After a later start to a hot day than we were hoping, got down to Manawa and geared up. An unexpected construction detour for the connector towards the Wabash Trace meant we ended up riding west out of the park and north into town along the levees. It was a good stretch of the legs at 12 miles over almost two hours with a few stops and a notable return headwind. Des slept a fair amount of the trip, though certainly just chilled at times and watched the world roll on by.

Des and mom relaxing under a tree after the ride, still all smiles with his water bottle

What’s a summer trip to Council Bluffs without a stop at Christy Creme? Dad was telling Des about how he’d walk down there while on a break from life-guarding at the Cabana Swim Club 16-some odd years ago. Mom and dad even reminisced about the first time they stopped in for an ice cream cone when dad’s first house was just over the hill to the west.

Oreo super shake, fries and ketchup on a hot day–it doesn’t get much better. They even have veggie burgers now.

Des and his first french fry.