In the month of August, we've enjoyed almost daily changes in the weather. With off & on-again rain, then heat & humidity, it had been two-weeks since I'd been on the trail. Today was mid-80's with some relief from the humidity. The weather forecast for the weekend & next week - is for record breaking heat - possibly in the triple digits.
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Following the Pilot car~ |
Mari Jo had warned me of the paving project on 278th. Turning north off Gaston, I was first following the Pilot car. I was also driving the Bronco. The Explorer has been in the shop for repair from the bad hailstorm in July. After the Bronco had been sitting for several years, I had the hood painted a few months ago. Of course - now the Bronco's hood has damage too, just not nearly as bad. There's a difference in a vehicle made from Steele & one from Aluminum.
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On the trail~ |
It felt great to enter the green shade of the trail! Everything is so lush, it's like a mid-west rainforest. If we had such a place! The humidity is higher though, with mature corn fields on either side of the trail. Especially on days when there's not much breeze. Today was one of those.
I stopped by
Little Red's Automotive to schedule maintenance on the Bronco. On my way I couldn't miss the Bicycle Tree & new covered picnic area. The tree was originally in a small park next the grocery store in Malvern. When the grocery burned down, the tree was damaged. Now, the artist has repaired the structure & it seems to have found a new home.
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Face on the tree~ |
Colorful, very inventive & somewhat surreal. Smokey & I weren't quite sure how we felt about it. I'm sure there are more bikes than I would believe to recycle each year. At least these make a statement! I'm sure the covered picnic table will get a lot of use too.
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The treetop~ |
We retreated back to the park. Having made better time than I'd expected I was ready for my break. It was a picture-perfect day for the middle of August. Such a blue sky & the evenly spaced white fluffy clouds drifting by.
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A summer day in Iowa~ |
I talked to Butch for a few minutes. Yesterday he was in Oregon & the temperature was 105. Today, he was passing Red Bluff; CA & the temperature was 109.
As I turned back north, the little breeze I'd enjoyed on the way out, was gone. The late afternoon sun felt & looked strong out in the open.
The sunflowers along the trail are in full bloom & add such a bright spot of yellow to the green backdrop!
Wild Grape is again taking over any area of the trail where it gets an opportunity! Trees are fair game & many are covered with the vines. It's beautiful & provides a carpet of leaves that cover all the broken limbs on the ground.
Back in Silver City, I went into Happy Trails to catch up with Mari Jo. The two-day
Rooster Tail ride this last weekend drew many riders from the Omaha area. Restaurants & shops were busy! Since it rained on Sunday, I was surprised the trail didn't show more damage. I understand many of the riders opted for car rides home. I was happy to have the trail to myself!
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