I was beginning to think comfortable bikes were a thing of the past.  The Cannondale's proved me wrong.  If Butch can get out of the truck, get on his bike & easily ride ten-miles, it says a lot.

Connie & Smokey, Indian Creek Bridge~

There was a motorized vehicle using the shoulder of the Indian Creek trail.  Motorized are not allowed, but he didn't seem to care.  Otherwise, just a few people walking & a few bikes.

Mid-America Power Plant

We took a road that turns due south off the southern section of trail.  It ends at the public boat launch on the shore of the Missouri.  There's a great view of the power plant.  We stopped again to walk the shore, before riding back to the Explorer.

The Missouri~

The ride was over almost before we wanted it to be, but I had a alterior motive!  Tastee Treet was - of course - on our way home!  We picked up two smoked beef brisket meals for our dinner & ice cream for the drive home!  Yum!