In Which I See Signs of a Buffalo and Night Critters

Crossing bridge near south end of Boyson Trail, grey day, but still pleasant for a ride.

Late afternoon on the Grant Wood Trail. Not a lot of other riders out today.

Low sun seen across bare farm field, Grant Wood Trail.

The eve of Christmas Eve was a cool day in Iowa, but warm for December. The sky was milky cloudy, but it was like the sun was shining through a lampshade. There was a breeze, with the temperature in the 40s, it just didn’t make things too cold.

Early in the afternoon, my wife and I took a stroll through a nearby cemetery, full of Christmas decorations. It was maybe a weird place to be full of Christmas cheer, but it was a pleasant walk. Honestly, since the copious decorations had to be placed by family, it was nice so many were including the departed in their holiday wishes.

As far as I rode today--bike at buffalo sign on Grant Wood Trail.

We got home about 2:30. I grilled a quick cheese sandwich, had an apple with it, and by 3 was ready to head out for a second time—this time via bicycle.

I had not been out the Grant Wood Trail for a while, and decided it would be a good place to see some brown winter scenery.

I headed up to the Lindale Trail, then rode to the south end of the Boyson Trail and then headed east through Marion until I eventually got to the Grant Wood Trail.

Pond at Waldo's Rock Park.

Thin ice on pond, grey clouds, but still a serene, pretty view.

A little light still showing at Waldo's Rock Park as sun has gone down.

A winder view of the pond.

I rode out as far as the buffalo sign, marking the spot where bones of an extinct species of bison were found.

Then I came back to Waldo’s Rock Park, circled the pond and then headed back to town. It was getting dim.

Grass at end of pond at Waldo's Rock Park.

Milkweed seeds and other brown plants at Waldo Rock Park.

Waldo's Rock pond--birdhouse on post in ice.

As I entered Marion, I saw first a cat watching for passing food at the edge of a field, and then in a few yards, some grazing deer. Night critters as the light grew dim.

It was after 5 by the time when I got home, probably half an out after sunset, but not yet full dark.

A very nice 16 miles on the mountain bike for the day before the day before Christmas!

Deer by Grant Wood Trail.

Cat at the edge of a field.

Stats of ride.