Slender Fungus Cycling Association : Escaping the fishbowl #7 Gravert''s Apple Orchard Sabula, Iowa October 4, 2020

With not a lot of time we bolted out of Chicagoland and took the quickest way to Iowa. We headed west on I88 and then cut thru Clinton and headed north. As soon as I crossed the Mississippi river my blood pressure went down and I dropped my shoulders. Today's trip was to be a short one since Jamie still had a lot of shool work to prepare.

The weather was absolutely ideal. Brightsun,clear, no haze and a cool wind from the east. We dressed perfectly and also had packed a lunch in our little cooler.

Gravert's orchard sit along Scenic route on Rte 52 that goes from Sabula to Dubuque and then to north Iowa. The terrain is rolling since that part of Iowa is part of the Driftless region. We pulled in to the parking lot and the setup was a bit different due to the virus. It was easy. You buy a bag, fill it ,then leave. No fanfare. Just beautiful countryside and great apples.

We also had pre-arranged to meet good friend Chris P. from Bellevue. Jay and I were doing some Trans Iowa training rides out that way many moons ago and we met Chris on a B Road in the middle of nowhere. We instantly became lifelong friends and everytime I go to that area I try to get in touch with him.

He dropped fixing a woodburning stove and drove up to the orchard to see us. It was great to catch up with him. He got back to his chores and we finished filling our bag. WE then scooted to Bellevue State park to devour our lunch. Brought Stove and made some soup to go with our sandwiches.

Then we hightailed it home and got back to our routine. It was a short escape but we made memories and we got to see Chris. It was a great day.

Thanks for reading,

Ari