Granddaughter Skyla comes to Visit!

The afternoon of the 24th, granddaughter Skyla boarded a plane at Sea Tac in Seattle to make the flight to Omaha!  I was so excited when I'd heard from our daughter Jentry that Skyla wanted to visit!  The family lives on Camano Island, north of Seattle.  Her mother made the 75-mile drive south to Sea Tac through the usual heavy traffic.  It was a relief when Skyla texted, she was on the plane!  

I left home plenty early & at Eppley, stood in line for a guest pass that allowed me to be at the gate when she disembarked.  Since I didn't have a ticket per sea, I couldn't use my TSA pre pass & had to go through the usual security line.  Even so, I arrived at the gate in plenty of time.

9-25-25 Grammy & Skyla on the Bob Perry Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha, NE

I knew the bridge was just a short distance from Eppley, so after we took the shuttle to the Bronco, we Googled our way to a parking area.  It was my first time at the bridge & we really enjoyed the walk & views of the river.  We met another couple & exchanged a photo op.  The lady had flown in from Virginia & Skyla from Seattle.  Here we were, meeting in the middle of the country, over the middle of the Missouri River on the state boundary between NE & IA.  After our bridge walk, we had an early dinner at The Mattress Factory!

9-25-25 Skyla at Lake Manawa~

Skyla had tried Butch's e-bike, but it was too big for her.  Smokey, my analog bike fit her perfectly!  Watching her peddling along, standing up on the pedals, reminded me so much of when I was a kid climbing the hills of Boulder.  She was a trooper & even with the heat & bright sunshine we finished my usual 13+ mile loop!  Tastee Treat was next on our agenda!  We ordered two dinners to go. It was Skyla's first-time trying barbeque pulled chicken & hush puppies.  Of course we had dessert first!  Ice cream for the trip home!

I didn't take photos on the 26th.  Skyla wanted to help me with an outdoor project.  I had several small Ash trees in the marsh that needed to come out.  I used the small chain saw to cut them down & planned to cut them into short lengths.  There's an area across the creek where the bank is sliding, the perfect place to throw them.  Skyla grabbed one, gave a huge heave (Her Javelin throwing skills were on full display.) & it sailed over to the far side!  We ended up taking down seven trees!  

9-27 Skyla in front of the Adair County Courthouse, Greenfield, IA

The following morning, we dropped Finn off with Doris & were on our way to my hometown.  We parked just off the square. Skyla saw her great grandfather's name etched in the Veterans Memorial wall.  We shopped at Ed & Eva's; where Skyla found a super cute denim, handmade bag.  

We made the circuit of town, driving by the house my maternal grandmother lived in before moving to the farm, the house I lived in when I was only four, my paternal grandparents' home & the homes of my two best friends etc.  

We visited the Greenfield Cemetary & the graves of my parents & brother, paternal grandparents &  great grandmother.  Skyla is now the sixth generation to make this trek.  From Greenfield, we drove on toward Creston.  I turned onto the gravel road going out to my grandparents' farm where Skyla's mother spent a summer visiting, too.

The Fleming Farm~

We turned back to the main road & took another gravel road to Nevinville.  Just a wide spot in the road now, the town was bypassed when the train lines were built across the country.  My maternal grandmother went to school here & our family has had ties to the town for a very long time.  The church was where my maternal great-grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Skyla~

Every time we visit this area, I have to drive by the church.  Each time the deterioration has increased.  I find it so sad, to see this little country church with such historical significance go to ruin.  

Family plot~

We visited our family plot where Skyla's great, great grandparents & her great, great, great maternal grandparents are buried.  I hope she remembers & returns with her family someday.  I'd shown Skyla photos the evening before of our relatives so she would have a point of reference.

By the time we arrived in Creston, we were starving!  Pizza Ranch was our next stop.  Skyla had never had a dessert pizza!  The Staff made us a peach pizza & delivered it to our table hot out of the oven!

Our ride at Green Valley~

The final stop for the day was a bike ride at Green Valley State Park.  The temperature was in the 80's & Skyla isn't used to our blazing sunshine.  Her forearms were coloring red from our ride at Lake Manawa.  Not to be dissuaded though, we unloaded the bikes, wiped the gravel road dust off the seats & away we went.  It was a beautiful afternoon & is such a gorgeous place to ride.

Sunday the 28th, we arrived at Fontenelle Forest about noon.  Skyla's reservation at TreeRush Adventures was 12:30 p.m. She had three hours to do as many of the Adventure Courses as she wanted.  In the video Skyla is navigating through the most difficult challenge of the Osprey Course.  Skyla had done several of the courses when the family visited in 2023, but the courses are changed somewhat each season. I was amazed at how easy Skyla made it look, especially after seeing other's fall & dangle from their harness! 

Skyla cooking our dinner!

Skyla loves to cook; she doesn't get that from me!  We'd gone shopping for the ingredients needed for Eggplant Parmesan.  Even after spending three hours in the trees & expending a lot of energy, she still put together a wonderful dinner!  I told her it was the first time in forever I didn't have to be the one in the kitchen!

Skyla at Eppley

Monday, we were up early.  Skyla was packed & took her bags to the Bronco.  We dropped Finn off with Doris & left for Eppley in plenty of time.  We had to wait in line at the ticket counter for my guest pass.  Skyla had lunch before we went through security.

The little germanium makes it safely to WA!

I'd rooted one of my little red germaniums & potted it that morning for Skyla to take home. At security, the plant was taken & set off to the side.  After I went through, I mentioned to an agent it was ours. They took the pot & did several tests.  When it was returned to me, I asked what the tests were for & was told; "Explosives".  Over the years, I've made at least a couple trips carrying on small plants, but this was a first.

It seemed like a whirlwind visit, the days flew by so fast...  It was very hard to see Skyla leave...  She was the first of our little group of now four grandchildren, to visit on her own.  I'm so proud of the young woman she's becoming. She promised to come again & I will hold her to it!  

After the Wreck - Lake Manawa~

 When I told Butch I was a little nervous about riding again, he reminded me after the wreck, I'd ridden back to the Bronco.  I decided on Lake Manawa's smooth surface trails.  A little less demanding that keeping my eye on the trail.

Ready to ride~

The experience is familiar to me.  After numerous accidents, related to equestrian pursuits over 25-years, it should be.  With a bike though, it's all me, I can't blame the bike!  I tried though!  I explained to Shadow that I'm done hitting the ground in the literal sense!

Along the south side of the park~

After the first few pedals, the nerves melted away & the enjoyment of the ride replaced them.  It was a simply stunning afternoon & I was happy I'd decided on the park.  I did make a couple stops.  One to adjust the front fender, which was rubbing on the tire.  I hadn't noticed that after the fall.  My rear brakes made a tiny squeak when I stopped, too.  Since the bike is coming up on 1,000 miles, Butch is going to replace the pads when he gets home.

Returning south on the spur trail to the Wabash Trail head~

I did what I call my usual loop, which includes going out the spur trail that connects to the Wabash Trace trail head about halfway.  At the high point, I turn back to the park.  The train overpass is in the distance, I-29 is behind me.

The corn is drying out~

The fields of corn are drying & turning yellow.  The sweating is over for this season!  Farmers are hoping for a bumper crop, but that depends on how the weather treats the fields going into fall.

Goldenrod~

I envy a friend in Florida, who does a lot of hiking in a mostly native area.  The flowers she finds are so diverse & beautiful.  Here in IA, ours are much more limited, except possibly in the native prairie areas.

The Old Campground~

The old campground had been mowed.  I love the wide-open look so close to civilization.  Too bad it couldn't be incorporated into the park.  I know the park has lost acres to development over the years since it's inception.

On the Indian Creek Bridge~

There wasn't much wind today & the temperature was perfect in the low 70's.  As I returned to the south end of the park, I still had it mostly to myself.  A surprise on such a nice weekend.

Across the lake at Council Bluffs~

I called Butch from the bench at the lake shore as I watched the sail boats work to catch what wind there was.  For a day so close to the end of summer, it could not have been nicer.  Next week we're supposed to get another stretch of heat/humidity before the real fall cool down begins. 

This coming Thursday, our Garden Club is traveling south to tour Kimmel Orchards!  The weather is expected to be unseasonably warm.  We've enjoyed this trip a few times over several years & always come back with bags filled with apples, canned goodies, wonderful wine etc. A little heat won't deter us!

First Wreck~

 It had to happen sooner or later...  I totaled up my miles out of curiosity & I've ridden 3,672 since April 1, 2020.  Butch & I had pulled the bikes out of the shed Easter Sunday of 2019 & rode the Wabash for the first time from Mineola to Silver City & back.  By 2020 I had some control over the invasive bushes on our property & time to ride more often, almost always on my own.

Friday was a nice day, not too hot, not too humid & rain was forecast over the upcoming weekend.  It was the first time in forever I've managed two rides in a week.  I decided to leave from Silver City & travel the just over 8.5 miles north to the area I call The Lookout.

Parked in Silver City~

I was looking forward to riding a section I hadn't seen since November 17th of last year.  The trail would be in its late summer lushness.  I like riding this section in the fall for whatever reason.  I guess because the views are more prominent with the foliage gone.

The Bronco waits by the old Jail~

Rather than make the sharp turn up onto the trail in town, I circled around & came back past the Bronco on my way north.  My plan was just to enjoy the ride.  It didn't take long for the enjoyment of the fresh air & green scenery to take effect.

This pond is as beautiful in the Summer as it was in the fall~

The first rise out of town goes from about 1,047 to 1,181 ft.  Even with assist, it's a good gradual grade. Next is the downhill to Mineola.  This area has seen huge improvements over the years I've ridden through.

1,015 ft. Elevation.  Mineola Trail Head~

Leaving town is almost flat across the valley & since the first time I admired this view between Farah's ears, I've enjoyed it.

Across the Valley~

I didn't see anyone out on the trail, which surprised me.  It was smooth sailing to the bridge at Keg Creek.

Keg Creek downstream~

The day had warmed into the mid-80's but it seemed mild compared to the 90's.  It wasn't long before I began the next climb.  I was amazed at how the Wild Grape had literally exploded in this area!  It used to cover the trees & shrubs for a way, but now it dominated the landscape for close to half a mile.

The Grapes, the Grapes!

The buds were almost ready to open & the fruit will be enjoyed by wildlife.  But - it's so invasive!  When I rode further & saw it climbing high into the Walnuts, I was glad I've kept the ones that have started in our woods under control!

Wild Grape climbing the Walnut trees~

Another uphill grade before I arrived at Margaritaville.

Flags flying at Margaritaville~

Again, no one around.  I didn't stay, as it's only a short way to the bench at the Lookout.  It came up so fast I almost rode right on by!

My turn-around spot~

The Eastern Red Cedar in the background have grown enough they're starting to block the view.  I'll be sad when it's gone.  This is pretty much the high spot of the ride at 1,250 ft.  I called Butch & enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the afternoon.

Starting back, I'd mentioned to Butch the trail was in pretty rough shape in several areas.  A couple large, unexpected holes right in the bike track, branches hanging over the trail at rider height & areas where the gravel & grit had washed to the low side.

The downhill to Mineola is always so much fun.  I kept to a reasonable speed, knowing the trail could be rough in spots.

Coming back to the Mineola Trail Head~

Less than two miles out from Silver City, with a moment's inattention, my front tire was pulled into a rut filled in by a fine sandy grit on my right.  So fine & deep I didn't see it in time to avoid it.  A split second later, the surface of the trail came right at me as the bike fell away toward the shoulder & ditch.  The bike went right; I went left - hard...  I threw up my left arm to shield my face as I hit & slid.  I remember seeing my sunglasses flying off to the side.  I'd grabbed the right rear brake as I lost balance.  When the momentum stopped & I stopped, I hurt!  My left forearm was a bloody mess.  My left knee, even though my tights had started bleeding. My right shoulder really hurt, feeling wrenched from holding the brake with the weight of the bike as it fell/slid off the trail.

As I got to a sitting position, my next thought was - Thank you Lord!  Nothing felt broken!  I got the bike up & on the kickstand, then opened my bag.  I had very large band aids & lots of paper towels.  I rinsed all my wounds with clear water, dried them with the paper towels & used the band aids to cover them all up.  (I remember my mentor Dean saying the worst thing about ageing was thinning skin & he was so right!)

Last bridge, Silver City~

Checking out the bike, I didn't find a mark on it.  I cowgirled up, got on & completed the ride back to the Bronco.  I appreciated the assist loading from the Lift Caddy, since my shoulder was giving me fits.  

When I arrived at Doris's to pick up Finn, she didn't miss the bandages!  Doris reiterated what my horse-riding friends have said for years - that my guardian Angel works overtime.  At home, I unloaded the bike & called Butch to tell him my news.  He wasn't happy about it but was kind with his comments.  In the shower, it was no fun at all when the water hit the wounds!  Looking in the mirror, the bridge of my nose had turned black & blue.  

Though feeling a little beat up, my shoulder seems to be just a pulled muscle.  I've worked so hard this season to make improvements to my plantings etc., it would be nice to be able stay on top of things into fall!  I definitely learned a hard lesson!  As beautiful as it may be, staying aware at all times is key.

As the Heat Breaks~

 It seemed like a very long stretch of August heat & humidity.  Finally, the last few wonderful days we've been ten degrees below normal.  It's been just grand!  The evenings too, have been the nicest we've had in forever!

Ready to leave Boehner Pond~

I hadn't ridden since the first of the month.  Even with my list of to-dos stacking up at home, I was more than ready to visit the trail.  I stuck to my plan of not riding across the Silver Creek Trestle.  (Due to the intrusive game cameras.)  I instead left from the pond & took the rougher section of trail south.

Dying trees~

I was glad I did.  I'm thankful every time I ride this trail that it's here.  I've said before, with so much of Iowa in cropland, natural areas are rare & appreciated.  (There are several areas of native prairie I'd like to visit in the springtime.)  

Ripening Wild Plums~

This is the first time I've seen the plums on the trees!  Usually, they are already devoid of fruit.  This time, they are still at least days away from being ripe.  I bit into one to be sure & yes it was bitter!  If I get back this way again, I'll have to beat the wildlife to them!  I understand they make a wonderful jelly.

Perfect Iowa Day~

Going this direction, the trail gets less use since it's farther between towns & makes for a longer round-trip.  The trail also is rougher in sections with more debris for whatever reason.  It was a tougher ride when I didn't have the assist.  Doing the ride to Imogene is something I prefer to do with Butch or at least have him available to pick me up!  It's a way out there on my own.  I look back at the rides I used to do on a seven speed Townie.  Five years make a difference.

White Cloud Trestle

This Trestle Bridge has now become my favorite.  Only a few stickers, no lights, no game cameras - yet.  No booze bottles strapped to the uprights.  We'll see how long it lasts in its historic, unaltered beauty.  

West Nishnabotna River~

The river was running full.  Mesmerizing in its quiet passage of smooth current under the bridge.  Only the sound of the squirrels squabbing in the surrounding trees breaking the silence.  I had the trail to myself.

Break Spot~

I stopped at 7.67 miles & called Butch from the bench where we take our break when he rides with me.  It was so tempting to go further, but since I hadn't ridden in a while, I turned back.

Returning north~

Back at the Trestle, one of those gorgeous days you wish you could put in a bottle to uncork mid-winter!  The mostly downhill return was - as usual - a blast to ride.  The miles went by too fast!

Nishnabotna River - upstream~

I stopped again on the trestle.

Back to Malvern~

Back at the edge of Malvern, the big bike takes up a portion of the skyline.  I returned to the pond, loaded Shadow & joined the ever-increasing traffic on Hwy 34.  I was amazed at how many cars were heading west toward Council Bluffs/Omaha, after I took the Glenwood exit.  

I picked up Finn at Doris's.  Both look forward to their weekly visits.  It was such a nice evening, Finn & I sat out for a while.  The trees surrounding the backyard have grown so much I can almost forget we have neighbors.

Catching up with Summer~

 I can hardly believe we're two thirds of the way through the month of August already!  The weather has been typical for Iowa summers.  Hot, humid & this year - wet with both rain & high dew points.  It's been green, very green & even now, I'm mowing every four days.

A project we didn't expect to do, had to be done.  The big Mulberry shading the very first flower garden I put in, had one huge branch broken off during the big wind mid-June.  Butch had cut as much off as he could & we decided to leave the rest hanging.  Mid-July another windstorm broke off another even larger limb.

7-15 Second broken limb~

This time, there was no way for us to reach it.  I called Fermincho Tree Services & on a weekend Butch was home, Fermin came by & gave us a bid.  No heavy equipment would be driven across the lawn.

7-21 Mulberry getting a trim~

Early Monday morning, a crew of three arrived.  We sat on the porch & watched as Fermin put on spikes & was up the tree faster than we could believe. His crew cut the branches as they landed on the ground & loaded them into the trailer.  When the Mulberry was done, he moved down the hill & climbed the first of the three Elms that had died there.  They were tall enough, if they came down, they'd hit our west fence.

Starting on the Elms~

Butch & I had to leave, but by the time we came home, there was no sign anyone had even been on the property.  Every branch, leaf & limb had been picked up.

On our trip to Home Depot, we looked at the row of Tuff Sheds.  We've used the horse trailer for storage for several years.  I was so tired of looking at it & the utility trailer we hadn't used.  We both liked one of the smaller sheds & discussed buying one.  The following day, Butch was back on the road & I was out by the trailers with a measuring tape!  I visited the city & applied for a permit.

8-6 Utility & Horse Trailer~

The space where the trailers sat was approximately 19 feet wide & deep. I called Butch, then called Fermin.  The following weekend he & his crew came again & spent the day moving the trailers, leveling the ground, hauling & spreading crushed rock!

8-9 Gravel going down~

Two trips to the gravel yard & several yards of rock later, we had a flat place to put a small building. I'd called Tuff Shed, talked with a salesman & ordered exactly what Butch wanted.  To our surprise, it was finished in two weeks rather than the three we were told to expect.

8-16 Butch & Finn installing edging blocks~

Butch arrived home again on the 14th & spent two days loading, unloading & setting large concrete blocks along the back & side of the pad.  On the flat area, I picked natural looking edging stones.  By the time Butch left, the stones were in & the pad was within the required 4" of level. 

8-20 Pad ready~

I raked & cleaned up around the pad, transplanted a couple Hosta's & spread eight bags of mulch.  Fermin had purchased the utility trailer & taken it away.  I'd received a call from Tuff Shed; our building would be delivered on the 21st.

8-21 Construction starts!

The team from Tuff Shed arrived by 8 a.m. on Thursday morning.  It was humid, but still in the 70's.  I was amazed at how fast the construction went.  In 2.5 hours, the building was done!  At Home Depot, we'd had paint mixed to hopefully match the color of the Cabin.  Butch will do the painting his next time home. 

The new view~

What a difference!  For a project that really wasn't planned, it turned out great.  I never thought I'd say I was tired of looking at a horse trailer, but I was.  We'd purchased it new in 1995 & it carried our horses for many miles.  I've finally come to grips with the fact that I don't need it anymore.  Once we empty it & move things into the new building, Fermin will pick it up.  He's purchased it to haul his rock crusher.  It's perfect for him & I'll be happy to see it go!  The new building looks like it was meant for the spot.  Butch & Finn will enjoy having their own little space :-)

Smokey & Cooler ~

Ready to leave from Silver City~

 The first of August, already!  As you can tell, what would have been a perfect day, was enveloped in heavy smoke from the fires in Canada.  Even so, I didn't want to let a day without the usual heat & humidity go by without getting in a ride.

View to the west~

Once I was on the trail, the smoke wasn't noticeable.  It was more like a day with cloud cover.  At the open area's though - the smoke was all too obvious.  I could see through it to clouds above & the sun kept trying to burn though.

Damage from our last wind~

June & July gave us a few days of terrific winds.  This widowmaker was a Walnut limb.  The trail volunteers have to wait for it to come down, before they tackle cutting & removing it.  At least it's still high enough to ride under.

The Walnut Cathedral~

The Walnuts here were undamaged & as beautiful as ever.  It was a very quiet day on the trail.  When the fields are planted, the animals don't lack for cover.  No visitors on the trail, just the squirrels' gathering the fallen walnuts.

Silver Creek~

At the trestle I stopped, as I'm so used to doing, to take a photo.  Then...  I remembered my photo was being taken by the game camera.  I was furious I'd forgotten, too busy enjoying the day & too used to the routine of stopping here.  I left quickly & as I did, spotted the second camera on a tree at the south end.  I won't be riding here nearly as often or stopping on the trestle anymore.

Boehner Pond, someone got stuck~

The north end of the pond is in the photo above.  I think it must have been a riding mower that managed to get too close to the edge of the water & got stuck.  It had to have taken a car or truck to get it pulled out.  What a mess.  I bet the mower was a mess too by the time it was back on dry land. 

It was nice to see a few people camping.  Three kids were riding their bikes on the sidewalk around the pond & probably made at least five loops!  The youngest boy had an unplanned dismount but got back on & kept peddling!

Shadow at the covered picnic spot~

The tree to the left with the green trunk, is covered with poison ivy vine.  I hope whoever is taking care of the landscape notices & gets it removed.  I made a loop around the pond before I left & spooked a beautiful Great Blue Heron!  I wish I'd had time to get a picture of him.

Swallowtail~

I'd started back north, still on the mile of concrete when I felt something swoop over my head!  I hit the brakes in time to watch as the beautiful butterfly landed on the flowers at the side of the trail.  The first large butterfly I've seen this season.  I keep hoping to see a Monarch or two, but so far, no luck.  

Where the tall corn grows~

The corn is tall!  In the many fields where it's planted, it blocks the view out from the trail.  It also blocks the breeze on humid days.  Even with the smoke, it was a beautiful day to be out.  I had ridden a loop around the side of Malvern & finished the ride at just under 18-miles.  I've learned how to use Shadows gears to my advantage & my knees don't ache after a ride like they used to.  The benefit of a bike with assist.  Back in town, all was quiet.  Mari Jo has removed the cute Happy Trails Cycle sign from her building; it looks so plain now.