Ahead of the Storm~

 Yet, another beautiful day.  Mid-70's & hardly any wind.  With a storm forecast for tomorrow, I almost didn't get in a ride!  When I tried to air the bikes rear tire, couldn't get the valve to take any air?  I checked the front tire, went back to try again on the rear, to find it flat!  I called Mari Jo, who suggested calling Xtreme Wheels in Council Bluffs.  I called & told Tony my problem.  He had time in the early afternoon to fit my bike in.

I loaded the bike & arrived right on time.  Tony diagnosed a faulty valve & replaced it!  I was amazed at how quickly he wheeled my bike out of the backroom shop!  He refused to take any payment.  I promised to recommend him to my friends.  With Shadow back on the Bronco, I made the short drive to Lake Manawa.

Cottonwoods & sunshine~

I have to admit, I'm tired of shades of brown.  There seems to be just the tiniest hint of green showing here & there.  Not enough to cover the browns though - yet!  The Old Farmer's Almac predicts a warmer than normal spring, dryer too.  As if we aren't dry enough?  Over the weekend we had another Red Flag warning.  I'm sure this is unusual for this time of year.  The day before I spent breaking branches to fit in our little fire pit. I managed to get one of the three huge piles along the creek, burned. Last year, I didn't burn at all.  It was either too windy, or too dry. 

Dirt works off E. Lake Manawa & Navajo street~

Semis with side dump trailers are running along E. Lake Manawa drive, from the Navajo street location.  Dirt is being moved; I'm just not sure what direction.  All of this has to be connected to the detention ponds being dug along E. Lake Manawa Drive.  The air was thick with dust & dirt.

Three Engines~

I was stopped at the intersection by the truck traffic.  Once safely across, I continued out to the quieter, east side of the park & turned north toward I-29.  This is quiet, as long as the trains aren't going by on their way to Mid-American!  

Rich Iowa soil, soon to be homes~

This is Phase I of the E. Lake Manawa Subdivision, by Turn the Paige Homes.  Just the beginning of construction on 40 single family residential units.   From what I've read, what remains of the 93 acres will be sold to other developers.  Prospective purchasers will be able to apply for downpayment assistance.  I couldn't find the total number proposed for the entire subdivision.

Eagle's nest~

I was riding the edge of the old campground when I spotted a Bald Eagle in a tree along the road.  I was just trying to get his photo, when a loud diesel truck startled him & he flew off.

Change, as always, is inevitable...  This type of high-density housing near natural areas, is what drove us from WA state.  Affordable housing has been in the news, as the numbers of homeless climb in the Council Bluffs area.  The total number of housing units currently proposed is 500-600.

I enjoy every minute I have riding the less congested trails around the lake.  Soon, I can see park use climb to overflowing.  Especially since it's the only large park within many miles of Council Bluffs.

Bridge at Indian Creek~

As you can see in the above photo, the trees just this last weekend started showing the first blush of green & buds!  The grass too, along the creek is sprouting a hint of green.

My favorite break spot~

I always save my favorite trail to the lake for the last part of the ride.  Without the usual wind blowing & no boats yet on the water, the quiet was so peaceful.  I can imagine what it was like when the surrounding area was more rural.  Or the fun of the lakeside amusement park.  

Tomorrow the storm is coming, but today you would never know!  Thursday is the first day of spring & it's coming in like a Lion!