Ice on the Water ~

 Sunshine, warmer & no wind.  A day to be outside & enjoy.  I drove over to Silver City & was at the trail-head by early afternoon.  With the days getting so short, so quickly, I wanted to allow plenty of time.

Silver City~

I will say it was a bit chilly, in the low 40's & cooler in the trees.  But on the open sections of trail, the sun was warm.  With the trees again devoid of their leaves, it's quite a change of scene.  Back to stark & bright!

The trail~

Only the Catbrier had a few leaves left, hanging in the sun. 

Ice forming~

It's been cold enough, long enough now the creeks have the first layer of ice forming.  So beautiful & yet it seems early - not even winter - yet!  Just before the bridge, a familiar rider was coming my direction.  Mari Jo was on her way back north, we'd just missed meeting up.  We both commented we were a little cold, but it was worth it to be out on such a nice day!

Ice Forming on Silver Creek

The creeks are So low...  We need mositure so bad...  The latest statistics show Glenwood at 16" below normal.  I can personally attest to the incredible dryness of our soil.  We're supposed to be due for rain this coming week - it can't come soon enough.  I dread crossing the gravel roads if there's any traffic at all, which thankfully there ususally isn't.  The dust clouds carry for miles.

North from Malvern~

I did end up removing my jacket at the trestle.  My vest was enough as long as I kept moving.  I rode past the park to the arch by the depot, before turning back to take my break at the park. 

A very low pond~

As you can tell from the photo above - the pond is very, very low.  It's only fed by rainfall & that's been in scarce supply.  I have heard the harvest from our area didn't fare as badly as anticipated, but other issues affected the yeilds.  A little of a silver lining in an otherwise dusty season.  

Returning to Silver City, it wasn't long before my coat went back on!  I pulled in at home, an hour earlier than just over a week ago, to find the sun already setting behind the woods.

Another Sunshine Ride~

 Our Thanksgiving meal was  excellent - if I do say so myself!  We had a piece of pumpkin pie covered in homemade whipped cream, to go with our lattes this morning.  With plenty more pie to enjoy, we decided getting the bikes out again - was a good idea!

Butch on our way north~

Today, we parked at the Depot in Malvern & rode north toward Silver City.  I was really surprised there weren't any other cars in the small parking lot.  Being Black Friday, I guess everyone was shopping.

Golden cattails~

Never one to pass up any day this nice to be outside, it was fun to have my husband as company & familiarize him with my favorite areas.

The new development - expanding~

This view though - was a surprise!   Since the land clearning photos I'd taken on October 28th, the area has expanded to the far side of Key's Ave.  This development is going to be larger than I'd imagined.  It's going to be hard to see houses going in where fields once were.  Not as diffficult as watching acres of forested land go under the bulldozers of development - but difficult nonetheless. 

Butch discovered a loose bolt on the Cochran bridge~

We stopped on Cochran bridge & Butch found the railing to be very loose.  He located the cause - a bolt coming out at the bottom of one of the rail support struts.  I've posted a short video on the Wabash Trace FB page.

A rider was coming towards us about half-way to the Trestle.  She was wearing a pink jacket, so we knew it was Mari Jo!  We stopped to chat - as we all admired the gorgous day.  I guess it's easy to know those of us adicted to fresh air :-)  We're the one's on the trail!  She was happy to see Butch out on his bike twice in one week!

The two of us on the Trestle~

The Trestle was our turn-around point.  The water level seems to be a little lower each visit. We stopped at the park on our way back to Malvern.  The level of the pond too, is lower by the day.  Our rain for this week, has been moved out until later next week.  Even then the chance is only 24%.  We're now 8.75" below our seasonal norm...  As much as I enjoy this weather - I'd enjoy seeing a few days of some nice rain even more!  

Ready to go home~

Back at the depot, it was so nice having Butch to load up the bikes!  I'm taking advantage of every minute my husband is home!

Halloween Ride ~

 Last day of a beautiful month - dry - but beautiful.  It seems even drier - if that's possible - now that most all of the trees have dropped their leaves.  It's a constant crunch, crunch under Smokey's tires as they roll over them.  The month hasn't even had as much wind as usual.  I've been raking leaves at home & that's unusual too.  Most years the wind has blown them far away.

2 p.m. at the Trestle

Mari Jo rode with me today, she's back to normal after her reaction to the flu shot.  Happy Trails is now closed for the season & it will be missed by the riders who stop by.  It's a good thing for me though, as we hope to get in a few more late season rides.

Fields down~

As usual, Mari Jo kept me peddling & we didn't stop until the Trestle.  I told her my Cougar story.  She commented that they're seen more often in the area than people realize.  We were passed by three ladies, two of them riding electric bikes.  I'm still not much of a fan - especially when they come up fast behind you without a word of warning.

View from the Malvern Depot~

We stopped at the Depot for a short break.  This streak of ongoing unseasonable, warm weather has local riders out enjoying the trail.

At the Depot~

A aquaintance of Mari Jo's came by & stopped to chat.  We asked about the field with the top soil being removed?  Word is - it's to become at least 35 low income houses.  We all had to wonder how that will work out, with the on-going water issues Malvern has experienced?

Land of development~

In Washington state, it was awful seeing trees cut & land cleared for the neverending development.  Here, it's difficult seeing such rich land capable of growing crops, be stripped of it's top soil & paved under.  The cost of progress.

Google earth image, yellow pin where the development will be.

The road that's now gravel, will be paved & of course traffic over the trail will increase exponentially.  As the population continues to grow, the loss of open space will have to continue.  At least here, growing crops is still of major importance to the state's economy.

Greens long gone~ Creek still flowing~

I've taken several photos of this area of the creek, over the years I've been riding the trail.  One of my favorite spots where I enjoy watching the seasonal changes.  We made good time on our ride.  We'd left a little earlier than I usually go out, so returned to the shop early too.  Of course with the time change next week, we'll be loosing that last hour of light in the afternoon...

4:39 p.m. Sun setting over the woods~

By the time I'd driven home, the sun was just getting ready to set behind the woods.  Our little corner does fall into shade sooner than the higher parts of town.  I don't mind it at all, as we cool down quicker in the summer months & miss some of the heavier winds.  At least I like to think so!

Goodby October!  Nowhere near the usual mositure we receive this month.  Now, we're hoping for a nice wet November!

Very Dry Return ~

 Today I returned to the trail.  Perfect weather - lower 70's, a light breeze & low humidity.  There was no mistaking how very dry its been.  The sky held a high gray overcast, filtering the sunshine.  Not the usual bright blue I enjoy.

Leaves covering the trail~

The leaf litter was nothing like last season.  I thought things were dry last fall & they were, but this year has topped it.  The less than a half inch of rain the area received on the twelth - did nothing to reduce our growing moisture deficit.  As of the first of September, the Glenwood area was 6.5" below normal.  The last week of record breaking cold just acted as a catalist for the trees to drop their already dried leaves.  There is very little color - compaired with other years.

Fields harvested~

With the bright if hazy sun - the newly harvested fields with their terraces - look almost surreal.  Since it's been so dry, farmers haven't had many oportunities to burn off the weeds on the terraces.

Large Cottonwood, dry ground~

Even in the most shaded areas of the woods along the trail, it's obvious how dry it's been & continues to be.  Rain is again in the forecast for the first of next week & I sure hope it comes.

On the trestle~

It was beautiful, though.  The upper canopy almost totally gone now, with just the understory trees showing any color at all.  Last year, even almost two weeks later,  the colors were more brilliant & the trail still had a lush look. 

Leaf litter on the trail~

The dust is still thick too, I think that's what is filtering the sunlight.

At the Malvern Park Pond~

The water in the pond is low, no geese on this day.  This photo shows the haze in the air.  (I decided to ride my usual round-trip, even though it had been over two-weeks since I'd been back on my bike.)  My break was cut short due to the hundreds of Asian Beetles swarming around the covered picnic area.  They were crawling up the support posts that were in the sun & landing on me constantly, even though I was in the shade.  I remembered how I fought them when Farah was still here.  They would land on her in numbers so large, I'd use the sweat scraper to get them off, only to see them land again.  They do bite!

Cattails, dried~

Riding through all the leaves was somewhat of a challenge too, since they hide the walnuts & uneven trail surface.  Even the mile of concrete going into Malvern was still covered with leaves & walnuts. 

Silver Creek~

Silver Creek has a good flow for the time of year.  I didn't notice much of a difference in the water level at the Trestle.  I was passed by three woman riding electric bikes.  They asked if mine was electric to which I replied "No"...  I  hope to not go that route for a few more years yet!

Beaver dam's gone~

The Beaver dams are gone from this little creek.  It still has water flowing, which was good to see.

Rust colored stinging nettles~

The stinging nettles have had their last hurrah for the year, wilted from the frost & turning a rich rust color.  On my way back, the last section of trail before Silver City runs parallel with a graveled road.  I was hoping there'd be no traffic, but one car went flying by & the dust was thick.  I waited a bit before riding through it.

Dust in the air~

When I arrived back home, covered with a fine layer of dust, I felt like I'd not ridden in a while!  I was surprised when the weatherman said it was a top ten day!   We're supposed to warm up to the high 80's over the weekend with big winds on Sunday.  Monday is to bring us promised rain.  I'm still waiting on the cool, slightly overcast, moist days of fall I enjoy the most!  :-)

Fall Woods~

 Each year about this time, I like to get a few photos of the woods.  We returned home from our anniversary trip late afternoon, last Wednesday.  Nika had a wonderful time staying with Doris - as usual!   She'd gained some needed weight & was rested after her time as Butch's OTR companion.  

It's been beautiful since we've been home. I love seeing the sun set over the trees, but the lawn is the driest it's ever been.  We keep the front watered, along with some of the newer hosta's & shrubs.  The backyard has to fend for itself.

10-13,  5:41 p.m. Backyard with dry lawn~

Thursday, started out cloudy & we had just a spritz of rain for about a second, even with heavy dark clouds overhead.  By late afternoon though, the sun reappeared & the woods looked so pretty!  The wind has been pretty much non-stop, but temperatures have stayed mild.

10-14, Sunsetting through the trees~

While Butch worked on Blue, I cleaned the inside & outside of the Cabin windows.  We took down the AC unit & put it away for the winter.  My gernamiums were moved to the new shelving unit by the Cabin's south facing sliding door.  They'd grown way more than I expected, since transplanting them to 8" pots.

Looking west~

With the big Cottonwood down from the windstorm earlier this year & it's canopy gone - the woods get alot more light.  Pretty now, but hotter in mid-summer.  The additional light seemed to make the grass/weeds grow faster.  Butch bought me a new weed whacker when my old one wore out.

Timber Trail - south

There's already a good layer of walnut leaves on the ground with plenty more to follow.  I haven't seen  any of the blue lobelia this year.  The moles are the worst ever.  Every square inch of ground had been tunneled.   When you walk, it feels like you're stepping on a sponge as the soil sinks beneath your feet.  Most of the hosta's have been totally undermined, but are still alive.  The trail I heavily mulched with walnut chips last year, hasn't been spared from the mole mess.  

Little Bird~

 I still have several broken limbs that need to be cut away from the trees.  I managed to pull one big one down & it took me down with it!  The man who helps with the lawn, walked it with me last week as I pointed out what needs to get cut.  There's still quite a lot to be hauled away from the Cottonwood too, since one of our trees had to be cut to get it to the ground.  I'm hoping for an extended fall to finish the cleanup.

Tinkle Branch Trail - east~

By Saturday, Butch had his next dispatch, picking up product at Con Agra in Council Bluffs.  I rode along as he dropped the empty he'd brought home & picked up a trailer full going to UT.  We stopped for ice cream at Tastee Treat on the way home.

10-16, Butch heading out~

The following morning, he was heading out.  Rested, re-organized & with Blue sporting the new mud flaps we'd found at the I-80 Truck Stop!  (Nika is staying home with me.  She didn't ask to be lifted into the truck when it was time to see Butch off.)  

Temperatures are due to drop this coming week & with the cold, a hard freeze.  As soon as we get the next forecast warmup, I plan to dust Smokey off & get back on the trail!

Eating Dust!

 An old horseman's saying is;  "Make dust, don't eat it!"  Well, today Mari Jo & I ate a lot of dust!  Harvesting is in full swing in the fields along the Wabash Trace Trail!  We could hear the equipment in the fields, even if the trees hid the work-in-progress.

Mari Jo stops so I can get a picture~

Of course our state is way behind in rainfall & it's the driest I've seen it since we moved here almost six-years ago.  June's preceptation was 3.75", 1.51 below normal for the month.  There was some improvement in May, but that changed in June according to Iowa DNR. SW Iowa is the driest in the state...  August marked the fifth month in a row of below normal statewide average preciptitation.

Harvesting soy beans~

At the clearings though - we could see the farmers hard at work.  The air was so full of dust it was almost hard to breathe.  We hadn't picked the best of days to ride, but the weather has been wonderful, if not for being so dry.  Of course now - I think of wonderful as any day that's 80 degrees or below - without our summertime high humidity.

Loading into the truck~

It was fun to watch as the work progressed & the fields were stripped of their crops.  At one point on our return to Silver City, Mari Jo pointed out a tiny, young opossem in the middle of the trail ahead of us.  He was frozen to the spot, but when we stopped, he finally scurried off into the timber at the trail's edge.  I felt sorry for him & the other critters who make their summer home in the fields.  Time to move out - that's for sure!

Smokey in front of fall color!

We took our usual short break in Malvern, before heading back.  Not far out of town, was this area of blazing color!  Of course the bright reds are posion ivy - but its certainly a standout this time of year!

Harvester at work~

This picture gives a better idea of how much dust is stirred up as the fields are cleared. Of course we had a decent wind out of the SE & a few good gusts pushing it our direction.  We've very lucky that even with the lack of rainfall, the crops in our area anyway, have managed to produce.  Area's in Nebraska & other parts of Iowa haven't been so lucky.  Of course the numbers on the crop yeilds have yet to come in.

Back at Happy Trails, we were both ready to go home & shower off the dust!

Sun & Muck~

 Sunny, high 50's & not a lot of wind.  This - after days of freezing temperatures.  Mari Jo thought the trail surface was still frozen enough for a ride.  We were only out a short distance, when we came to the first of the soft spots.

Mari Jo & the bikes~

After getting around it, the trail dried out again, but not for long...  We felt committed at that point to continue on the four miles to the trestle.

Beaver's now have two dams'

It was totally a beautiful day - February?!  Nothing like last year!  We've had hardly two snow events, not enough to even call true storms, at least when it comes to inches of white stuff.  It has been cold enough to keep the remnants of the last snow, on the ground for days & days.

Upstream, Silver Creek~

It's easy to see from the solid sheet of ice still on the creek, it has been cold.  Even with the cold though, we've had a handful of days so nice & warm it could be spring.

Limestone on the tires~

On a few of the soft, boggy spots, I took the center of the trail, where there was still a layer of ice.  The ice was easier to get across than the slippery limestone.  We took the very edges of the trail wherever possible.  Our tracks sunk in about a half-inch in a few spots. It really wasn't much fun.  We need a few days of wind - which is expected - to dry it out.  

Back in Glenwood, I drove to the car wash to clean both the Explorer & the bike, covered in limestone & with muck on the tires.  It's been so generally dry; we're constantly warned of the fire danger.  Unheard of for this time of year...