Wild Turkey's ~

 Warm, Hot, Lots of sunshine!  I did want to ride.  Thursday,  we received a very welcome 2" of rain.  Then early Friday morning - another 1.14"  Saturday we'd had light rain most of the day adding another .50 to our total.  I loved the cool, gray, wet day's after weeks of heat.  With a total of 3.5 inches, I was pretty sure the trail would be sticky at the least.  I decided on Lake Manawa again.  There were quite a few cars at the trail head in Council Bluffs.

Looking north~

I rode in from the east & turned north onto the sidewalk/trail.  There was a breeze, which did help, but the humidity was high & it wasn't plesant.  I just decided to keep moving, making my own breeze - all the way to the old campground.  When I stopped there for a drink, I could see Doozie's through the trees at the far end of the open area!

Doozies from the old campground~

As tempting as it was, I didn't ride over.  I learned my lesson a couple years ago.  Riding after a cold ice cream on a hot day, is not something I want to try again...

The water lilies starting to bloom!

I took the above photo from the north end of the lake, looking due south.  You could almost see the humidity in the air.  Riding up the west side, along Indian Creek, I even passed a couple people.  The heat was intense - especially out in the wide open, with no shade.

New campground~

The new campground is getting lots of business, but it's right out in the full sun.  I'm sure most of these RV's are equipped with with AC.  At the least - a big fan to move the air.

As I crossed the road at the south end of the lake - taking the route to the picnic area - I saw something cross the road!  Just as I got to that side, the three turkey's below had crossed the trail & were headed for the shade of the nearby tree!

Enjoying the shade~

I don't blame them!  I wish I'd been faster with my phone.  Their feathers looked so pretty in the sunshine.

Wildflowers in bloom~

I still haven't identified these flowers - but they're sure a beautiful hue of purple!  I was on the last section of trail by the little power plant, when a super sweet smell filled the air!

Milkweed in bloom~

Making milkweed balls with seed & tossing them everywere is a "thing" here in the midwest.  Milkweed can be seen along the sides & in the ditches of almost every road.  Monarch butterfly larva need milkweed as food, so hopefully proliferating this plant will help the Monarch's. 

Blooms~

I was amazed at how wonderfully sweet they smell!  Good enough to eat - for sure!  Similiar to the scent of a Lilac bloom, but sweeter.  I didn't see any Monarch's, but hope I do before the season is over.

I didn't waste any time getting back to the Explorer!  It was 89 when I checked & I don't even want to know how high the humidity was!  It felt great to get in a ride, but I'll hope for a cooler day soon.

September on the Wabash~

We're now into the weather roller coaster time of year.  After a scorching hot weekend, today we enjoyed temps in the mid-80's & blissfully lower humidity!  Mari Jo had her shop open over the long holiday weekend, so the closed sign went up today!

Breezy at Happy Trails~

Neither of us had ridden for over a week & not together for a few more.  It was fun to be back out on the trail again & so beautiful.  We'd just entered the canopy of the trees when a Monarch butterfly flew right in front of us!  He stayed either ahead or to our side, for quite a way.  A little further - we had several in the air around us!  What a wonderful feeling to be accompanied by such ethereal friends.  

Dead tree down~

Not far south, this dead tree had come down.  Mari Jo looked to possibly move it father from the trail, but it was too heavy for us both.  It was easy enough to get around & the orange ribbon gave a heads up to anyone moving fast.  (By our return trip, it had been cut up & moved to the side.)

Mari Jo kept me so busy peddling, I didn't take many photos!  :-)

The bikes take a break in the shade~

Once in Malvern, we did take a short break before heading back.  The wind was out of the north, so the return trip took a little more effort.  Mari Jo, as usual, made it look way too easy.  My leg continues to improve, but still doesn't have the strength or flexibility it did a year ago...

Monarch, in the Marsh, last Sept.

The Monarch's are in the middle of their fall migration to Mexico.  One of natures wonders - such seemingly frail creatures can make such an arduous journey.  If you read the above link, their destination's habitat is dwindling year by year.  Several local groups are involved in supporting the migration as they travel through Iowa.  Milkweed balls are tossed by bike riders all over the state.  Most of our local trails & roads have milkweed growing along the sides.

Riding with so many in the air around us, is an experience I won't soon forget.  I hope they continue to survive in spite of the challenges.  I'm looking forward to my first fall rides on the trail!

November - Gray Card Day~

I love being back to central standard time.  If - please - we could stop resetting our clocks twice a year wouldn't it be nice?  Today - early November -  was a very gray day.  It was the color we were taught of as a middle gray, perfect for a consistent exposure.

Looking toward Iowa from the Nebraska side of the Missouri~

 With a misty rain most of the night, the temperature was mid-40's.  We had an errand to the north of Plattsmouth, NE & decided to stop at Mom's Cafe for a late breakfast.  I ordered the french toast made from a cinnamon roll, topped with banana & caramel syrup!  My meal for the entire day & probably half of tomorrow.

From the Plattsmouth Trestle Bridge - South

  We hadn't been able to go this route, one of our favorites for a while.  Last year, we'd taken it with the truck several times, until one day the gentleman at the toll booth told us the truck was too heavy for the bridge.  Today, the weight signs were posted & we were well under the 20,000 thousand pound limit.   It's the same bridge where my Grandfather rolled his truck load of cattle, on the curve at the bottom.  The bent ignition key is among his mementos. 

Color on the hills~

I asked Butch to stop more than once to get a few photos.  Plattsmouth is such a unique town, so picturesque.  The wreath below was such a perfect blend of seasonal colors, especially against the rich color of the brick.

Guns or Jewelry - you choose :-)

Yesterday, we stopped at Sherbondy's Nursery in Council Bluffs. I've wanted to plant more color & we were looking for shrubs that could grow into a hedge. Almost devoid of stock, it's the end of the season & with freezing temperatures just around the corner, it's no wonder. What was left, was 25% off. We've both been admiring the Burning Bushes & have a small one planted at the east end of the house. I had two in Washington, but they're considered invasive. The few there, didn't have many branches.

New blue pot~

The pot was a real find - just the right shade of blue! Just arrived, they are heavy & I'm told will survive the cold. There's a monarch butterfly on the front & a caterpillar on the back. Inscribed with "Monarch Sanctuary 1939". Made in Vietnam.

In place~

Our Garden Club had a presentation last month on the Monarch Biosphere in Mexico.  Fascinating reading, several states are working to preserve the Monarch butterfly by planting Milkweed along the migratory paths.  We picked up rock for a base & to raise the height of the pot.  Eventually, we'll gravel all the way around & have a path from the parking area.  We're having fun with this little building.

Serviceberry in the ground~

We spotted a bit of bright color & found several Rainbow Pillar Serviceberry. The fall color alone had us sold. When we asked about them, they sounded perfect for the north side of the Cabin. Three more will finish off the row.  They are native, produce flowers in the summer & edible berries.  I'm going to enjoy the great color for as long as the leaves last! The day stayed the same hue of gray right through until what seemed like a very early dusk!