May 23 - 2nd day in Iowa

​Before we could ride, we needed to drive into Ames Iowa about 15 miles. Bill needed to replace the battery on our light bar. This is the device that allows the truck lights to synch with Belle, the RV. 

Once that was accomplished, it was time to ride the High trestle Trail more to see what all the hype is about. It sure didn’t disappoint. From the time we got on the wide, paved, well maintained trail, it was a great ride. The trail meandered through wooded and residential areas and small towns. 

First stop was in Bouton at Drifters Bar. 

Had a friendly chat with fellow bikers who told us where to stop for lunch in the next town on our ride. 

The Tin Pig in Perry was our next stop. Delicious smash burgers and a couple IPAs. 

Look at those chandeliers… gorgeous  

Of course Lenny was with us and had a few bites of the burger. 

After about 41 miles and very tired butts, we made it back to the campground for a little rest. 

Tomorrow we drive to Lincoln, Nebraska. 

May 22 - Madrid, IA

​Today’s travels took from Illinois into Iowa. Since we’ve gotten our e-bikes, I’ve kept a list of rail trails I want to ride. The High Trestle Trail is one on that list. 

I chose the Swede Point Campground because of we can ride bikes from the campground to the trail. With cloudy skies but no rain, we took off. Since it was late afternoon, we only rode about 12 miles. The trail is wide and paved with concrete. Quite impressive. The High Trestle Bridge is the main attraction of the 25 miles trail.

At sunset, a portion of the bridge lights up  

Tomorrow we’ll ride a little more and hike a few trails. 

May 21 - Brimfield, IL

​jubilee College State Park is tonight’s stop. Huge campground with large sites AND it’s not raining!

Even though we aren’t near a rail to trail bike path, we were able to ride our bikes through the campground and over to the Jubilee College Historic Site. 

We learned that Bishop Chase founded Jubilee’s College to train Episcopal ministers for service in the frontier west. 

Unfortunately Bishop Chase’s dream didn’t come true. 

After the chapel, classrooms and library was built, there wasn’t enough students to sustain the college. 

As we were riding around the site, we saw this delicate tree swaying in the wind - a bald cypress. 

Friday we will park for 2 nights at Swede Point State Park in Ankeny, IA. 

May 20 - New Paris, OH

​Tonight we are at another Harvest Host, The Cedar Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine House. What more could a person need. 

We chose this place because we wanted to bike the Cardinal Rail Trail. Unfortunately, it rained (and poured) most of the day, so biking was definitely out.

Decided playing a game of Skyjo would be the best use of our time and hope the rain would stop. Lenny said it was a good time for a nap.

Eventually we did get in a couple walks. One was around town. Not much here, except we found a campground that was on a natural spring. That and the coffee house were the most lively parts of the town.

There was a short path from the RV to the coffee house that had luscious greenery along a creek. We saw a young deer looking at us , waiting for us to move along so she could get a drink of water. 

Tonight we’ll be in Brimfield, Illinois.

May 19, 2026 - Raymond, Ohio

​Today’s stop was at Farm Wife Mercantile, Harvest Host site. Small goat and cattle farm. Lenny got to meet Tucker, a Pygmy goat that was a pet. 

Torrential rains and winds came early evening but we were safe inside for dinner and reading our books. 

Tomorrow we’ll be in New Paris, OH at The Coffee and Wine shop … two of my favorite beverages. It’s another Harvest Host. 

On Our Way West

​Packed to the hilt, we are on our way across the US. We plan to bike some, hike some, and rest. It’s been a busy time getting Belle packed and ready to roll. In among that, we had two graduations … Andrea’s D.Ed from Slippery Rock and Nathan’s B.S. from Lehigh University. 

A beautiful sunrise started our day off. 

Tonight we’ll stay at Bill’s brother, Lew and Sister-in-Law, Denise’s place.  

Sat on their deck while we caught up with each other. Went to the Rainbow Restaurant for dinner and then Shirley’s for ice cream. 

Denise’s sister Brenda had us over to their house around the non-lit fire pit (because it was too hot). Reconnected with Brenda and Doug and their daughter, Jenna and her 3 kids. 

In the morning, Bill, Lenny and I took a walk along the farm lane where Bill and his brothers lived. Lew and Denise live and farm here now. 

Lew and Denise’s RV. 

Sister Brenda stopped by to say goodbye. 

And now we are on our way to Raymond, Ohio, to stay at Harvest Home Farm Wife Mercantile tonight. 

Nathan Graduates

​This is Nathan’s’ weekend. It started with their house party. I had forgotten what college kids houses look like!  Bethlehem is built on hills. I think Nathan’s house must be on the highest one.  

This is Linda Bailey, Carter’s mom doing a keg stand.  No, i didn’t try it.

Graduation day - Lehigh University graduates outside in their stadium. Today is bright and sunny. We are happy it’s not raining but those sun rays are hot. 

Several of us sat under some shade trees to watch.

After Nathan crossed the stage and waited for his team mates crossed, he was able to leave the searing heat for pictures. 

Lunch at Marblehead Chowder House. Delicious food. 

Then is was time to say goodbye but not before a toast to Nathan.