OTR - Julesburg, CO to Council Bluffs & Home!

 All the parking spots were full when we pulled into the rest area.  Butch picked a place out of the way.  I was thankful it was close to the restrooms.  It was well after midnight, by the time we went to bed.

We woke to snow, maybe 3" on the ground & windblown, leaving a drift below the passenger side door.  It was late morning when Butch took Nika out for a walk.  They were gone quite a while, Nika loves snow.  

Big Red, Trailer full of pinto beans in tow~

The shades of white, lent a stark outlook to the day.  By the time Butch & Nika returned, I had the cab organized for the day.  With the snow continuing to come down, the roads would be interesting.

Colorful Colorado!

Driver's heading west, were talking of chaining up.  I looked at the weather east, then texted Kathy, who was kind enough to agree to pick me up in Council Bluffs.  She confirmed no snow in Glenwood & it wasn't due to come in until late, if at all.

Smoked pork chop, potatoes & carrots!

We had enough time I decided to fix a meal for Butch.  I'd given up deciding whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner!  I'd just bought a new little hot air fryer on Amazon.  Just cooking for one, it was so quick & easy.  I brought it along & it worked perfectly to brown the pork chop. We used the microwave for the potatoes & carrots, but if we'd had more time, I'd have browned them too.

Rider in the storm~

We pulled out right on time at 1:30 p.m.  

1:36 p.m. Icy surface~

We were cruising right along; the tricky part was being passed by other tractor/trailers.  The snow off the edges of the road would fly up & cause a white out in front of us.  Thankfully, it didn't last long.  

As you can see from the few minutes between the photos, the storm intensified.  Butch stopped at a Love's to fuel near North Platte & we were back on the road.  Eventually, we ran out of the storm & by nightfall, the sky was almost completely clear.  

1:42 p.m. Intersection of I-80~

We pulled into Sapp Brother's in Council Bluffs, about 9:30 p.m.  Kathy was waiting & helped us get all my things transferred to her car.  My husband gave me a final goodbye hug before climbing back into Red's cab & heading to Love's for a shower & rest break.  He'd be back on the road in ten-hours with Joliet, IL as his destination.  

Kathy's car was so full, Nika sat on my lap & stared at Kathy the entire drive home!  When we arrived, she was so excited to be home!  She exploded across the backyard when I turned her out.  Kathy helped me carry everything in & I had a piece of her pumpkin cake!  Thankful for good friends, after Kathy left, I couldn't wait for a shower & fell into bed...  

I'm super thankful I had the opportunity to experience a few days of the challenges my husband faces - every day & night with this occupation.  He's always been the best at anything he tackles & OTR driving is no exception.

High Trestle Trail ~

 The High Trestle Bridge, rather than just the trail itself, had been on my bucket list for a while.  We made a weekend trip to Mason City & planned a detour to include the bridge.  We decided on an access point at Flat Tire Franks, near Madrid, IA.  This business was like Tobey Jack's on steroids.  Admittedly, we were there mid-day on a Saturday, the place was booming.  

Far end of the large parking area~

Madrid was a small town & the trail parking lot was easy to find.  The bridge itself is located half-way between Madrid & Woodward, the western end of the 25-mile trail.  Signage pointed the way to the bridge, about 3.5-miles west on the trail.

Partly shaded trail~

The day had warmed into the high 80's with plenty of humidity.  It seemed more like a mid-summer day than one close to the beginning of fall.  For whatever reason I didn't think I'd need to wear my usual riding clothes.  My street clothes were soaked in sweat before we even reached the bridge, riding the downhill grade.

Construction detour~

There was only one detour, where the trail is under repair.  It was paved & super easy.  On the drive down, we could see sections of the trail, most were in full sun.  Here though, there were enough trees to provide some shade in spots.

Plenty of rude riders~

The Tall Dog Bike Club did nothing to impress us...  They overwhelmed the trail in places & most, obviously, had spent too much time at the bar.  As Butch arrived at this spot, the riders had completely closed the trail.  He cleared the way, but I still had difficulty avoiding riders who had forgotten polite trail etiquette. 

East end of the bridge~

We were also surprised to see horses were allowed along the side of the trail, but not over the span of the bridge.  The bridge itself is so impressive!  Thirteen stories high, the fifth largest trail bridge in the world!

From an overlook~

We met a hiker from the area, who told us normally the Des Moines river would reach from one side of the valley to the other.  Leaving the pull-outs, you had to watch for bikes speeding along as though they were in a race.  People trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll across the 1/2-mile bridge found it difficult.  It was almost embarrassing to be on a bike!

Mid-span~

I waited for a clearing of the traffic before taking this photo.  The interpretative displays were full of information & fun to read.  I can't imagine how difficult the work in the local coal mines were for both the men & the mules...

No head room here!

As we approached the west end of the bridge, the air was full of wasps!  We peddled faster!  Once across the view from the overlook is amazing!   You can appreciate the full size & impact of the bridge on the landscape.

Looking back east from the overlook~

We took a short break before riding back the way we'd come.  Next time, we'll plan to do the entire trail, probably leaving from Ankeny. Late afternoon & mid-week to hopefully avoid the bike traffic & see the bridge with it's lights on!

Rock Island Old Stone Arch Trail ~

It was a very warm July Sunday.  We were on the road north toward Shelby, IA to ride a trail I'd found on the  Iowa By Trail web site.  Though the site stated the trail left from the Loves, that was incorrect.  Loves was on the wrong side of I-80.  On the north side, at the Quik Pik Shell travel center, we found the the trailhead.

Speedy was going to jump on the Rock Island!

The nature garden was just beautiful!  Picnic tables, a gazebo, small playground & sidewalks where some little tikes were riding their bikes!

Speedy & Silver were ready!

 The Rock Island Old Stone Arch trail is paved & four-miles in length.  Really worth the drive if you're looking for a short, scenic ride.

Signage~

 There was a steep downhill drop taking us west for a short way, before we turned east.  We passed a beautiful wetland but didn't stop until our way back.  The shade of the trail beckoned.

On the Trail~

 We passed one family & one jogger, but otherwise it was quiet, the sounds of the interstate fading within a few minutes.

Open trail heading toward Shelby~

 The trail was beautifully maintained.  Native plants & milkweed blooming along the sides.  Butterflies in the air & birds everywhere.

Milkweed~

 We arrived at the town park & admired the Rock Island Caboose & Train Station.  (First Photo)  The Caboose was all original inside.  We had to peek in the windows :-)

Shortly past town, I was in the lead when I heard the loud flutter of wings & a covey of pheasants took to the air.  They'd been nesting in the shade of a huge tree.  There were at least four or five females!  The first I've seen in forever.  To Speedy's credit, she didn't spook!  :-)

Butch on the trail~

 The trail was out in the open for a mile or so.  Many wildflowers were along this section, most past their prime.  Up ahead we could see timber & steel structure.

Dedication~

 The old bridge was amazing!  Moved here in sections, how wonderful the men above had the foresight to save it & in doing so enhance the trail for future generations.

Butch on the bridge~

 The day was a beauty!  Strong colors, a light breeze & puffy white clouds.

Back the way we'd come~

 On the far side, the bikes wanted to take a break!  There was a well placed picnic table, under a huge tree, providing lots of shade.

The bikes rest :-)

 We started back & even though the way out had been mostly a downhill grade, the return wasn't at all difficult.  A very easy & very beautiful trail!

Butch by the wetland~

 The only gravel is a short stretch along the wetland.  The wetland itself was larger than I expected & so nice to see!

It was so hot, Speedy threatened to go in!  :-)

 The yellow green of the surface algae almost matched Speedy's color.

Huge Cattails~ 

We enjoyed the eight-mile round-trip & it will be on our list of favorites!

Our route~  Google Earth

Midwest Summer Fun!

We were excited to see the Nebraska Bush Pullers would be at the Malvern Fair Grounds! 

First tractor to go!

 It was really a nice evening, cooling off & with a light breeze.  We like to sit on the shady side of the track.  It's easier on my eyes than facing directly into the late afternoon sun.  Social distancing signs were posted - we'd brought our chairs & had plenty of space around us.

These guys were loud!  Really loud!  I could have used ear plugs!  There are nine classifications.  9,200 LBS Super Farm, 9500 LBS Limited Prostock, 8200 LBS Super Field, 6500 LBS Unlimited Super Stock, 8000 LBS Diesel Limited Pro 4X4 Pickups, 8500 Light Limited Pro, 6000 Mods, 6400/6100 Light Super Stock & 6200 Pro Stock 4X4.

Our view~

I was a somewhat surprised at how close people were sitting on the far side, as more people came in.  Many were family groups I'm sure.  The PA system was really poor, making it difficult to understand what the announcer was saying.

Rolling the track~

After every run, the track was raked & rolled, keeping the surface as even & smooth as possible for each contestant.  Only two times, did a tractor fail & have to be unhitched from the weight rig.   The money, time & work that goes into these monster machines is crazy, but I think they'd be a blast to drive!

The MODS, were not as loud - but were amazing to see!  They were my favorite.  We watched as the full moon came up, moving our chairs to the far side when the lights came on.  Leaving the parking area & heading home was as easy as usual.  It still seems strange to us how effortlessly we can go to an event & get home without waiting in lines of traffic!

Fun way to start the holiday!

Awesome Possum - Hamburg, IA ~

After coming home from the Y, I worked outside in the timber/woods most of Friday afternoon.  The day went from broken clouds & sun breaks, to overcast & breezy.  It was obvious our sunshine, springlike weather was coming to a close - at least for now.

By Saturday morning we had just over an inch of very wet, heavy snow.  Unusual for us.  Virus news was circulating, but our town went about business as usual.  I attended a baby shower for a friend's latest grand-baby!  We played games, watched as the mother-to-be opened gifts & everyone had a wonderful time.

Today - it was gray.  The snow from yesterday was almost gone, but the clouds looked low & ominous.  At Matt-makers last Wednesday, a friend had mentioned a fun flea market she'd visited in Hamburg, IA.  We decided it would be a good day for a short road trip.

Awesome Possum Flea Market~

As we parked in the almost deserted town, music was playing from speakers outside.  This town was one of the hardest hit by last years floods.  The owners of these two buildings, had marked the spot on the floor upstairs, where they had slept for 208 days.  The flood waters stayed for so very long, the damage was severe & will be long lasting...

Chicken Collection!

Both buildings, now combined as one, were full from top to bottom!  It was somehow reassuring (in the face of the virus scare) to walk around amid so many items evoking memories of by-gone days.

Psychedelic horse tapestry~

This tapestry has to be the most colorful of a carousal horse I have ever seen!  No!  I did not bring it home!  We did though, find a couple small treasures.  We asked about places to eat in town, but the one restaurant still in business, was closed on Sunday.

The Keeping Room~

We decided to head over the river to Nebraska City & have a very late lunch at the Keeping Room.  We arrived 30-min. before closing.  The restaurant was empty!  This place is always buzzing with a room full of people!  Not today!  The staff said we were welcome to stay & eat.  The usual Sunday business was non-existent.  We can only hope the virus scare resolves rapidly.  Small businesses, need business to keep the doors open.

Going back east on Hwy 2 

Highway 2, is still being repaired from the floods & down to only one lane across the middle of the floodplain.

Nika~

Nika came with us & is always such a good traveler!  She knows we have treats in the truck & has finally accepted Butch's new truck - as ours.

A 500 piece puzzle~

Diane had said she'd seen a puzzle of the town of Greenfield, but couldn't remember for sure if it was my hometown.  As many rooms full of things at the Awesome Possum, I was amazed we found it!  It did come home with us & now we'll have to see how rusty our puzzle skills are?

Greenfield ~

It seems every year now, when the holiday's come round - we make the drive over to Greenfield.  It's the seasonal shop local weekend.  Since we do what shopping we can locally in Glenwood, it seems only fair to give Greenfield business owners a small boost too.

Inside Kelly's Flowers~

Butch had an activity to drive on Sat. & worked Friday morning.  He called just as I was leaving for the Y, to say he'd be home in time for us to make the day-trip. It was a gray, drizzly day, but not as cold as it looked. We took Hwy 34 to Creston .

On our way through town, I wanted to stop at Kelly's Flowers.  Always so beautifully decorated for the holidays & with a wonderful assortment of poinsettias, wreaths & gift.  What I'd forgotten, was that they also serve food!  We stayed for lunch & I found a cute light-up cardinal canvas print for the cabin!

Vicker Welsh Pony Farm~

Going north on Hwy 25 toward Greenfield, I had to stop for a photo of the miniature team!  Sadly, the herd was dispersed in 2006 due to the owners failing health.

Beautiful old signage~

Just a short drive & we were in Greenfield. Our first stop is always Ed & Eva's.  Featuring art-work from Iowa artists, it's a great place to find unique gifts.

Butch at the door~

I always remind Butch of a reason I need to buy more garden art!  The metal & stone animals always draw my attention, as do the metal flowers.  Metal in Iowa works through the harsh extremes of hot summers & cold winters!

Looking out the display window at the Adair County Courthouse & Butch's Truck

The little owl, came home with us.  I've collected a few owls & he won't blow away either!  Another bonus to outdoor garden art of metal & rock.

Nutcracker Collection~

We made our way around the square, finding a few unusual gifts.  There's always a fresh selection every time we visit.  A variety of gift & antique shops that make small town shopping fun.   Just as we were walking back to the truck, a thunderstorm hit!  We stood under an awning, looking at the truck just across the street.

At Sherbondy's

The truck came with a remote starting system & Butch used it.  I told him - I have to wonder if by the time we are really old - he'll just be able to drive the truck to us by remote control!  We finally made a run for it - getting us & our packages in without getting totally drenched.  We ran out of the rain just a few miles out of town!

I did end up buying our yearly Poinsettia at Sherbondy's - they grow the most beautiful plants~

In the Heat of It!

No surprise, we're back into the hottest time of year.  With dew points in the mid-70's, the air is saturated with moisture.  Evening brings temperature drops to the mid-80's - but the humidity rises. We sweat & sweat some more - I'm actually getting used to it.  I remember summer nights on the farm, in one of the upstairs bedrooms, all the windows open.  Laying on top of the sheets, praying for the slightest breeze.  Ever thankful for AC!  My bones though - feel wonderful!  No aching joints!

Zinnia's~

This year, I planted some of Linus's Zinnia seeds. What a pop of color! I've worked on removing more of the invasive shrubs from the marsh area. It's been so wet, that Butch had to go in with his weed whacker to cut the grass. I'm usually mowing it by now. I'm laying some of the concrete pieces that had been piled at the bottom of the hill, along the side of the marsh. They make a nice walkway when it's so wet.

Antique Horse Hook~

I found the horse hook - in what's become my favorite town for antique shopping, Walnut, IA. The town reminds me of Snohomish, but without all the great places to eat. There's is a wonderful bakery & it's just close enough to make a nice Sunday drive.

Nika gets a bath!

Last Sat., while I was detailing out the camper, I could hear Nika barking. She sounded a long way off... Going down the hill to look, I found her scooting out from under the shed. She'd been after something. Even the heat & awful humidity hadn't deterred her. Covered in mud, she didn't even complain when Butch put her in the water! As hot as she was, I'm sure it felt good!

Marigolds, Zinnia's & Daylilies~

 News reports warn us that a pet, left outside in this heat, for as little as fifteen minutes, can die from heat stroke. Cooler weather is coming tomorrow night & into next week.  I'm looking forward to it!