North from Mineola to Council Bluffs~

 Another welcome break from the winds.  April, one of our most beautiful months has, again this year seen days & days of hard blowing wind.  It makes it pretty miserable to work outside, as I've found out.  It doesn't help when what had been our neighborhood's green lawns are still dirt from last year's private sewer project.  The wind picks up the dirt, the dirt swirls in the air & blasts everything in its path.  If I even consider using the hose to wash things off, the dirt flows.  A clean porch or deck is a thing of the past.  Even the siding on the house has turned from white to gray.

The trail too is very dusty & dry.  We're classified as in a moderate drought.  The most rain we've received in months is less than half an inch. 

Over Keg Creek~

I hadn't ridden this direction for a while but planned on going all the way to the north end of the trail at Council Bluffs. I always look forward to both the exercise & seeing the changes in the landscape each visit brings.  

Grading at Margaritaville~ 

When I came to Margaritaville, the change was evident!  The area had been reworked & graded, increasing the size & scope of the popular bike spot.  More picnic tables, more bike racks & more barbecue's. 

View from the bench at Margaritaville~

Tracks from the equipment were evident.  When the breeze picked up, even here the dust made mini dust devils.  The old hitching post acted as a backdrop for the trash receptacles.  No room to tie a horse, there hasn't been since the days I rode Farah.

A favorite territorial view~

Further on, it's easy to forget the use this section of trail sees.  Looking out over the rapidly greening countryside, you can almost forget that most of it will soon be planted with crops.  

The low underpass~

This underpass is so weird, with one side lower than the other.  The sunlight at the far end makes an interesting optical illusion.  I still can't believe I rode Farah through it, with my helmet touching the ceiling.

Patio at Tastee Treat!

I had an ulterior motive today!  I stopped at Tastee Treat & ordered the barbeque pulled chicken dinner to go!  While I waited, I decided a small bowl of ice cream would hit the spot!  I'd even remembered to bring bungee cords to attach my dinner to the rear rack.

New "Attraction" on the trail~

I'd passed this spot on my way north, but there had been several boys enjoying the chair.  It was empty when I was going back.  The trail had a contest to name the chair, but I haven't heard the outcome.

Blooms!

So many of the trees are in full bloom now!  The smell is just incredible!  After what seems like such long winter months to me, seeing green & flowers is wonderful!  After over eight years, I still miss the year-round greens of the Pacific NW.

View toward Mineola~

Going back is always fun with the long downhill grades.  The view across the fields to town in the distance is post card perfect, especially on such a clear day.

Bronco at the Mineola Trail head~

The Bronco was the only car at the Mineola trail head when I returned.  The new campground will see plenty of use I'm sure as the summer months arrive.  The intent is to promote trail tourism & the plan is to eventually add restrooms, showers & electricity in the future.

My route today, 20-mile RT~

The Google Earth photo above, shows my ride today & the east side of my route around Lake Manawa.  It's possible to ride from the trail, along one road, under I-29 & to the lake trails.  Many miles of interconnected trails are available, just a few though that don't require riding along the edge of roads.

When Butch called in the evening, I had to brag about my dinner!  It made the trip intact & really hit the spot!