Green Valley State Park~

It was a gorgeous Sunday in Creston.  The horses I could see from the window in my room were snoozing in the shade.  I took Smokey downstairs in the elevator & loaded the bike.  I drove to Green Valley State Park, just a few miles outside of town.

On our way~

Spending a couple nights in town, gave me time to do some shopping yesterday in Greenfield & decorate my parents & paternal Grandparents graves at the Greenfieild Cemetary.  Today, I'd get in a ride, then go to Nevin & visit the family plot of my maternal Grandparents & Great-Grandparents.  Monday, I planned to attend the services in Greenfield, before making the drive back home.

Gorgeous Trail~

The day was warming quickly, so the spots of shade were welcome!  My right knee is still far from healed - after my fall a week ago.  Riding on the smooth concrete seemed so easy after our usual limestone on the Wabash.

Smokey~

The lake is beautiful whatever the time of day.  I did see many small, dead fish at this end.  I don't know if it was the intentional kill of an invasive species, or something else.  I never did see a Ranger to ask.  I rode all the way around to where the trail stops, at the campground.  

From here, you can access the road & ride back to where I started, but I'm not fond of road riding.  There are two sections where you have to be on the road anyway.  They're well posted with "Share the Road" signage, but on one section, a car stayed behind me, until I turned off on the next section of trail.  There was no traffic, so I've no idea why the driver thought staying behind me was the thing to do.  I kept an eye on my rear view mirror.

Shore by the campground~

The campground was full!  No surprise with the three day holiday.  Lots of people out enjoying such a beautiful weekend.  Only one family riding bikes though.  Otherwise I had the trail to myself.  I turned back at the campground.

Smokey on the spillway~

Going across the spillway - there always seems to be a little breeze, which I took full advantage of!  I'm far from acclimitized to the upcoming heat & humidity of the summer months.  Of course as dry as it's been, the humidty has been low!

Cattails~

The cattails are thriving in several places along the shoreline of the lake.  The water looked so clear & clean in these areas.  The swimming area by the campground was open, though only a few people were in the water.

View from the shore of the wind turbine's~

As I made my way back along the east side - the views have changed over the years, to include the wind turbines that now dot the landscape in this area.  I don't like them, don't like the look & think they're a blight on our otherwise rolling, lush green fields.   

A section of shade~

Back to the trees! I'm so used to the shade of the Wabash, being out in the bright sun was a change!  The temperature was climbing & the breeze had died down.  After seven miles, I was ready to be done. 

The Explorer waits~

There are only a couple short hills & the last brought me back to the Explorer.  I returned to the motel & had my usual lunch - an apple with cheese - before driving over to Nevin.

The little cemetary~

I feel at home in this part of the country.  Grandma used to bring me every summer to pull weeds & clean up around Grandpa's grave.  It was here - she told me I would be "the one" to return to Iowa.  Since our move, I come here at least once a year.  There's a guest book at the gate & the few of us who visit always stop to sign.  An almost forgotten, quiet spot on Iowa's landscape.  

I did miss having Butch & Nika with me ~

Driest May on Record~

 It was no surprise when the weatherman said we're experiencing the driest May on record at .14.  Here at home we've received .84.  Watering in May - is indicitive of what I fear will be a battle to keep plants alive as we enter the summer months.  At one nursery I frequent, the owner mentioned many customers coming in with dead plants.  Most having died from a lack of water over the winter.  I watered right up until the ground froze.  I'm watering now too, trying to rotate through a different section, every other day.  The Iowa Drought map - Mills County - indicates we're currently at the moderate level. 

The Walnuts are leafing out!

Sunday, I felt the mistake of riding on Saturday & spent the entire day taking it easy.  Easy has always been hard for me, but it was the sensible choice.  Monday, my knee was feeling much better. Today, our air quality was in the poor catagory - which doesn't happen often.  Mostly due to the smoke coming down from the wildfires in Alberta. 

Once I enter the trail though & drink in the green - I feel the calming effect of nature - full force.  I enjoy the Walnut trees so much, even if they are messy, they are beautiful.

How to Grow and Care for Spiderwort (thespruce.com)

The little flower above stopped me on the trail.  It was all alone & such a bright color I had to take a picture.  I asked on-line & discovered it's a Spiderwort!  

Quiet at the Trestle~

When I'd left Happy Trails in Silver City, Mari Jo said I would have the trail all to myself.  She was right - not a soul going either direction.  I stopped at the Trestle, it's one of the quietest spots on the trail.  I didn't stay long, I'd been a little late leaving due to the paving project slow down, on my route.

Wetland, after the fire~

It's been so intersting to see how quickly this area has recovered from the fire!  The cattails are already three feet tall!  Of course Malvern was lucky enough to get five inches of rain out of one of the only rains we've had.  They were the town too, unlucky enough to have the softball sized hall hit them not once, but circling back & going down the mainstreet of town twice!  The roofing companies are now booked for months.

Gaston Ave. west~

Gaston Ave. has been undergoing a paving project for the last few weeks.  I'd been detouring out to Hwy 34 to get to Silver City, but today since the lead truck was ready to leave, I followed.  The new paving is so very smooth after years of bouncing along over the concrete.  You can see from the photo, the quality of the air was less than good.

Once in town, I went to the car wash & washed both the Explorer & Smokey.  Both were covered with limestone & gravel dust.  The overspray felt good on a day in the low 80's.  Amazingly, we've had very little humidity, there's not enough moisture in the air!

South from Malvern ~

 Another in a string of wonderful spring days!  As I stepped up onto the Cabin porch carrying two, one gallon jugs of water, I managed to trip.  I didn't do the back of my right knee any good at all. Regardless, I used Smokey to help me hobble over to the Explorer where I loaded the bike.

At the Depot in Malvern

My plan for the afternoon, was to drive to Malvern & ride south from there.  It's 14-miles to Imogene & I knew I wouldn't be doing a round-trip.  I decided to ride out about 6-8 miles, then turn around & return.  I had no idea if I would even be able to pedal, since walking hurt. Pedaling didn't seem to hurt at all & away I went!

Leaving - south

My first time doing this section of trail had been April 30th, 2020.  Butch had been working at Agriland & was picking me up in Imogene.  My second ride on May 29th of the same year - was my only time making a round-trip!  It wasn't just the 28-mile distance, but the hills the miles included that made it one of my most difficult rides.

Open views~

Without a ride back from Imogene, I wanted to see if what I called Cottonwood Cathedral - was within range.  I may work on this distance over the riding months to see if I can eventually do the entire round-trip.  

I discovered I had a problem - the first time I stopped to take a photo.  Stopping did not work very well.  I always use my right leg (less damaged) to put on the ground first.  My knee did Not like the job at all!  I stayed on the brakes & used the handlebars to take my weight.  Even doing so - the knee was very painful & more so every time I stopped.

Stunning spring day!

There were several groups of riders coming toward me - but no one traveling my direction.  More traffic than I'm used to on week days.  Three of the four times I've ridden this section, I was on Speedy my Electra.  Such a great bike, I still miss it!  The last time, May 12th of 2021 was on the Trek Verve 3.  It was a miserable trip ending in my first, one & only ugly dismount at Imogene.

White Cloud Trestle~

Today I was enjoying the ride so much...  I was very mad at myself for the unplanned injury.  I recognized the little cottage through the trees.  Someone told me it's available for an overnight stay to bike riders, but I've not confirmed it.

Little Cottage~

When I came up on the White Cloud Trestle, it was like visiting an old friend.  These bridges are such a historic reminder of the days the train came through.  The river here was low too.  I'd stopped to admire the day & the quiet when I hear a plunk!  I think I'd missed seeing a turtle or frog jump off a log into the water.

W. Nishnabotna River~

Since it was under 4-miles from Malvern, after a short stop, I kept going.  There are more creek crossing on this section of the trail, than the one closer to home.  The loess soils here erode at such an amazing rate.  It's obvious when you observe the depth of the creeks.

Creek from a bridge~

I was at about 5-miles & feeling the constant, but gradual uphill grade, when I came to the narrow bridge.  It too, has a deep ravine with a small creek.  I don't know why this bridge was built or re-built so much narrower than the others.  Maintenance crews certainly can't drive across this one!

Smokey at the narrow bridge~

When the GPS gave me just over six-miles, my knee agreed it was more than time to turn back, at least if I wanted to get back!  It was exasperating to not make it to my goal, but it made sense if I wanted to get back to the Explorer in intact.

Back on the White Cloud trestle~

Starting back - was fun!  I knew I'd been working pretty hard, but the fast downhill was great!  We zoomed along to the trestle.  From there on, the last few miles were more of the gradual ups & downs more common on the trail.

I was so lame when I got off for the last time, I used Smokey to hobble to the car.  At home, the ice went on the knee.  Now, I have to wait to see how long it will take to heal :-(

Smokey - 1,000 + miles!

 As I was leaving home, I decided to try Gaston Road - again in the hope the paving would be done.  It wasn't - but they were letting traffic through on one lane.  I ended up behind a truck & gave him plenty of room, it wasn't long before he was pulling off & I continued on. 

One my way~

It didn't take long to reach Silver City.  Mari Jo was at her shop, we talked for a few minutes before I turned to the trail.

The corn emerges!

It's amazing to me, how fast the corn breaks the surface of the soil & turns the dirt brown fields to pale green!

The Walnuts~

To me, the show stoppers are always the Walnuts!  As the leaves open, they become nature's green lace against the clear blue skies.  The limestone of the trail is dry, very dry. The surface had been graded going toward Silver City from Malvern, but sadly it stopped short of the deep ruts we've had to avoid all spring.  All it takes is one uncaring person to damage the surface when it's wet.

The timber ~

The rivers are the life line of the countryside, as is the trail.  The protected "Wildlife" area runs the length of the trail.  The birds are abundant here - today I was buzzed again by the Cardinals, Oriole's & tiny finches. ( I've repaired my bright orange feeder at home & filled it with grape jelly.  It took a day for them to find it - but now I'm refilling it daily!)

Blooms under the Malvern Arch~

When I reached the Arch, I checked my Garmin to find I'm finally riding the speed I'd accomplished by September last year.  Every year, I wonder if I'll be able to at least maintain or improve!  I like having a goal to work toward.

Rows of corn~

The patterns of the planted rows, give depth to the roll of the land.  Even if Iowa's landscape has been manipulated to maximize farmable acerage, it still retains it's beauty.

When I downloaded my stats - I added the numbers up to find I've ridden Smokey 1,077.50 miles since purchasing the bike in November 2021. I started riding a bike as my major sport in April of 2020 & have ridden 2,211.69 miles to date!  I hope to enjoy many more~

Sunshine, Clouds, Flowers!

 A sunshine, warm & humid day.  With rain expected in the forecast I went out early to finish mowing the marsh.  Mr. Snappling Turtle is back.  I leave a wide area around his water filled hole!  I sprinkled Preen in the two flower beds there & picked my first batch of Rubarb!  Clouds had rolled in by the time I was done cleaning & chopping it.  Four cups total, enough for two batches of Rubarb Crisp!

After lunch - Smokey was loaded & I made the drive to Silver City, the long way.  My usual route is being re-paved & closed to all but local traffic.  At Happy Trails I stopped to see Mari Jo, before getting on the trail.

Anise Root ~

The Anise Root is one of my favorite spring plants.  It has such a nice growth habit & beautiful leaves.  Some are in our woods.  What started out as a small patch grew a little this year.  It's wonderful to see the trail turning green yet again.

Smokey on the trail~

Last Sunday evening, we received just over a half-inch of rain.  It was enough to raise the humidity.  It's been so dry, it was easy to forget about sweating!   I didn't pass anyone on the trail & reached the bridge just as cloud cover moved in.

On the trestle~

The overcast was a relief from the usual bright sunshine.  The temperature dropped & a light breeze was appreciated.  The birds are singing almost non-stop this time of year!  I love listening to them singing to each other.  Some of the fly-by's included an Oriole, Cardinals & Goldfinches.

Level B road crossing~

Mari Jo had warned me about the road crossing.  She said it had been impassable yesterday & I could see why.  Today though - the mud had dried enough I got off Smokey & light footed it across.  I always look forward to the concrete on the far side.

The park~

It was beautiful at the park!  Obviously Malvern had received much more rain than we had.  The pond was almost full!  A sight I hadn't expected to see.  I rode all the way around to admire the change, before stopping at the picnic area for my break.

Phlox through the spokes~

When I removed a stick from my front spokes, I couldn't help by admire the view!  :-)  The Phlox was such a bright spot!  A sweet smell permeated the air in several places.  The wild plum trees were in full bloom!  Their strong smell is absoutely heavenly.

Wild plum in bloom~

I'm sure the bees think so too!  I made good time going back north.  About a mile from town 3 or 4 raindrops fell on me.  I hoped for more - but by the time I was back at Happy Trails - it stopped.  I & sat talking with Mari Jo until I'd cooled off.  She mentioned I looked tired & hot.  I was!  No more mowing before riding!  

Sweet Relief~

 No blowing, gusting winds today after being battered for days & days.  I was happy to have a "perfect ten" day to go out & enjoy a ride.

Purple blooms again~

I left Silver City on my way south & couldn't help but stop several times to admire the rapidly changing landscape.  The trees are turning a beautiful pale lime green - a precursor to the lush dark green's of the rapidly approaching summer months.

Smokey on the trestle~

We're still so badly in need of rain.  The ceaseless wind - has dried all the moisture from the last rain in short order...  The level of the two small creeks was lower too, just since my last ride a week ago.

Taking a break~

It was a warmer day, the warmth felt so good without the usual humidity.  Of course, no rain, no humidity.  A double edged sword.  I was feeling stronger today & rode to the depot in Malvern before turning back to the park.

Possible repairs~

As I made the return ride north, I noticed the stack of railroad timbers by this bridge.  One of two smaller bridges that have been in bad shape since I've been riding the trail.  Both are in need of repair & it looks like someone else thinks so too. The transitions going on & off are a nice solid, teeth jaring bump, even with shocks!

The purple of the Phlox are so beautiful~

Seeing the bright purple along the sides of the trail is such a treat after months of stark brown.  Back at the Trestle, I stopped again.  I've not been at all happy with someone's idea of decoration attached to the bridge... There had been two bottles here, one was broken off.

What I dislike!

To me, this unwanted additon is a rude distraction from the architectural beauty of the structure.  I'd hoped to attend the monthly meeting in Imogene, but will be unable to.  I've passed my concerns on to a friend who's a member of the trail board.  No glass is allowed on the trail, so you'd think that would be enough to stop this from happening.  Instead, there are now two struts with bottles attached...  

For whatever reason, someone is now attaching stickers to the steel too...  I have to hope the trail volunteers will remove both the bottles & the stickers.  It's not the impression I would think the committee would want presented to the many riders who enjoy this trail.