Granddaughter Skyla comes to Visit!

The afternoon of the 24th, granddaughter Skyla boarded a plane at Sea Tac in Seattle to make the flight to Omaha!  I was so excited when I'd heard from our daughter Jentry that Skyla wanted to visit!  The family lives on Camano Island, north of Seattle.  Her mother made the 75-mile drive south to Sea Tac through the usual heavy traffic.  It was a relief when Skyla texted, she was on the plane!  

I left home plenty early & at Eppley, stood in line for a guest pass that allowed me to be at the gate when she disembarked.  Since I didn't have a ticket per sea, I couldn't use my TSA pre pass & had to go through the usual security line.  Even so, I arrived at the gate in plenty of time.

9-25-25 Grammy & Skyla on the Bob Perry Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha, NE

I knew the bridge was just a short distance from Eppley, so after we took the shuttle to the Bronco, we Googled our way to a parking area.  It was my first time at the bridge & we really enjoyed the walk & views of the river.  We met another couple & exchanged a photo op.  The lady had flown in from Virginia & Skyla from Seattle.  Here we were, meeting in the middle of the country, over the middle of the Missouri River on the state boundary between NE & IA.  After our bridge walk, we had an early dinner at The Mattress Factory!

9-25-25 Skyla at Lake Manawa~

Skyla had tried Butch's e-bike, but it was too big for her.  Smokey, my analog bike fit her perfectly!  Watching her peddling along, standing up on the pedals, reminded me so much of when I was a kid climbing the hills of Boulder.  She was a trooper & even with the heat & bright sunshine we finished my usual 13+ mile loop!  Tastee Treat was next on our agenda!  We ordered two dinners to go. It was Skyla's first-time trying barbeque pulled chicken & hush puppies.  Of course we had dessert first!  Ice cream for the trip home!

I didn't take photos on the 26th.  Skyla wanted to help me with an outdoor project.  I had several small Ash trees in the marsh that needed to come out.  I used the small chain saw to cut them down & planned to cut them into short lengths.  There's an area across the creek where the bank is sliding, the perfect place to throw them.  Skyla grabbed one, gave a huge heave (Her Javelin throwing skills were on full display.) & it sailed over to the far side!  We ended up taking down seven trees!  

9-27 Skyla in front of the Adair County Courthouse, Greenfield, IA

The following morning, we dropped Finn off with Doris & were on our way to my hometown.  We parked just off the square. Skyla saw her great grandfather's name etched in the Veterans Memorial wall.  We shopped at Ed & Eva's; where Skyla found a super cute denim, handmade bag.  

We made the circuit of town, driving by the house my maternal grandmother lived in before moving to the farm, the house I lived in when I was only four, my paternal grandparents' home & the homes of my two best friends etc.  

We visited the Greenfield Cemetary & the graves of my parents & brother, paternal grandparents &  great grandmother.  Skyla is now the sixth generation to make this trek.  From Greenfield, we drove on toward Creston.  I turned onto the gravel road going out to my grandparents' farm where Skyla's mother spent a summer visiting, too.

The Fleming Farm~

We turned back to the main road & took another gravel road to Nevinville.  Just a wide spot in the road now, the town was bypassed when the train lines were built across the country.  My maternal grandmother went to school here & our family has had ties to the town for a very long time.  The church was where my maternal great-grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Skyla~

Every time we visit this area, I have to drive by the church.  Each time the deterioration has increased.  I find it so sad, to see this little country church with such historical significance go to ruin.  

Family plot~

We visited our family plot where Skyla's great, great grandparents & her great, great, great maternal grandparents are buried.  I hope she remembers & returns with her family someday.  I'd shown Skyla photos the evening before of our relatives so she would have a point of reference.

By the time we arrived in Creston, we were starving!  Pizza Ranch was our next stop.  Skyla had never had a dessert pizza!  The Staff made us a peach pizza & delivered it to our table hot out of the oven!

Our ride at Green Valley~

The final stop for the day was a bike ride at Green Valley State Park.  The temperature was in the 80's & Skyla isn't used to our blazing sunshine.  Her forearms were coloring red from our ride at Lake Manawa.  Not to be dissuaded though, we unloaded the bikes, wiped the gravel road dust off the seats & away we went.  It was a beautiful afternoon & is such a gorgeous place to ride.

Sunday the 28th, we arrived at Fontenelle Forest about noon.  Skyla's reservation at TreeRush Adventures was 12:30 p.m. She had three hours to do as many of the Adventure Courses as she wanted.  In the video Skyla is navigating through the most difficult challenge of the Osprey Course.  Skyla had done several of the courses when the family visited in 2023, but the courses are changed somewhat each season. I was amazed at how easy Skyla made it look, especially after seeing other's fall & dangle from their harness! 

Skyla cooking our dinner!

Skyla loves to cook; she doesn't get that from me!  We'd gone shopping for the ingredients needed for Eggplant Parmesan.  Even after spending three hours in the trees & expending a lot of energy, she still put together a wonderful dinner!  I told her it was the first time in forever I didn't have to be the one in the kitchen!

Skyla at Eppley

Monday, we were up early.  Skyla was packed & took her bags to the Bronco.  We dropped Finn off with Doris & left for Eppley in plenty of time.  We had to wait in line at the ticket counter for my guest pass.  Skyla had lunch before we went through security.

The little germanium makes it safely to WA!

I'd rooted one of my little red germaniums & potted it that morning for Skyla to take home. At security, the plant was taken & set off to the side.  After I went through, I mentioned to an agent it was ours. They took the pot & did several tests.  When it was returned to me, I asked what the tests were for & was told; "Explosives".  Over the years, I've made at least a couple trips carrying on small plants, but this was a first.

It seemed like a whirlwind visit, the days flew by so fast...  It was very hard to see Skyla leave...  She was the first of our little group of now four grandchildren, to visit on her own.  I'm so proud of the young woman she's becoming. She promised to come again & I will hold her to it!  

North from Mineola to Council Bluffs~

 Another welcome break from the winds.  April, one of our most beautiful months has, again this year seen days & days of hard blowing wind.  It makes it pretty miserable to work outside, as I've found out.  It doesn't help when what had been our neighborhood's green lawns are still dirt from last year's private sewer project.  The wind picks up the dirt, the dirt swirls in the air & blasts everything in its path.  If I even consider using the hose to wash things off, the dirt flows.  A clean porch or deck is a thing of the past.  Even the siding on the house has turned from white to gray.

The trail too is very dusty & dry.  We're classified as in a moderate drought.  The most rain we've received in months is less than half an inch. 

Over Keg Creek~

I hadn't ridden this direction for a while but planned on going all the way to the north end of the trail at Council Bluffs. I always look forward to both the exercise & seeing the changes in the landscape each visit brings.  

Grading at Margaritaville~ 

When I came to Margaritaville, the change was evident!  The area had been reworked & graded, increasing the size & scope of the popular bike spot.  More picnic tables, more bike racks & more barbecue's. 

View from the bench at Margaritaville~

Tracks from the equipment were evident.  When the breeze picked up, even here the dust made mini dust devils.  The old hitching post acted as a backdrop for the trash receptacles.  No room to tie a horse, there hasn't been since the days I rode Farah.

A favorite territorial view~

Further on, it's easy to forget the use this section of trail sees.  Looking out over the rapidly greening countryside, you can almost forget that most of it will soon be planted with crops.  

The low underpass~

This underpass is so weird, with one side lower than the other.  The sunlight at the far end makes an interesting optical illusion.  I still can't believe I rode Farah through it, with my helmet touching the ceiling.

Patio at Tastee Treat!

I had an ulterior motive today!  I stopped at Tastee Treat & ordered the barbeque pulled chicken dinner to go!  While I waited, I decided a small bowl of ice cream would hit the spot!  I'd even remembered to bring bungee cords to attach my dinner to the rear rack.

New "Attraction" on the trail~

I'd passed this spot on my way north, but there had been several boys enjoying the chair.  It was empty when I was going back.  The trail had a contest to name the chair, but I haven't heard the outcome.

Blooms!

So many of the trees are in full bloom now!  The smell is just incredible!  After what seems like such long winter months to me, seeing green & flowers is wonderful!  After over eight years, I still miss the year-round greens of the Pacific NW.

View toward Mineola~

Going back is always fun with the long downhill grades.  The view across the fields to town in the distance is post card perfect, especially on such a clear day.

Bronco at the Mineola Trail head~

The Bronco was the only car at the Mineola trail head when I returned.  The new campground will see plenty of use I'm sure as the summer months arrive.  The intent is to promote trail tourism & the plan is to eventually add restrooms, showers & electricity in the future.

My route today, 20-mile RT~

The Google Earth photo above, shows my ride today & the east side of my route around Lake Manawa.  It's possible to ride from the trail, along one road, under I-29 & to the lake trails.  Many miles of interconnected trails are available, just a few though that don't require riding along the edge of roads.

When Butch called in the evening, I had to brag about my dinner!  It made the trip intact & really hit the spot!

A Perfect Spring Ride ~

 Butch arrived in town mid-day yesterday.  He picked me up on his way by & we spent the afternoon getting the trailer washed out at Blue Beacon in Council Bluffs.  The line was long as usual.  The groves in the floor were full of small potatoes from CO.  Cleaning those out cost an extra $20.  We thought the price was pretty reasonable considering! Traveler had a bath too!  

Slighty bruised potatoes anyone?  

Butch didn't know he'd be coming home until yesterday morning - when he was ready to leave Topeka.  After seven-weeks on-the-road, he had laundry & supplies to restock.  This morning he visited Brianna at the Hair Station in Tabor for a overdue haircut & beard trim!  After lunch, he installed the rear rack on his bike, loaded both bikes onto the Explorer & we were on our way to the park!  It was truly the most perfect day we've had this year-to-date!  Such a gift to be able to enjoy it together!

Butch & the bikes~

The park was busier than I'd seen it in quite a while.  Everyone wanted to take advantage of the sunshine, before the forecast drop in temperatures & rain/snow due for tomorrow.  One cyclist who passed us commented on how wonderful the warm sunshine felt!  Here, a lack of sun seems to be noticed so much more than it was in WA.  We're spoiled in so many ways!

Lake Manawa looking north toward Council Bluffs~

There was some haze in the air.  The only wind was intermittent & not as cold as it has been.  We took the trail out to the picnic area & sat on the bench for quite a while.  I'd stashed a couple fresh oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies in my bag.

Bandit & Smokey at the picnic area~

Every time we ride these bikes, we're so happy we found them.  The level of comfort & ease of riding is great.  I was beginning to think comfortable bikes were a thing of the past.  The Cannondale's proved me wrong.  If Butch can get out of the truck, get on his bike & easily ride ten-miles, it says a lot.

Connie & Smokey, Indian Creek Bridge~

There was a motorized vehicle using the shoulder of the Indian Creek trail.  Motorized are not allowed, but he didn't seem to care.  Otherwise, just a few people walking & a few bikes.

Mid-America Power Plant

We took a road that turns due south off the southern section of trail.  It ends at the public boat launch on the shore of the Missouri.  There's a great view of the power plant.  We stopped again to walk the shore, before riding back to the Explorer.

The Missouri~

The ride was over almost before we wanted it to be, but I had a alterior motive!  Tastee Treet was - of course - on our way home!  We picked up two smoked beef brisket meals for our dinner & ice cream for the drive home!  Yum!

I Couldn't Resist!

 A stuning day!  Light breeze & mid-50's!  The first day the feeling of Spring was really in-the-air!  We met at the Wabash Trailhead in Council Bluffs right at 2 p.m., both of us happy to be out on such a great day!

Mari Jo & the bikes~

I'd forgotten to turn on my Garmin, but I've done the route so many times I know the mileage by heart.  We rode through the old campground, then along the Veterans Memorial Hwy & turned onto the trail along Indian Creek.  We noticed a man up ahead, off his bike in the middle of the trail.  As we came up on him, Mari Jo asked if everything was OK - to which he responded, "No, I took a hard fall." 

We stopped & offered assistance.  We introduced ourselves & Mari Jo took a look at his bike. The front rim was badly bent & the brakes were jammed between the fork & the tire.  She disconnected the brakes & got the pads away from the tire.  She removed the front tire & the three of us tried to straighten it.  No luck - when he stepped on - he about launched Mari Jo & I into the air!  He was a big guy, well over 6'.  

No way was he riding the bike any further.  Mari Jo offered to ride back to the trailhead, get her truck & meet him at the nearest parking area.  He would still have quite a walk, pushing a broken bike - but he decided it would be a better solution than calling his wife! :-)

We took off, Mari Jo setting a good pace.  By the time we reached the turn-off to the lake trail, I told her to go on without me, she'd make better time.  We split up & I watched her fly off down the trail, with just a few miles to get back to her truck.

At the Lake~

I rode on to the picnic area & called Butch from my rest spot on the bench.  He was happy to be leaving CA, heading back to ID.  It was so beautiful out; it was hard to start back.

Smokey on the trail~

I was finding it a whole lot easier to ride with two properly inflated tires today! :-)  

Long shadow~

The final long stretch back, I did notice we'd left a little later than usual today, since the sun was already getting low in the sky to the west.

I-29 up ahead~

This is where the wind had been so awful the last time I was up here.  Today, was much easier!  Back at the trailhead, Mari Jo's truck was gone, which was what I expected.  I'll touch bases with her tomorrow to hear the rest of the story.

Where am I?  :-)

Tastee Treet has opened!  Happy Dance!  My only excuse is - it's on my way home!  I rewarded myself for a long winter season of suffering without my favorite sherbet!  It was just as yummy as I remembered.  I bought the pulled pork dinner, complete with potato salad & hush puppies!  Enough food to last me two dinners!  

I had to brag to Butch when he called! :-)

Fall in the Air~

 At around 8 p.m. tonight - fall officially arrives.  The weather the last two-days has been exceptional,  especially after our Tuesday of record breaking heat.  Yesterday, our Garden Club group took a trip to Kimmel Orchards in Nebraska City.  A hay ride, tour of the facility & shopping made for a day of fun. 

Kimmel Orchards

Today, was a nice as fall weather can be!  Cool, mid-60's, overcast & no wind made it the perfect day to try my luck.  I planned to ride from Mineola north to Council Bluffs on the trail.

Bridge over Keg Creek~

I hadn't ridden this section of trail all the way to Council Bluffs since April of 2020.  I do ride it from Mineola to Margeritaville & back.  It's one of my favorite rides in the fall & colder months.  The 8-mile round-trip isn't bad when you climb the grade on the way there, then get to enjoy the downhill on the way back.

Keg Creek~

It's such a pretty area with some really nice, more territorial views than the section south from Silver City I usually ride.

"Cowboy Pass"~

Always bitter-sweet too, since the six-miles south of Council Bluffs is the only section where horses are allowed.  It was one of the places Farah & I rode often.  We'd even gone all the way from Mineola north, before we realized the rest of the section of horse trail had been abandoned & was totally overgrown.

Margeritaville~ 

Margeritaville had new refuse containers, new flags & was looking very picked up for nearing the end of the biking ride season.  I didn't stay long, as I had no idea how long it would take me to get to Council Bluffs. 

Underpass - Council Bluffs~

I was moving right along!  Doing a really nice speed & even coasting in spots.  I'd forgotten this section is one that reverses the usual 3% uphill grade going north & downhill grade going south.  Here, Margeritaville is pretty much at the summitt of the hills & from there, you're droping down into Council Bluffs.

Trail-head, Council Bluffs~

Arriving at the northern most trail-head, I'd covered the ten-miles in under an hour.  As usual, the smell of cooking food coming from Tastee Treet was so tempting!  I'l learned my lesson the first time I'd done this though!  Having a root beer freeze, then riding the uphill grade back was not fun!  

A stop at Tastee Treat!

I bought some smoked brisket for my dinner & ended up tieing it to my pack on the back of the bike.  I just had a tiny cup of the Dole Watermellon soft serve!  

Going back was a bit of work, but not difficult.  Especially since I've been riding all summer.  There were more riders on the trail than I usually see, but I'm sure the wonderful weather contributed.

On the way back to Mineola~

The cloud cover rolled in again & the temperature felt like it had dropped.  Two groups of H.S. cross country kids were running on the trail & the tractor was out cutting the bush back along the sides.  The fumes from the tractor were no fun, I felt for the kids running.  I had an opportunity to pass & took it. 

Mineola, under it's canopy of trees~

Besides dodging all the walnuts, the last four-miles of downhill was as fun as I remembered!   I love the view of town, even when the townsite is obscured by trees.  A totally different view, dependent on the time of year.  

Fun in the Sun~

 With temperatures climbing to 70, time to enjoy it!  I loaded the bike & headed to Lake Manawa.  The Wabash has to be drying out quickly with the heat & sunshine, I might try it tomorrow.

North Wabash Trailhead~

I decided to leave from the trailhead in Council Bluffs & ride the connector trail to the Lake Manawa's trails.  It's not the most scenic portion, about 1.5 miles to the railway underpasses.

Heading south from the Parking, looking east~

The trail goes over Mosquito creek & under Interstate 29.  From here you can connect to the wide sidewalk/trail on the east side of the lake, where I turned north.

East side of the lake~

Both these areas are out in the open & the wind can be fierce.  Today though, it was moderate, 5-10 mph with only an occasional gust.  At the NE corner, the sidewalk goes alongside the Veteran's Memorial Highway.  It's noisy & I go at a good pace before turning off at Tractor Supply & taking the street that also acts as part of the trail system.  The end of it used to go into a campground, now deserted & sold.

In the campground~

I found this big log, under the Cottonwood tree & decided it would make a good spot to call Butch.  He'd texted he was done with his day's drive.  It's a pretty spot, just past the northern tip of the lake.  It's far enough away from most of the traffic to be quiet too.

South side trails~

The long stretch along the power lines & into the wind on the west side puts you across the bridge at Indian Creek & you turn into the pretty trails at the SW corner.

Picnic shelter, SE corner of the lake~

I almost missed the new to me pretty trail to the lake.  I'd taken the usual offshoot trail, then turned back onto the main trail going east, when I realized I had to have passed it!  I turned back, this time staying on the main trail & sure enough, there it was.  No wonder we'd missed it so many times, since we always took the pretty little off-shoot trail through the woods.

Me & Smokey~

This area gives such nice, sweeping views of the lake.  By now, it was getting later in the afternoon & even with the longer days, Nika likes her dinner on time!  :-)

The way back north~

At the SE corner, I turned north again, with the long trail back to the trailhead parking.  This time, the wind was at my back, it's so fun to fly along on paving!  By the time I was back at the Explorer, I'd ridden just under 15-miles.  

Tastee Treet was OPEN!  I had to stop for the barbeque pulled chicken, hush puppies & potato salad to go!  Nika was happy I made it home in time for her dinner!  What a day to end the month of February!  Now - if we could just get some nice rains...