Lake Manawa - Open Water!

 I shouldn't have been surprised when I turned into the park & saw all of Lake Manawa free of ice!  This happened in the two weeks since my last ride here February 5th!  

Trail on the right, road on the left~

The day had started out sunny, breezy & warm.  We've been experiencing record breaking high temperatures for the first half of the month.  By the time I got home from mat making & loaded my bike, clouds had moved in.

Mid-American

The sun was still trying to break through, but was losing to the wind-swept clouds.  I'd hoped to get Butch out on his bike during his last home time.  The weather had been perfect, but he had appointments scheduled.  He also finished the trim work in around the utility closet.  All time consuming.

Cottonwood & Shadow~

I've been thinking I might break my record for rides in February, but with snow forecast Thursday, it may not happen.  The Cottonwood above is on a far corner of the golf course property.  I admire it every time I ride by.  It's been battered & beaten but still survives.

Eagles Nest~

I also stopped in the old campground to zoom in & get a photo of the Eagles nest.  It reminds me of the huge one our friend Dean had on his farm in WA.  I've seen the Eagles on several occasions & hope their home is protected.

Towards the lake~

The clouds continued to thicken & the wind was brutal.  I was determined to finish my usual loop & take my break at the lake shore.

Wind on the open water~

The wind was from the NW & blowing the waves my direction - which is about in the middle of the south shore.  It was cold too!  I stayed long enough to give Butch a call.  He was driving in 70-degree weather just coming into Missouri from IL. 

My break spot~

 I hope for the sake of all the ranchers in OK, KS & TX that the snow/rain we're expecting extends far enough south to help put out the fires.  It makes me sick at heart when I see the reports.  We've been under a burn ban for days now.  Even so, a few uninformed people have tried burning their brush piles.  Everything here is tinder dry.  I've been watering for almost two weeks.

Prayers for our neighbors to the south & hoping our weather forecast is correct & we see either rain or snow soon!