Open Trail!

 Another beautiful day, but the chill wind had returned!  Regardless, when I heard the news the trail was open, I asked Butch if he'd mind making the drive to Silver City.

Barren fields~

Probably not one of my better ideas - the wind was stronger by the time we left the parking at Happy Trails & seemed a little colder too.  It didn't us long to realize the trail surface was still very soft in places.  Soft enough to make peddling a chore.

Butch & the bikes~

We were a couple miles out when I asked Butch if he wanted to turn around.  I wouldn't have minded in the least!  :-)  But no - he kept on & soon we saw Mari Jo coming back from the south.  She was bundled up & did say the trail continued to have soft areas most of the way.

Beaver dam~

I was happy to see the Beavers had rebuilt their dam, better than ever & holding the little spring moisture we've received.  It felt so nice to be out in the country again!  The air was so fresh & clean.

On the Trestle!

We made our goal & arrived at the trestle - more than ready for a rest break!  The smooth trails of Lake Manawa are a piece of cake when compaired to the limestone - when it's less than hard.  It was obvious many riders had ignored the condition of the surface - making deep groves that had hardened as things dried out.  Those ruts make it difficult riding for everyone else.  They take weeks & sometimes months to smooth out.

Silver Creek~

Silver Creek was still running low...  The lowest I can remember seeing it for the time of year.  It seems we're back in a pattern now of rain forecast - but then not materializing.  I hope that changes before the heat of summer arrives!

A spot of GREEN!

On our way back, we were riding into the wind, so we ended up getting a good workout!  Returning to Silver City, Butch loaded the bikes for the trip home.  After dropping off the bikes, we left for Menards & came home with a new portable shed for my potting supplies!  

Butch hadn't anticipated a lengthened time at home, but dispatching seems to have slowed.  It gave us time to complete a couple short projects, including getting my shed built!  It's much nicer to have him home when waiting, rather than sitting out at a truck stop somewhere.  His last day is always the hardest for me though - knowing he'll be leaving soon...

With warmer temperatures around the corner, my tulips have finally broken ground!  I'll be happy to again be spending the majority of my day's outside!