A Fine Day to Visit Cedar Rapids.

Freak Snow Storm in Iowa

 Ever have one of those days where things are looking up but you are still grumpy?   I blame the endocrine system for not getting the "Happy Chemicals" right in my brain.   Some days are just like that...   But what are you going to do?

Heavy Icy snow.  Like Snow cone ice.

Yesterday,   we got one of those freak spring snow storms that really threw everyone for a loop.   The entire town was out of power and the roads were very slippery.   We could not bile nor ride because the sidewalks were covered and impassable.   So we spent the entire day huddled up and frozen in our small apartment.

A good day not to be Amish.  

Cedar Rapids Clear bike trail

But today we decided to go exploring!   The trails were still covered with snow in Coralville,  so why not head to Cedar Rapids and check out the trails there?  Cheryl also had some plans to check out a donut shop...  she loves her donuts.

Along the Cedar River

We check out the floating houses.

All along the road. 

There were several trails that were plowed near the cedar river. We were able to get a few miles in and explore the area.   Cheryl noted the floating village on the rivers edge.   Looks like they prepare for the spring flooding by floating their homes here.  Pretty cool!   Or perhaps these are summer cottages that people check into when the rains and snows are gone.   Either way,  Cheryl thought they looked cute.

The Name makes sense. 

Kinda small,  but so cute!

Time for Donuts.

Cheryl  takes an Instagram.

After our ride,  we headed for donuts.   This small shop is the last of its kind I guess.  It reminded me of one of those old diner Dunkin Donuts we used to have back in Michigan. 

Our first choices

Cherry Chocolate Chip.   Is it good?

The donuts were tasty and Cheryl wanted to try several other varieties... so we bought a dozen.  Looks like we will have to be running these off in the future.

Now to try all the others! 

Jay Leno would approve,

One small note I wanted to mention.   Yesterday,  in the cold and windy snow,  the check engine light came back on.   We have had a knocking sound ( small metallic click when we accelerate and climb hills) for a couple weeks now and have been trying to correct for this.   The check engine light has been off for a couple weeks, but it finally came back on with the same codes.

It's BACK!  But then gone. 

But today!   The knocking sound is GONE!   Cheryl bought some Royal Purple MAX CLEAN fuel system cleaner. and we put it in the tank.   We just put in our second bottle...  and the knocking sound is gone!   Miracle!   And then....  Another Miracle:  The check engine light went off BY ITSELF!   IT is rare when the Subie heals itself.   Cheryl and I remain skeptical that something actually WORKS as claimed.  Most automotive additives claim to do one thing but really you see no improvement what so ever.  But it appears that the Royal Purple has done the job....    I'm impressed.

Royal Purple did the TRICK!  

Hopefully the snow will melt more today and we will be able to get back on the trail tomorrow.  All those donuts have got to go!   And we will have to work later this week.... so there will not be much time to get in any exercise.   Fingers crossed!