Under the Clouds~

 Butch had come home late the afternoon of the fifth & managed to do his 34-hour reset here!  He had two nights & one entire day at home.  He left on Friday, the weekend loomed large without him.  When I woke to cloud cover on Sat. & cool temperatures, a ride sounded perfect.

Tree canopy~

 On the first, I'd been mowing, decided to toss a long section of hose out of my way & managed to swing the brass fitting on the end right into the side of my right knee!  The pain was no fun & the knee has a good bruise & a egg size swelled spot.  

I left from Silver City & was soon engulfed in green. My theory was that pedaling would probably help my knee feel better.  At least it didn't hurt any worse.  On a Saturday, I expected more people on the trail, but was happy when I had it almost to myself.

Wild Carrot, in bloom behind Shadow~

The wild carrot is taking over along the sides of the trail.  It's huge & in bloom.  It does have a fernlike quality to the leaves & the blooms are pretty, but it can be toxic to some people. (This is the same plant I worked to cut out of Farah's pasture years ago.)

Fields turning green~

The days of high cloud cover are my favorite.  A respite from the bright sunshine & glare that comes with it.  The light green of growing corn has changed the look of the fields from winter's brown.

Silver Creek, lots of silt~

I took it easy today & stopped for a while on the trestle.  With the filtered light, the black decking didn't radiate the heat it had my last visit.  The creek though is still carrying a lot of silt, thanks to the recent rains.

Boehner Pond~

At the pond, it's so nice to see the water level somewhat recovered.  Only a few people were camping.  Besides a couple people fishing, all was quiet.  I tried to call Butch, but there was no answer, which is unusual.  I didn't stay too long before starting back.  The clouds were actually getting heavier, but rain wasn't in the forecast.

Mulberry Season!

I did - stop - several times to pick Mulberries!  They were so big & sweet & good!  For every ripe one that made it to my mouth, others would just fall off the branch.  It's easy to spot where the trees are, on the concrete sections especially.  Even on the limestone, you can't miss their locations.

Shadow on the Trestle~

I stopped again on the Trestle & this time when I called Butch, he answered!  He'd been driving through Chicago & hadn't heard the phone ring.  Thankfully, he was on the far side of the traffic & glad to be through the city. 

Gray Dogwood~

The above blooms caught my eye on the ride back.  I asked for help identifying them on the Iowa Native Plant FB page.  I'd like to find starts for this shrub & try them in our woods.  By the time I was close to Silver City, I could smell rain in the air. 

Back at the Explorer, I'd just finished loading Shadow when the rain started.  I drove through a decent drizzle most of the way home.  As I passed the new Runza in town, there wasn't the usual line at the drive through, so I pulled in.  I bought one for me & one for Doris, who was watching Finnigan.  As I pulled in her driveway, I could see Finn at the storm door.  Doris said she thinks he could hear the Explorer as I got nearer & was waiting for me.  Such a good boy!  

It was one of my favorite rides so far this year.  With summer around the corner & the heat/humidity that comes with it, I doubt I'll be enjoying more days like this for a while!

The Trestle Reopens~

 It was a beautiful day without as much wind as we've seen so far almost every day this month.  There isn't a person I know who hadn't had about enough of the wind!  To have such pretty spring days & yet have the winds drying things out even more is difficult.  We had a touch of rain .09 last Sat. not even enough to moisten the ultra-dry earth.  Red Flag warnings are almost a daily occurrence.

Leaving from Happy Trails~

With Silver City being my to-go place for so long, it seemed strange to be back.  I was excited to be able to ride the entire route to Malvern again.  It was quiet in town & I was surprised to be the only car in the parking area.

Fields yet to be planted~

Things still look more like late winter than early spring.  The fields are still brown & the leaves are yet to emerge from their buds.  The trail surface was completely dry & very dusty.

The big Cottonwood~

It was almost eerie, how quiet it was rolling onto the new Trestle planks!  They are so tight & smooth after the rough old boards of the original.  I stopped to admire the big cottonwood, but the river is so low now, you can hardly pick it out in the background.

Shadow on the Silver Creek Trestle~

You can see in the photo above, the black boards of decking.  I'm not sure what material was used, but it will probably outlast any other wood type product.  The rails here, as on the White Cloud Trestle, do have a raw look with the rusted metal of the overhead structure.

Boehner Pond - lower than ever~

Shadow made the ride a breeze!  I'm sticking with my goal of keeping the battery charged with constantly pedaling in the highest gear my knees feel comfortable with.  After all, besides getting my time out in nature, I appreciate getting all the exercise I can!

I didn't stop for long at the park, before going on to the Arch in Malvern.  I wanted to try to match up this ride with a previous one on Smokey (self-pedaled).  

Under the Arch - looking south~

The flower vines have yet to begun to turn green, but soon & hope I'll to see blooms! 

Bicycle Tree - Malvern, IA

The Bicycle tree always looks so colorful as you ride by!  I made a short loop around town before heading back.  I'd just ridden under the train underpass when I saw two riders stopped on the trail.  Dan & Mari Jo!  Dan was heading the way I was, Mari Jo had been going south.  It was great to see them both & we had a nice chat before Dan left us.  Mari Jo cut her ride short & we rode together back north to Silver City & enjoyed catching up!

Back at Happy Trails, I loaded Shadow & started for home.  I was only about a mile from town when I heard a strange noise.  I looked in the rear-view mirror to see the bike handlebars had dropped & were turned sideways!   Not good!  I found the first farm driveway & pulled off to the side of the road.

 Yakima OnRamp Hitch E-bike Ramp broken Strap

The strap holding Shadow's front tire had broken completely off.  The front of the bike had come down off the rail & was being held to the rack by the rear tire strap & the center post strap.  It was so taunt - when I tried to lift the front end enough to get it back up on the tire rail it was impossible.  When I tried to loosen the strap on the center post, it was so tight I couldn't get it to release & give me enough slack.

About this time, a Sherrif's officer in an unmarked car pulled alongside & asked if I needed assistance?  Well, yes, a helping hand would be appreciated!  He pulled in behind me.  As I pulled up on the front of the bike, he managed to get the strap on the center post to release!  Thankfully, the bike hadn't been damaged!  He had parachute cord, I had bungee cords & between the two, we secured the front tire. 

Butch has ordered all new attachments & straps.  This carrier is rated for two 66 lb. bikes & until a week ago, had only carried Smokey at 32 lbs.  We're attributing the break to the Iowa cold/heat cycle (material fatigue) & have ordered additional straps to double secure the bikes from now on!  

Wabash Landing ~

 The weather cooperated again with temperatures in the low 70's & hardly any wind.  Since Finnigan made it plain he wanted to visit with Grandma Doris when we stopped by & she was happy for his company - I decided to do another ride!

Arriving at the pond, I turned north this afternoon.  It's impossible to miss the change that continues to happen daily along the east side of the trail - as you ride north.  

North from Malvern~

You can't miss the removal of topsoil from the land that will eventually be 62 new homes, under the name: "Wabash Landing".  I can hardly imagine the difference sixty-two homes will make in what has been up to now a quiet rural area.

Cutting away the hillside, dark line of topsoil~

The planned housing development will have homes available for low to moderate income households.  With Malvern's current population of just over 1,000 people - the impact of growth will be felt in by the community.  Development here seems to take much longer than the speedy process that occurs in Washington State & on a smaller scale.  Even so & knowing affordable housing is at a premium, I'm not looking forward to the change.

Workers on the Silver Creek Trestle~

The proximity to the trail is mentioned in the advertising & the trail will be one of the places I expect to see more impact.  My days of quiet rides are probably numbered.  I went ahead & rode the section of trail that's closed off.  Bad me - just to check if anyone was working on the Trestle.  I was happy to see progress is now being made.

Trail blocked at 305th~

When I had reached 305th, the trail was blocked & the detour sign out to the gravel road was obvious.  I took a good look.

The Detour to Gaston Rd~

There is no way known to man I would make it up the big hill in the distance under my own pedal power!  Kudos to anyone who's ridden this to Gaston Road where you return to the trail & can continue on north to Silver City.

Looking west - Hwy 34~

I turned around at the Trestle, it was another quite beautiful if overcast afternoon.  Today was the first time this season I've taken Smokey out two back-to-back days.  Still no rain, but if the weather report holds true, we're to see the first of the rain move in late tonight.

Looking North - at the Pond~

The clouds seemed even heavier today than yesterday.  I returned to town to find Doris & Finn out working in the backyard.  We chatted for a while, before Finn & I headed home.  Each day seems more & more like spring is around the corner.  Rain would certainly be a tremendous help!  

Malvern Depot to the Trestle~

 We've had a string of simply wonderful weather - if it weren't for the ongoing drought & super dry conditions.  The last few days we've been in the upper 60's, but it did drop to the mid-20's last night.  Tomorrow we're due to possibly break a record for warmth if we reach the mid-70's.  

Butch leaving~

Butch had made it home for an overnight stop on Friday afternoon.  When he left Sat. morning to pick up his trailer, it wasn't ready.  He returned home & took me to breakfast!  We've been lucky - since we've managed time together once a week for the past couple weeks. As usual though - it's always hard to see him go.  Getting outside is about the only cure.

Northbound from Malvern~

Today I was excited to return to the trail & decided to ride opposite direction I usually take.  I took the last available parking spot at the Depot in Malvern.  Turning north toward Silver City - the Trestle is about half-way. 

Smokey~

The trail was completely dry, with only sunken footprints & tire tracks marring the surface.  Most of these were in areas near where roads intersect the trail.  Some people park at these locations to walk different sections.  Obviously, whoever left the deep prints had sloppy going & the trail surface will take most of the season to recover.  Especially if we don't get any rain.

Hopp Creek Bridge~

I was the only one out this afternoon & I appreciated having the trail to myself.  For whatever reason I stopped at Hopp Creek & decided to walk down to get a photo of the bridge.  All the bridges are showing their age.

Silver Creek Trestle~

The Wabash Trace Facebook page had posted that the Trestle would be closed for repairs.  I wanted to see what progress had been made.  Besides the side rails being pulled off & used to block the main deck, I couldn't decern any changes.

Silver Creek Trestle~

I climbed up on the top railing to get a better view of the bridge.  No one would be crossing from the Silver City side & with no one else on the trail, I enjoyed the peace & quiet.

Southbound from the Trestle~

I'd gone 3.85 miles to reach the Trestle & could feel the difference of riding on the limestone, vs. the smooth concrete & paving at Lake Manawa.  I rode around the pond at park, before sitting on a bench to soak in the late afternoon warmth.  

At the Pond~

The geese are back & were all in the water.  The level of pond hasn't recovered at all since my last visit here with Finnigan a month ago.  Even the snow we did receive wasn't enough to make a noticeable change. I rode a loop around town before returning to the Explorer.  

Finn had spent the afternoon with Doris, helping her work in her backyard.  By the time I got there, Doris had done a lot more yard cleanup & insisted I dig up more of the iris in her flower bed.  They spread like wildfire, so I'm planting them on the hillside that drops down to the marsh.  I hope I'll be able to see the tall blooms from the yard. Everyone is complaining about the moles.  It seems every year they just get worse & they've contributed to the erosion on the hill. 

Almost the end of February & it seems like spring!  We'll see if spring brings the rain we so badly need!

Hazy Day - Late Fall ~

 Today was another in a long string of beautiful fall days... If... you can ignore the lack of moisture, third year of drought & warmest October, now November on record.  I was looking forward to taking advantage of the warmth - to enjoy another afternoon ride on the trail.

At the trailhead by Happy Trails, two couples were saddling up to ride their ebikes.  One couple left ahead of me.  I left ahead of the second pair but kept an eye on my rearview mirror.  Soon, I was overtaken in a rush.

Farmer at work~

Happy to see then gone, it was such a beautiful afternoon.  The golden light of the late fall day, was just stunning.

Last of the color~

The last of the colorful leaves looked as though they were lit by invisible flood lights.  The backlighting from the sun highlighted the brilliant, bright orange.  

I hadn't gone far when up ahead, the group of now four ebikes were stopped in the middle of a bridge.  I slowed, hoping they'd move to the side.  They eventually looked up, saw me & did move out of the way.  Now, sadly they were behind me again & again I'd have to watch not to get run down.  It didn't take long & here they came full blast.  No attempt to slow to a reasonable pace as they went by.  I just got off & moved to the side & out of the way.

Just before the Trestle a group of four riders were coming from the south - fast!  Fast enough they were making a dust cloud of their own.  They closed the distance so quickly; I knew these too - had to be ebikes.  Sure enough, no slowing down as they flew past.

Shortly after - I recognized Mari Jo coming toward me.  We stopped on the Trestle for a short chat.  She had been passed by both groups & had noted too, the speeds these riders were traveling. 

Windy at the pond~

It was beautiful at the pond, but the wind had picked up.  I made my usual call to Butch, but didn't talk long, as I wasn't sure how much daylight I'd have left for my return trip.  

More dried weeds~

Riding back north - I was back to enjoying the quiet of the trail.  As the sun dropped lower in the southern sky, the colors became more intense.  By the time I arrived at the Trestle, I had to stop to enjoy the moment.

3:52 p.m. From the Trestle, Silver Creek

Low clouds had partially blocked the sun & turned Silver Creek, silver.  I felt good today, much better than I had on my Sunday ride.  I enjoy the countryside so much.  As I had just crossed a bridge, I checked my rearview mirror to see two of the ebikes right on top of me.  I cleared the bridge, then got off Smokey as they flew past.  They "thanked" me - but I don't think had a clue.  Maybe the polite thing to do would have been to slow down?!

Dust from the road~

Closer to Silver City, a gravel road parallels the trail for a mile or so.  I'd heard a car go by & looking up ahead, the dust was almost as thick as fog.  I waited for it to clear a little before riding through. 

Sunset~

I stopped again to admire the sunset.  All shades of browns & golds.  Continuing back to the Explorer, the last two ebikes returned after I did.  They began explaining to their friends how one of them had wiped out while crossing one of the gravel roads.  I wasn't at all surprised, considering the speeds they travel.  

During my ride, I'd seen eight ebikes & only two cyclists riding traditional bikes.  At this rate, those of us who enjoy a moderately paced, quiet ride will be outnumbered by inexperienced riders on electric motorized bikes, before we know it...  

Trail Time & a Busy Time ~

 It had been just over two-weeks since I'd been out on the trail.  Butch had given notice to Jacko while we were away on our anniversary trip.  Once we returned home, he emptied all of his personal items from Traveler & had expected a dispatch on Sunday the 15th.  The wait stretched into the week.

I was happy he was still home on the 16th, when the contractor came to remove the recently cracked, garden style tub from our master bath & replace it with a walk-in shower.  Late that same day - Butch was dispatched to drop his trailer in Omaha.  Without a trailer, we both wondered how much longer the wait for a dispatch would be.  The goal was to return Traveler to Jacko's Vancouver office in a timely fashion, so Butch could fly home for orientation with his new company on the 23rd.

Again - on my way~

The remodel took two full days & was finished late in the day on the 17th.  The same day Butch's F-150 decided to have issues, he had it towed to Little Red's.  As if that wasn't enough, the washing machine decided to go out too.  By the 18th, we made a trip to Menards for materials & Butch started repairing the shiplap in the bathroom.  Late afternoon, a dispatch finally arrived, he was to leave for Indiana the following morning.

Smokey with a standout golden walnut~

Butch pulled Traveler out of the driveway for the last time Thursday morning.  I was very sad to see the big red Freightliner go...  He's been such a dependable semi & has taken great care of my husband for many, many miles.  They would be bobtailing all the way to Wabash Used Fleet Sales in Lafayette, IN to pick up a trailer.  Isn't Indiana in the wrong direction from Washington state?

The Walnut Cathedral ~

By Friday - I was ready for some R&R.  October has been so stellar!  Every day seems more perfect than the last.  As I was leaving Silver City, I was cut-off by two ebikes intent on getting ahead of me on the trail.  I'm seeing more & more of them & as they passed, one rider told the other his top speed was 27 mph.  Way too fast for the trail - at least in my opinion.

The Silver Creek Trestle in Gold~

Butch was still in IN, he'd refused the first trailer, due to damage.  He was delayed 6.5 hours as a second trailer had issues & the third - which he had on the road when I called - doglegged to the center line.  His dispatch had been changed & he was going to pick up a load in Bridgeview, IL.  We knew by now; he would not make Monday's orientation.

Entering the park~

I hope the photo above is a good visual example of just how stunning our days have been!  I think we need to delete July & February from the calendar & add two Octobers in their place!  After our call, I turned back north, this time with the wind at my back.

Silver Creek - so low...

I passed a woman off to the side of the trail with an ebike.  She looked tired & I had a feeling I knew what would happen.  Sure enough - as I watched my rearview mirror, I saw her pull out & start following about 100 yards behind me.  After a couple miles of this, I decided there was no way I was going to set the pace for someone with an electric bike.  I pulled off at the trestle - she had to go around & keep up her own momentum, or lack thereof!

The corn is down!

I made it back to Silver City in really good time, almost catching up to the two ebikes who had cut me off earlier.  Go Smokey! :-)  Of course, I paid the price yesterday & today.  I can hardly walk!

Butch waved as he passed by Council Bluff's this morning - on his way to Salt Lake City.  He'll make a delivery, drop a trailer & bobtail to pick up another load.  He should eventually reach Jacko by Wednesday.  Traveler will be left behind in Vancouver.

With any luck at all - Butch will finally - be flying home by Thursday.  Hopefully, this new company will still have a truck available!  Based out of Omaha with a Midwest territory, we're hoping to improve our chances of more timely home time!

White Cloud Trestle - South~

 I said in May, I'd return to this section of the trail & today I did.  I don't like parking at the Depot.  The grade of the little parking area puts the rear of the Explorer too high for me to lift Smokey onto the rack.  Butch suggested I go to the park just across from Agriland.  It was perfect & easy!

Ready to leave~

I rode around the south end of the pond, out onto the trail & past the Depot.  Past the big bike art installation, I didn't stop for a photo.  It was definitely warmer & muggier than it has been & especially so - since there was very little breeze.

Toward Marsh Rd.~

The first section of the trail is a unrelenting uphill grind.  Once I was past Marsh Road, it's more rolling, but there's one section with heavier rock than I'm used to.  It gave me an appreciation of the riders who ride on the gravel roads.

Tall Bellflower~

I'd seen the above flowers blooming last year & have identified them.  They are such a pretty color & the only thing I've found along the trail blooming this time of year.

Sign in the tree to the right~

The trail was dappled with sunlight the last couple miles to the White Cloud truss bridge.   The signage is getting weather worn, but you can still make out the message. 

Imogene 10 miles~

No doubt about it, at least in my opinion.  It's a tough ride to go from Malvern to Imogene.  Besides today & another ride this May, going out 7-miles, I've traveled it twice one way & once, a round-trip.

Elevation~

The Garmin chart above shows the four rides, the one on the far right, longest & green line is the round trip. It was my first year back on a bike - riding Speedy - May 29th of 2020.  At just under 28-miles - I was so tired coming back - I got off & walked up the last of the big hills.  The two in the middle, I'd made it one way to Imogene & Butch picked me up there.  

I noticed my average speed had dropped after my leg injury, but now, partly thanks to Smokey, it's increasing again.  Even riding just over half-way today, it's a considerable improvement. My goal is to ride all the way to Imogene, sometime before this year is out, but I'll need to find a ride back!  

White Cloud Trestle over the W Nishnabotna River~

This bridge & the view from it, is beautiful.  It was erected in 1910 using 1884 parts.  At 305 ft. total, the main span is 115 ft.  It is a few years older than the Silver Creek Trestle, erected in 1923.  I have to admit, I'm in love with the old bridges & in awe of the engineering & crews that constructed them.

View upstream from the trestle~

The day had warmed & was very still, just an occasional slight breeze to cool me off.  I hadn't seen anyone on the trail.  The town of White Cloud, just a short way beyond the trestle, began as a mill & a ferry operated across the river.  Both White Cloud & Glenwood were started before there were railroads.

Crossing the narrow bridge~

In less you're on foot, this is a one bike at a time crossing.  There's about 6" left on each side of the handlebars.  

I made it to the cattle guard in the photo below & stopped for a break at six miles.  I called Butch & told him Smokey wanted to turn back. :-) I turned the bike around to face north & took a short rest break.

Starting back?

But then, I looked south.  There was one more rise & I really thought I might be close to the area I named Cottonwood Pass on my first ride.  Oh heck - what's another mile or so?  I finished the climb & started down the far side until I heard my Garmin buzz at 7-miles.

The trail continued; I turned back~

There was plenty of trail ahead of me for another day, six to seven miles more to reach Imogene.  Returning to Malvern, I'd have several miles of downhill grade!  Yippee!  It was a blast sailing along making my own breeze.  My t-shirt almost dried out!

Smokey on the White Cloud Trestle~

A coyote ran across the trail at one point.  He was moving fast & so was I.  More clouds had moved in too, giving the day a silvery glow & dropping the temperature a couple degrees.  After the bridge, it was a bit of a grind back to Marsh Road.  Once across, we were back under the canopy of the trees.  I enjoyed a final nice downhill into Malvern.

My route~

Coming into town, I whizzed along on the concrete portion of the trail, back to the park.  A good workout & a really enjoyable ride.  Two back-to-back longer rides did take a toll though!  Now, the hottest days of the summer season are due to arrive.  I'll be glad when they're in my rear-view mirror!