Windy, Cloudy Cool (-ish) day in Muscatine. Happy Anniversary Ethan and Cheryl.

Muscatine!   Dark and Brooding.

That is correct.   Today is our Anniversary.   22 years of pure Torture!   Or Bliss...  depending on who you ask.

Evil Bike with Evil  pedals and Laughter!

We spent the day in Muscatine.... But before I get into that...  a little rant.

How it works. 

Bicycle pedals must be the most infuriating necessary Evil ever created to annoy bicyclists... ( with a Capital "E"!)    Sure!   They are part of the mechanics that allow forward motion...BUT   act like a Roman Chariot Blade hubs when you try to walk or get off your bike.  Unless you enjoy walking like a seriously bowlegged Cowboy or lean like a step ladder,  Those pedals will bite you in the back of your calf.   And leave a mark!

What it looks like. Hmm Bear trap?

What I look like... After biking.

How do I know?    Because even though I carefully avoid situations where I have to hop off a moving bike,  it still happens.   And my legs look like I ran backwards through a Black Berry Patch!   At first I liked the Trek bike having pedals with "serious" cleats to grip my shoe and keep it engaged.   But now, I only look at them as blades to a blender that want nothing more than to hamburger up my meat walkers!

There!    Now on to the day.

Cheryl ready to run!

Cheryl facing the train.

Overcast!   Rainy.  Cool.   Nice....   Perfect for outdoor activity.   I should note that our project ended a day early, allowing us to enjoy this day fully.   Cheryl wanted to run a bit of it and then bike the rest.   We set out to run/bike 22 miles on our 22 anniversary.   I guess that seems like a good way to celebrate it.   At least until we hit the 100 year mark!   That might be tough.

On our 100th Anniversary?   100 miles?   It could happen.....

Cheryl facing the Fountain!

Cheryl facing the Geese!

Running was easy enough.  11 miles!   Cheryl has big plans...  for staying healthy and not growing old... I guess.  Aside from the Geese,  there was not much else to note.   Muscatine usually has a train or two.  And they are always cool to watch and try to decipher the Graffitti.

Ok, let's bike. 

Without the training wheels.

On to biking!   Cheryl wanted to check out a new place near the YMCA.   Wouldn't you know it,  there was a class on how to ride a bike.    I wanted to join up, but Cheryl thought we were too old.

Perfect Refueling Material.

Now!   We EAT! 

That bike path was seriously hilly!   And, having already ran/biked 11 miles,  we were looking for something a little more.... level.  With lunch time approaching,  Cheryl suggested Tee's for some "Racing Fuel!"     A Banana Split and Peanut Parfait later, we were ready to go!

Eh,  It's alright. 

Almost missed seeing that Train.

Another annoying thing... (because I get annoyed so easily after riding a bike for 11 miles...up and down hills....and ripping my legs up on angry bike pedals...)  is the "Train Safety Rail" to prevent people from getting hit by the frequent trains.   Despite Cheryl's sunglasses, lack of direction, poor hearing, and general lack of observation.... she still managed to notice the train before she crossed the tracks.   I could see why the train might be missed...being so small and quiet.    It is difficult to see with that tree in the way.

Read the sign!  Pause by the gate.

How do you get a bike through?

But I'm guessing that the locals see the barrier to the bike path as a little over zealous in the citie's desire for 100%  public safety.   Looks like the rails have been moved several times to allow for walkers, runners and perhaps cyclist to pass through easier.   My guess is that the cyclists will never be able to pass through until the lengthen the distance between gates.  OR remove the thing all together!

     Looks like someone has an Idea...     

Small portable fire pit.   We shall see. 

So now we are home and are planning a little outdoor fire in our new, little, portable, fire pit.   We brought home several pieces of drift wood just for the occasion.   What could be better than enjoying a fire outside on a cool, overcast day?  (Well,  I guess a lot of things....  But this would have to be one of them!)   Perhaps I will snap a few pics of that if we don't burn anything down in the process.      We shall see.   As for now,  thanks for stopping in.   And have a great Weekend!