As the calendar page flips up to a new month, we've had a couple days of incredible temperatures for the time of year. The day started out sunny, but by mid-morning the clouds had drifted in. The temperature hovered in the upper 50's - pretty strange for February.
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| The Bronco & Shadow~ |
With colder weather forecast this coming week, I decided to take advantage of a warmer day with very little wind. I'm thankful every time I make the drive, that
Lake Manawa is a short distance from home. I expected it to be busy on a Sunday but there were only a couple cars in the lot where I usually park.
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| On the trail~ |
I'm still surprised at how quickly a sunshine day can turn dark gray & gloomy. The air was so fresh though & even without moisture, was relatively free from dust.
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| Indian Creek~ |
The heavy cloud cover was deceiving, it almost looked like rain, but I knew it was too dry for that. It's so dry I have the humidifier going full time in the house.
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| North end of the lake, looking south~ |
The water is still covered in ice, but not as thick as it was last week. There was meltwater in many places. The geese were happy to have some areas of open water. It looks cold but really wasn't. I did keep on both my coat & vest for the entire ride.
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| Picnic Shelter #7 |
I'd made a full loop & even rode out to the train under pass. I only saw three other riders on my way. Traffic was heavy on Veterans Memorial Hwy though & I was happy to get away from that section of the trail.
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| Looking NW across at Council Bluffs~ |
I stopped at the south boat launch & watched as people a short way down the shore walked way out on the ice. Not a chance I'd want to take with water on the surface.
Even with my sunglasses on, my eyes are burning & red from the dry air by the time I get back to the Bronco. This time of the year, I appreciate any day I can get out & enjoy a ride. The weather forecast is for colder & windy conditions into the middle of the month.
