Storm Clouds & Wildflowers~

 The forecast for the day was a little iffy.  I enjoyed our mat making group in the morning, then dropped Finn off with Doris.  The afternoon was supposed to be fine but with a chance of thunderstorms moving in later in the evening.

On my way south from Malvern~

I took my husband's advice & decided to leave & ride south again from the park.  The park was empty, as was the trail as I left town.  My goal was to ride a full ten miles out, before turning back.  Imogene, the next town on the trail is fourteen miles.  To do the ride round-trip, I'd have to start much earlier in the afternoon.

From the White Cloud Trestle~

It was another of my favorite type of days.  I've been appreciating air so fresh from our two recent rains.  The clouds looked like they were going to produce more, but I was counting on the weather report to complete my ride.

Shadow & Phlox divaricata 

The further I rode, the more beautiful it was.  Seeing the first of the blue/purple woodland Phlox made my day.  It doesn't take much color to excite me :-)

Blue Woodland Phlox~

Such delicate blooms amid a state of such heavy cultivation reminds me of the resilience of nature.  I have the shrub below blooming now on the hill in our woods.  Over the years it's started to spread.  I appreciate any shrub that thrives under the canopy of the trees.  I was excited to find a few little starts in a couple spots this year.  I've been trying to find it in my plant books without success so far.

Another sweet-smelling shrub~

About to the far end of my ride, I spotted another area with just a few Dutchman's Breeches.  It's like finding the treasure in a treasure hunt when I see them!

Dutchman's Breeches~

The bridges in so many places are in need of repair.  The hole below was a big one & getting bigger with the runoff from the recent rain.  This section looked like the area had received more rain than further north.  There were branches & small limbs everywhere, along with runoff channels cut in the limestone.

Hole opening on the bridge approach~

The rest of the bridge seemed perfectly fine, but I'm always hesitant when I can't see the deck boards on a bridge.  I know the volunteers drive trucks on the trail.  I always feel like if the bridge can support a truck, it's safe to ride over.

South toward Imogene~

As I turned back & started north, the clouds darkened.  The fields are being planted but have yet to start turning green.  The terraces give some definition to the landscape.

4:11 p.m. Looking west~

By the next road crossing, the dark cloud to the east was impossible to miss!  The temperature had dropped, but the day was incredibly humid for so early in the season.  

West from the White Cloud Trestle~

At the Trestle, I didn't stop long & felt the first tiny bit of drizzle.  I still had almost four miles to go to return to the Bronco.  I was hoping to make it before I got drenched!

Back at the Pond~

The Bronco was still the only vehicle at the park.  The incoming clouds were darker yet & the sky had an ominous look to it.  I could smell the negative ions in the air.

The first sprinkle of rain~

I loaded Shadow as fast as I could.  I'd just finished when the rain started.  By the time I was out on Hwy 34, it hit hard!  The wipers could hardly keep up with the downpour.  When I arrived in town, the wind was blowing all the blossoms off Doris's tree.  The grass was covered with the white pedals.  I picked up Finn, drove home & unloaded the bike in the rain.  My windbreaker is not waterproof.  It's been almost never here in IA; I've needed a waterproof jacket!  I can only think of one ride where I got really wet.  

I wiped the bike down & left the battery in the Bronco.  With the thunder & lightening I didn't think carrying a big battery to the cabin when I was soaking wet was the brightest idea!  :-)