May 26 - Sinclair, WY - Dugway BLM

​From the plains of Nebraska to the rocky outcrop in Wyoming, the landscape changed. 

The coyote watches over the land. 

Lincoln Monument rest stop. 

It was a long day of traveling, especially for Bill because of the wind whipping across. There was actually a huge sign that warned travelers about the wind and that trailers under 20,000 lbs had to pull off. 

When we reached our destination at Dugway BLM in Sinclair, WY (just east of Rawlins), the weather cooled some. Should be good sleeping. 

We are parked along the North Platt River. 

Can you see the orange bird? Not sure if it’s a species of a Baltimore Oriole or not. When we have better connectivity, I’ll look it up. 

Clouds have rolled in and it’s thundering. We’ll see how much rain that brings. 

BTW, we’ve been in Mountain Time for 2 days. Lenny doesn’t like it one bit. He has an internal clock that doesn’t switch easily. 

May 25 - Memorial Day - Ogallala, NE

​As we left our Harvest Host, Old Farm, we had this gorgeous sunrise to get us started. 

Glad we had a good start because today’s drive was long because we got stuck at a Pilot Gas station for about 45 minutes. We chose that one because gas was only $3.89! Now we know why. It’s old and small with lots of cars, trucks and campers so they are enticing people to stop with the price. Guess that worked because we had to wait in line forever.

We finally reached our destination for tonight - Kingsley’s Dam Resort. The word resort is all relative! With temperatures in the 90s we were glad they had electric. 

We were along Lake McConahey. Huge lake but the level of the water was low. 

Tomorrow we’ll be in Wyoming, near Rawlins. Should be cooler because the elevation is higher. 

May 24 - Old Farm, Lincoln, NE

​Driving from Iowa to Nebraska today, we started to see lots of windmills. 

In fact, a used one was repurposed at a rest stop. 

Lenny likes to keep track of where we’re going as we’re driving down the road. 

Finally reached our destination a little south of Lincoln at a Harvest Host called  Old Farm. What a gem of a spot. Owners, Steve and Colleen Slaight have repurposed several grain bins into gazebos. They certainly have a little slice of heaven here in suburban Lincoln. 

This one has repurposed maple syrup buckets they use to plant strawberries. 

Another interesting thing they do is video their guests and post to YouTube. We were interviewed and thoroughly enjoyed answering questions as well as posing some of our own. Great way to get to know each other. Certainly will remember this spot in our travels. 

Tomorrow we travel west to Ogallala, NE. 

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.