Ice on the Water ~

 This year it seemed like winter arrived all at once.  I was enjoying fall, moderate temperatures & still plenty of time outside.  Our first snow was November 29th.  We've had earlier snow, that's for sure, but the change to cold - still seemed sudden.  It had been just over three weeks since I'd been out.  With today's forecast close to 50, it was time for a ride.

12:37 p.m. On the trail~

It was noon when I dropped Finn off to visit Doris.  My plan was to be on the trail during the warmest time of our short days.  There were no cars at my usual parking spot & almost no one at the park.

Road crew working northbound I-29

On my way out the trail to the I-29 underpass, I came around a corner just before the train underpass & spooked a six-point buck!  He was standing on the trail eating through the chain link fence that runs alongside the railway tracks.  He jumped straight up, before turning & crossing in front of me. 

I turned around just shy of the Interstate on my way back to the park.  I'd just gone through the last tunnel - when this time - I spooked three does!  They were eating plants on the far side of the chain link in about the same spot.  They took off across the trail in front of me.  I looked but couldn't see any plants that were different enough to draw so much interest.  They were surrounded by harvested fields with plenty of fodder!

Possum~

Making my usual circuit through the old campground, this big possum was out in the middle of one of the open fields.  He was totally unconcerned about my presence.  

Along Indian Creek~

There was still snow on the ground in several places.  I rode into the wind heading south along the creek.  It was such a beautiful afternoon.

Frozen snow & footprints~

When I finished my loop around the lake, I passed the Bronco & turned down the trail to my usual spot on the lakeshore.  Here, with all the shade from the trees, the snow was covering the trail.  Footprints were frozen into the snow & had iced over.  I walked the bike through this section.

At the shore~

My reward is the above view.  I think the lake is more beautiful in the winter, frozen over, than in the summer months when the water is clear.  High clouds had moved in from the west & with them the temperature dropped about 5 degrees.

2:37 p.m. The sun is already starting to set~

It didn't take long to feel the chill.  I started back.  It's amazing how quickly the sun sets this time of year.  The winter solstice can't come soon enough. I returned to the Bronco & left for home.  Finn & Doris had spent the afternoon out in the sunshine too.  

5:17 p.m. The sun has set~

At home, it was already getting dark & the lights had come on.  The last shades of pink looked so pretty against the blue/gray sky.  This time of year, I appreciate those rare warmer days more than ever, even though we could sure use moisture. Butch is due home soon & the weather forecast is for a Christmas day in the 50's!  Since he has jury duty the last of the month, we'll be enjoying his extended time at home!

Walk from the Pond~

 A bright sunshine day, after two days of gray & a little drizzle we'll call "rain".  Our total was .22 - it did get the ground wet - but that was about it.  I've wanted to get the bike out, but with 30 mph wind gusts - Lake Manawa didn't sound too appealing.  

Instead, I decided we'd drive to the little park in Malvern & walk the concrete portion of the Wabash, north toward Silver City.  The park is where I take my break when riding my bike.  (The limestone trail surface is deep into the freeze/thaw cycle now & not rideable).  We were the only ones there.

Finn - ready to go!

Amazon delivered Finnigan's new escape proof harness late last night.  I tried it on & the fit was just right.  A good excuse to go for a longer walk.  We'd gone out with Mari Jo & Gracie for the second time on Friday.  I forgot my phone, so no photos of us, walking in the cold drizzle with two very muddy dogs!  Mari Jo had tempted me to make the drive - with sugar cookie fudge & homemade rolls! 

Around the pond~

Today, was ever so much nicer!  Finn was on a mission - to mark every large tree.  Thankfully, there are only a couple!  We've been walking every day at home.  By about 3:30 Finn makes it obvious - it's time for his walk by standing halfway between the kitchen & the back door.  We walk the entire place & end up in the Cabin.  I turn up the heat & he sleeps on my lap while I listen to my audio book for a while before going back to the house for his dinner.

This dog would be gone in a flash, chasing a squirrel, bunny etc. if he were off leash.  A squirrel had run across the trail right in front of us on Friday & he about took me with him!  His kennel cough is gone now, he's gained a pound & is enjoying life.

Where's Finn? - Perfect camouflage!  

He blends in perfectly with the colors of the late fall landscape!  It's almost impossible for me to see him until he moves!  I was so used to Nika's wheaten color standing out against anything but snow.

Our turn-around at Jahnke Rd.

I'd forgotten to wear my Garmin.  I'm going to next time & keep track of Finn's miles on the trail.  We were just over a mile north of Malvern & at the end of the concrete. (I've entered our first three walks, manually.)

Heading back~

We made a stop at a corn field & hadn't been there more than a minute or two when Finn pounced on something in the field grass!  A second pounce & his nose went in up to his eyes.  Not wanting to continue on with him carrying a catch.  I pulled him back!

Ready to pounce!

Back at the pond, we took advantage of one of the benches to soak in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine, before leaving.

Finnigan's profile~

The days are so short now, with the sun so low in the southern sky.  I'll be much happier to be on uphill side of the winter solstice.

We sat for a few minutes, before he jumped down - turned towards me & starting barking.  It was obvious he was ready to go home!  He knew where the Explorer was & led me right to it.  Such a smart guy!  

(Adopt-a-Pet offered us a free gift.  I took the dollars off a DNA kit & ordered it.  I'm looking forward to seeing what different breeds make up our cute, smart & opinionated dog!)

Walk in the Park~

Another day with blue skies, brisk air & sunshine!  First official day - of our first Winter in Iowa!  We hadn't been to our favorite breakfast hangout this week, (The Gathering Place) so today we headed there for hot homemade soup & my usual grilled cheese on homemade bread!  Yep, spoiled we are :-)

Glenwood Lake

On our to-do list for a while now, we took Nika & went over to the park to walk around the lake.  She's been so good as a house dog - but we feel bad that she has no where to run :-(  That will change in a few more weeks - when the new fence will finally go in!

The Omaha area is experiencing such a boom, there's a wait for any fence contractor.  Then - we've been waiting for a survey of our property corners.  Butch finally went up to the Assessors office to do what research he could.  The mother of one of the surveyors works there.  When he left - armed with legal descriptions - his next stop was the survey office.  He was greeted with;  "You've gone to see my mother!"  We're now on the list for Friday.  :-)  As they say - it's all in who you know.  Butch is gaining a reputation for getting things done.

A bit of a melt from the frigid temps of last weekend~

We wanted to walk a Lot more, so cut up the hill & found a wonderful area of hiking trails!  They were color coded, so we took each turn that looked like we'd be going farther out & up.  We climbed higher & appreciated some great views.

One of three water towers~

One thing about living in hill country - there are lots of hills with views at the top of them all!

Signage

 We'd done the trails in the reverse & found this sign as we were coming back!  There's a trail going down through a wooded area, then across a bridge & to the schools.  I'm sure the track & cross-country teams take advantage of this area.

On the Trail~

 The light was so golden.  It was warm enough - I ended up taking my coat off & tying it to my waist.  Next time I'll wear the Garmin & see how accurate the mileage is.  Once you leave the trails, you're back in the area of the museum & the beautiful barn below.

Stunning barn~

I'm looking forward to seeing the inside of this one.  Also visiting the museum & learning more of the history of the area.  We'd been out a while, so had one more stop to make before heading home.

No "Honey Buckets" here!

We had the biggest laugh!  Each day feels like we're on vacation - we'll take it!