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!  :-)

Sunshine, Clouds, Flowers!

 A sunshine, warm & humid day.  With rain expected in the forecast I went out early to finish mowing the marsh.  Mr. Snappling Turtle is back.  I leave a wide area around his water filled hole!  I sprinkled Preen in the two flower beds there & picked my first batch of Rubarb!  Clouds had rolled in by the time I was done cleaning & chopping it.  Four cups total, enough for two batches of Rubarb Crisp!

After lunch - Smokey was loaded & I made the drive to Silver City, the long way.  My usual route is being re-paved & closed to all but local traffic.  At Happy Trails I stopped to see Mari Jo, before getting on the trail.

Anise Root ~

The Anise Root is one of my favorite spring plants.  It has such a nice growth habit & beautiful leaves.  Some are in our woods.  What started out as a small patch grew a little this year.  It's wonderful to see the trail turning green yet again.

Smokey on the trail~

Last Sunday evening, we received just over a half-inch of rain.  It was enough to raise the humidity.  It's been so dry, it was easy to forget about sweating!   I didn't pass anyone on the trail & reached the bridge just as cloud cover moved in.

On the trestle~

The overcast was a relief from the usual bright sunshine.  The temperature dropped & a light breeze was appreciated.  The birds are singing almost non-stop this time of year!  I love listening to them singing to each other.  Some of the fly-by's included an Oriole, Cardinals & Goldfinches.

Level B road crossing~

Mari Jo had warned me about the road crossing.  She said it had been impassable yesterday & I could see why.  Today though - the mud had dried enough I got off Smokey & light footed it across.  I always look forward to the concrete on the far side.

The park~

It was beautiful at the park!  Obviously Malvern had received much more rain than we had.  The pond was almost full!  A sight I hadn't expected to see.  I rode all the way around to admire the change, before stopping at the picnic area for my break.

Phlox through the spokes~

When I removed a stick from my front spokes, I couldn't help by admire the view!  :-)  The Phlox was such a bright spot!  A sweet smell permeated the air in several places.  The wild plum trees were in full bloom!  Their strong smell is absoutely heavenly.

Wild plum in bloom~

I'm sure the bees think so too!  I made good time going back north.  About a mile from town 3 or 4 raindrops fell on me.  I hoped for more - but by the time I was back at Happy Trails - it stopped.  I & sat talking with Mari Jo until I'd cooled off.  She mentioned I looked tired & hot.  I was!  No more mowing before riding!  

Sweet Relief~

 No blowing, gusting winds today after being battered for days & days.  I was happy to have a "perfect ten" day to go out & enjoy a ride.

Purple blooms again~

I left Silver City on my way south & couldn't help but stop several times to admire the rapidly changing landscape.  The trees are turning a beautiful pale lime green - a precursor to the lush dark green's of the rapidly approaching summer months.

Smokey on the trestle~

We're still so badly in need of rain.  The ceaseless wind - has dried all the moisture from the last rain in short order...  The level of the two small creeks was lower too, just since my last ride a week ago.

Taking a break~

It was a warmer day, the warmth felt so good without the usual humidity.  Of course, no rain, no humidity.  A double edged sword.  I was feeling stronger today & rode to the depot in Malvern before turning back to the park.

Possible repairs~

As I made the return ride north, I noticed the stack of railroad timbers by this bridge.  One of two smaller bridges that have been in bad shape since I've been riding the trail.  Both are in need of repair & it looks like someone else thinks so too. The transitions going on & off are a nice solid, teeth jaring bump, even with shocks!

The purple of the Phlox are so beautiful~

Seeing the bright purple along the sides of the trail is such a treat after months of stark brown.  Back at the Trestle, I stopped again.  I've not been at all happy with someone's idea of decoration attached to the bridge... There had been two bottles here, one was broken off.

What I dislike!

To me, this unwanted additon is a rude distraction from the architectural beauty of the structure.  I'd hoped to attend the monthly meeting in Imogene, but will be unable to.  I've passed my concerns on to a friend who's a member of the trail board.  No glass is allowed on the trail, so you'd think that would be enough to stop this from happening.  Instead, there are now two struts with bottles attached...  

For whatever reason, someone is now attaching stickers to the steel too...  I have to hope the trail volunteers will remove both the bottles & the stickers.  It's not the impression I would think the committee would want presented to the many riders who enjoy this trail.

Shunshine to Shade ~

 A grand day!  Sunshine, 70's & no wind!  Time to visit the trail & leave my outside chores at home for another day.  I parked by Happy Trails & said hello to Mari Jo before leaving for Malvern.

Are dandelions a wildflower? :-)

The trail south of Silver City was lined with blooming dandelions!  So bright & pretty!  It was really the first day it's felt like & looked more like spring too.  Some of the trees are finally leafing out, so the canopy I look forward to is beginning to appear.

Cottonwood~

  I always stop at the trestle, just over four miles south, unless there are people there.  The old Cottonwood is a friend by now.  Seeing the hint of green in the trees is so welcome, after all the months of bare branches.

Smokey on the trestle~

This is the time of year I like to ride other sections of the trail, but with Butch gone, I no longer have my ride home.  The next section is a very difficult 14-miles from Malvern.  I did it once round-trip & that had been a challenging 28-miles!  

Smokey & the flower Phlox~

Now that the flowers are blooming, the trail is such a beautiful place!  There are several spots far enough away from intersectioning roads etc., the only sounds are the blistful hum of nature.

Break spot by the Depot, Malvern

I did stop in Malvern, but mowing was happening there, as it had been in Silver City.  The roaring mowers do a necessary job, but don't make it easy to enjoy the afternoon.  I soon turned back north.

Both purple & blue phlox.  

I've only found the purple Phlox in a couple places.  It was fun to get a photo of both colors, so close together.

Purple violets~

Violets come in such a vareity of colors!  Even at home, I have white, purple, violet & some that are varigated blue/white.  

Clouds moving in~

I felt a couple raindrops on my way back.  We're still in drought, with only the one decent rain we received on Monday, just under an inch.  I never thought I'd look forward to gray, rainy days but I do now!  They do make me - just occassionally - homesick for WA.  But - after a couple of them I'm more than ready for the bright blue skies of my home state!

Ride into Spring~

 After a week of winds, today was both sunny & calm.  But chilly - very!  Mid-40's - even without much wind is deceptive when the sun shines!  I'd planned a ride to Agriland, but Butch called to say he was on the way to MO.  Not sure when he'd get back, I still wanted to ride my usual route.  Distance/difficulty - but not both at the same time.  It's not that the trail has steep hills, but they are long.

Happy First Birthday Speedy!

A year ago today, Speedy & I took our first ride on the trail.  I'd been out a few times before, but always with Butch.  That ride was only my second on my own.  The first was with Sunny, who Speedy replaced.

On our way

I continue to be in awe of the beauty of the countryside.  It's the quiet, the singing of the birds, the sounds of nature, so soothing to the soul.  The sound of water running over rock is rare in our corner of the state.

Speedy peeks over at the Beaver Dam~

There are a few places it can be heard - the Beaver Dam outflow, or the occasional area's where concrete was added for erosion control.

Phlox divaricate

I had to stop again, to admire the first bright colorful flowers of the season!  

Flowering Plum~

As I enjoyed the smooth concrete just north of Malvern, the smell of the flowering plum filled the air!  As sweet as any perfume.  Speedy insisted on another birthday photo! 

In town, I could see the big door of Butch's shop was closed, so I decided to take a break at the Malvern Depot.  Within a few minutes, I heard trucks coming down the road, the second one my husband was driving!  Good timing for my cold coke!

Speedy & the Floater~

I'd heard the term "floater" & now, can associate the term with the equipment!  Speedy, of course had to have her photo taken again!  

We didn't stay long, I'd broken this ride into two - on my Garmin.  I wanted to compare my ride south, to the same ride, back north.  My 310 XT, showed 8.43 miles & I had the same distance to return to the Bronco at Happy Trails. 

Mounds of Dutchman's Breeches!

When I spotted mounds of white, covering a hillside along the trail, I recognized the same little wild flowers who've made an appearance at home.  I couldn't believe I'd missed them on way south!  I like to think I see everything, but I don't.  I still spook when something comes from my right.

Silver Creek~

By the time I was back at the Trestle, the clouds were rolling in again.  I'd taken both my vest & light weight jacket, but had worked hard enough I hadn't worn either for very long.  I really like the new rear bike rack Raymace pannier bag!  It has a place for my water bottle, is insulated & has tie downs on top for my jacket.

I'd just loaded Speedy onto the Bronco, when Butch pulled in.  We walked across the street, to The Hood for dinner.  After 17-miles, I was starved.  I'm still trying to find the sweet spot between doing & overdoing.  This week was a bit easier - I had just the tiniest more bend in the knee & ankle.  My  average moving speed was up by another 1-mph.  Small gains!