Back on Track ~

 Today, slated as the coolest for the next long while, I drove the twelve-miles to Silver City.  After a short chat with Mari Jo, Breezy & I were on the trail.

Toward Malvern~

This section was the first I rode on my own, over a year ago now.  It's also become my go-to for afternoon rides.  It's the closest trail access from home.  

The round-trip on this section, is just about 17-miles.  The half-way in Malvern, at Agriland makes a perfect rest-stop, to visit Butch.  There's also no big hills, just gradual inclines, which have worked well during my leg's rehabilitation.  

On the Trestle~

Though warm, in the mid-80's, the clouds floating by overhead offered relief from direct sun.  In the shade of the trees, the temperature on the trail is probably five-degrees cooler.  There was just the lightest of breezes.

The river flows by~

The feel of summer is in the air.  The warming temperatures, after a somewhat strange & cool spring, is something many are looking forward to.

Roof tops of Agriland~

The roof of the shop can just be seen above the growing cattails in the marsh.  The birds love this area too.  I pulled into the shop, one of the men went to find Butch & offered me a coke, out of the recently donated refrigerator!  Now, the crew can buy & keep drinks cold, rather than using a pop machine.  I stayed to visit for a while, but wanted to be back in Silver City by five.

The Trail Arch~

Leaving Malvern near the Station, I noticed the flowering vines on the arch are almost ready to bloom!  They looked so dead earlier in the spring, it's always a surprise to see they survived another winter.

I took it easy today, my leg still sore from the weekend.  Even so, I matched my latest travel time on this section of the trail.

A beautiful view~

The sun was reflecting off the water in the creek.  An outflow from the nearby pond added the sound of running water.  

The latest seat I'm trying out, seems to be working.  My balance, stopping & starting on Breezy has really improved too!  I'm hoping I'll stay motivated to ride in the heat - this summer!

Memorial Day - Greenfield ~

 This was the fifth year we've made the drive east to Greenfield for Memorial Day.  (Nika again stayed with Doris.)  We decided to stay in Creston this year, closer to Green Valley State Park, where we'd planned to ride our bikes.

We left home early Sunday.  I wanted plenty of time to tidy things up at both cemeteries where my family are buried & change out flowers in the vases.  When we drove to Greenfield, the flag poles were up!  A sure sign the flags would be added early in the morning. 

Memorial Day, driving in from Creston, the view of  all the flags flying again, was amazing to see.  

Greenfield Cemetery~

Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357 - hadn't flown the flags for the last two-years.  It's a large, labor intensive job & can't be done in bad weather.  The day was cool & with high overcast.  Just a light breeze from time to time caught the flags & put them in motion.  

Veteran Sunken Garden

Again, as part of the ceremony, a roll call of the name of each Veteran was spoken, followed by a 21-gun salute.  It took just over twenty-minutes.  676 Crosses are in the garden.  Among them, my Dad's, brother Russ & several Uncles.

My Dad's cross~

The poppies are in a bundle at the head of each row.  When the time comes, the people attending are asked to walk the rows & add a poppy to each cross.  This year I took my turn.

Dad's flag, my brother's next~

It gives me comfort to see Dad & my brother Russ's flags next to each other.  Two of the 456 displayed on this Memorial Day.

My Mother, Brother & Dad~

Artificial flowers were hard to come by this year.  Hobby Lobby's shelves were stripped almost bare.  Butch's sharp eyes found the beautiful green hydrangea.   We bring flags for the flag holders each year, but this year, they were already placed.

Overhead as we were driving out~

We visited other family graves before leaving.  I'm always melancholy after the service.  We drove back to Creston & had lunch before stopping at the True Value.  It's one of the places we enjoy browsing through, when we visit.  I found a really nice sized Aronia Berry bush.  I'm going to try to keep this one alive & go from there!

Union County Historical Village~

 As we were driving through Creston, a sign advertising a Quilt Show caught my eye.  I've always loved quilts, my Aunt & my Grandmother made some amazing quilts.  I have one cut out, but the challenge will be sewing the pieces for the squares!  Maybe some future cold winter I'll take on the task.

In the meantime, I love admiring the work of other skilled artisans.  Butch was game to check it out, before we started the drive home.  We followed the signs & ended up at McKinley Park.  This was the park my paternal Grandparents used to take us to - for the Fourth-of-July Fireworks show!  

A welcoming view~

The beautiful sight of handmade quilts blowing in the wind, welcomed us to the Union County Historical Village.  We'd seen & commented on the historic buildings during another trip here, but it had been winter & the village closed to the public.  

The beginning of our tour~

Wondering at the time, about all the buildings, now we had the opportunity to tour the small town & enjoy the beautiful display of stunning quilts.

We both love antiques & appreciate learning about the history of an area.  Of course I have a personal interest, having spent summers on my Grandparents farm, just north of Creston.

Built in 1896 by William Harris~

It was - an absolutely perfect early June day!  Temperatures in the mid-80's, a light breeze & fluffy white clouds moving overhead.  A local quilters group had been contacted by the volunteer's who manage the village & the idea was born for a quilt show.

Paper Pieced Quilt~

Quilts were displayed both inside the historic buildings & outside too.  The variety was as impressive as the sewing craftsmanship.

Print Shop ~

Inside the print shop, we were treated to seeing a Chandler & Price in operation!  The gentleman operating it, had just closed his shop in Creston & retired.  Now, he enjoys demonstrating his craft to visitors.

General Store~

The General Store, was full to the brim, of items that would have been in stock, back in the day.  

Denim & old jean pockets!

There was so much to look at & some great informational displays.   Easily worth several visits, we plan to return.

Spaulding Church~

Seeing the church above was a déjà vu moment for me.  It looked familiar, yet out of place?   As we walked in, Butch saw a plaque near the door.  Though out of it's original place now, this building had been moved from Spaulding, IA in 1970. 

Creston News Advisor, April 29, 1970

I had ridden Topsy to the small town of Spaulding, more than once in the early 1960's.  I remember when we found the little ghost town for the first time & riding past the church.  I'm so glad it's been saved from the ravages of time.

Another beautiful quilt~

Butch found the machine shed!  I didn't think I'd ever get him out of there!  One of the tractors was almost identical to the one he re-built at Agriland!   He realized the seat on his isn't right - because it's not the original. 

Butch, in the Seagrave Fire Truck~

The Fire Truck above was street worthy!  Butch would have been happy to have taken it for a spin!  :-)  Seeing the two-row planters & one row harvesters gave us both such an appreciation of the hard, backbreaking labor yesterday's farmers put into growing our crops!

Truly, a wonderful place to visit & gain perspective of SW Iowa's rural heritage~

Green Valley State Park~

 Saturday, Butch drove an activity, so we loaded our bikes & left for Creston, Sunday morning.  The drive over is always so pretty.  Rain was predicted, it was overcast & cool.  Once in town, we stopped for lunch, before driving to the family plot north of town.  From there, on to Greenfield, to put fresh artificial flowers on my parents, brother & paternal Grandparents headstones.  Always a sad time for me.

Back in Creston, we signed into our room before driving out to Green Valley State Park.  I'd looked online & discovered there was a bike trail at least part way around the lake.  It was just before 6 p.m. when we found a parking area.  

Ready to ride~

Signage wasn't explicit, as to just where the trail was.  Butch saw a concrete trail just across the road from where we'd parked.  It looked to me, like it was heading the wrong direction, but away we went!

The top of the first hill!

Well...  I need to amend that statement!  Away Butch went, gears clicking!  My poor leg - was cold out of the gate...  I also haven't had any practice on BIG hills!  I was all the way into my highest gear, flying downhill.  Then - when Breezy hit the steepest part of the climb...  Well, too late to shift...

Butch at the crest~

When I was done walking my bike up to the top, the view that greeted me, was not the one I wanted to see!  I'm used to gradual inclines, not monster hills!  I continued on though - the downhills were a blast!  I did my best, but ended by walking at least a third of the way up.

Thankfully, the trail ended at a gravel road.  There were two ladies walking & I asked if there was another trail around the lake?

Well, yes!  There was one, the other direction from where we'd left the Explorer.  Oh No...  Now I had to do the same thing all over again!  My poor knee & ankle, were just not up to the multiple rotations of the lower gears.

Butch waits as I catch up~

It was a stunning evening!  Cool, no wind & the park freshly mowed.  We rode by a stand of young Walnut trees, my favorites.

Breezy at the lake~

I had to stop for a photo...  The sky, with clouds moving in, reflecting on the water was amazing...

The trail dropped us off at a road, with a share the roads, bike sign.  We took the road & came to the sign below, where the trail continued.

Entrance~

My Garmin hadn't recorder the earlier part of the ride on the hills & I hadn't noticed until we were on the lake trail.  From when I'd turned it on, we'd gone just over three-miles.

Such a beautiful park~

We whizzed right along & found the campground, where the trail again disappeared?  We stopped to talk to the Ranger & ask where the trail continued.  It didn't, except for a grassy way not mowed.  He  asked how far we'd ridden?  When I told him about 4-miles, he knew we'd started from the spillway parking area.  Our only option, was to ride back the way we'd come.

Tree Swallow~

It was such a nice evening, the ride back would be beautiful too.  The campground was full!  A couple young boys came up on their bikes & I asked if I could get a tow?  Oh - for the energy of youth!

Connie on the Causeway~

There were a few fishermen out on the lake, but the park was overall, very quiet.  As we rounded a corner, Butch had stopped to see the family of Geese below.  

Canadian Geese ~

We finished the ride at just under 8-miles, not counting the Big hills!  

The very bottom is where we'd parked~

The road you can just see at the bottom of the image, goes to Creston.  It's gravel from the parking lot we'd found - at the end of the concrete.  As you can see, it's a big lake!  Really a fun ride too!

Catching up to Myself ~

 A very rare weather day for the end of May in Iowa!  Cloudy & cool - in the low 50's - just as the weatherman had predicted.

Butch took off work, to help me pick up Speedy from the Bike Rack, where she was packaged for shipment.  He loaded the big box into the Explorer & we delivered it to UPS in Council Bluffs.  Speedy is moving to MA!  I'll miss her, but Breezy has done a nice job of carrying me a little faster & easier on the trails.

Speedy leaves home~

  We picked up a sandwich at Runza, before Butch dropped me off at the north trailhead of the Wabash.  It was chilly!  I'd worn just a zippered hoody over a t-shirt, but brought my windbreaker!  

1:36 p.m. - on the trail~

With the breeze from riding, I stopped within a mile to put the windbreaker over my hoody!  The only person I'm competing against these days - is me!  I have all last season's ride stats on Garmin Connect to refer to.  When I decide on a section of the trail, as the months of my recovery have gone by, I compare my rides now, to the before rides.

Walter Scott Jr. Energy Center~

Of course, that doesn't keep me from stopping for pictures! Again, I was reminded of a typical Western, WA day. I was almost wishing I'd worn my thermal pants. It's a six-mile uphill grade out of Council Bluffs. Just a long grind. Once we were out in the country, I stopped on the bridge I enjoy for the nice view.

On the bridge~

I was ready to be done with the climb, knowing I had to be getting close to Dumfires.  I couldn't help but notice a brightly colored, new sign along the trail.  

Breezy by the Sign! 

Four-miles to Mineola, which meant Margaritaville had to be right around the corner.  I'd reached the crest of the climb!  Riding into the bike party area, I had another surprise.  My last visit in late April, I'd seen pilings in place for something...  The something had become a Cabana~ 

2:28 p.m. A new party cabana?

I'm thinking this must have been a donation of private funds, since there are so many bridges on the trail in need of repair?  Margaritaville has quite the reputation with the homes neighboring this particular area.  Trash bins full of beer cans tell the tale...

View from under the cover~

Situated with a nice view of the countryside, I'm sure it will get a lot of use! I'd only seen one other rider on the trail. He'd been heading the other direction too fast to respond to my "Hi"!

Since I'd left Council Bluffs a little late - I wanted to keep moving & looked forward to those next four-miles of downhill! Breezy breezed & yes it was a cold breeze! :-)

2:51 p.m. coming in to Mineola~

Such a fun part of the trail!  My favorite part for sure!  I shifted all the way to my highest gear & really built up some momentum.  I didn't stop, except to take a drink of my water & an electrolyte.  I'd need the energy for the next, uphill climb to the crest of the hill,  half-way to Silver City.  I was tempted to stop more than once, but didn't.  The top did come & with it the smooth concrete.

3:27 p.m.  The new bridge!

I planned a short break at Happy Trails.  Mari Jo was outside when I rolled in.  She is 100% sure now -  I'm a bit daft!  :-)  I went in long enough to warm up a little.  As Mari Jo looked up at the ominous dark clouds, her parting words were;  "You've just 8-miles to go!"

4:03 p.m. Leaving Silver City~

The fields have turned pale green after our most welcome rain!  I stopped & put my windbreaker back on!  I planned to be at Agriland no later than 5 & that's when Butch was expecting me!

4:31 p.m. On the Trestle~

I took another short break, the windbreaker came off!  I was working hard enough to be warmed up.  I also found a bite sized chocolate candy in my pack!  

Breezy & I really moved out on the last stretch of our ride.  Once we were on the concrete outside Malvern, I again moved right up to my highest gear & built up momentum.  I could see Butch's shop door still partly open!

The roads by the shop have been recently graveled, that slowed us down...  Once inside the door, I saw the Explorer & my husband waiting!  I'd pulled in just two-minutes before five!

Breezy & I deserved a ride home!

We finished the 22.22 mile ride with a moving time of 2:39 hours & total time of 2:57 hours.  Our moving speed of 8.4 was up a full mile-an-hour over my April ride.  I'd like to attribute the improvement to my leg's continued healing, rather than the new bike.  Just a little way to go - to match my fastest time from last season.  I was tired!  Breezy was fine!  :-)

Into the Greens ~

 Even if warm, the day wasn't quite as humid as my last visit.  Just a light breeze, enough to feel comfortable.  I'm getting a bit more comfortable riding Breezy.  The seat is working better, an improvement over the original.  I'm still making adjustments.  

On the trail~

The Walnuts are finally opening their leaves!  The shade on the trail continues to increase due to them!  Our front yard now has a shady green canopy too.  I love sitting at my desk & looking out.  It feels as thought I'm right under the tree.

The Walnut~

We're now into our fifth spring in Iowa!  Watching as the trees grow - gives me some measure of time - as the years go by.  I was enjoying the trail today.  Thankful the riders from last Fri., who were heading back north on Monday, were now gone!  I appreciate the quiet of "my" trail!  :-)

On the Trestle~

I stopped on the Trestle as usual, but just for a short stop to admire the river as it flows along.  Arriving at Agriland, I'd made the trip in just under an hour.  My best time so far this season.  Butch had a coke waiting, I sat & watched as he worked on a truck.

On the way back, I took the new concrete walk-way around the lake at the Malvern Park.  Once man was fishing, a mother had her youngster out on his little bike.

Perfect afternoon~

Back on the trail, Breezy was cruising.  I stopped a few times for photos of the late afternoon sunshine on the wildflowers.  I do miss Speedy's bright color though!

Breezy~

Below is a Google Earth close-up of our stop at Agriland.  The big shop now dominates the dark spot on the photo.  The photo was taken before the shop was built.  Google doesn't update Iowa aerial views as often as it did WA...  You can also see our trip around the lake.  Such a nice park with a few camping spots too.

Google Earth Image~

I was back in Silver City in no time, making the trip in two-hours. Just a mile an hour slower than Speedy & my fastest time. Breezy is making up some of the difference. I know my leg isn't working nearly like it used to. Breezy & I crested 100-miles on this ride, we're getting more used to each other.